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Editorial
October 18, 1780
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
An anonymous editorial in Virginia criticizes magistrates for failing to enforce anti-gambling laws, citing public gaming near officials and ignored grand jury presentments, urging repeal if bad or strict execution if good.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN.
It is a common, and I think, just observation, that good laws well executed, are the happiness and strength of a nation, and it is almost as common in Virginia for the people to say, we have good laws, but badly executed; what caused me to reflect on these observations, was seeing two men (so I will not call them Gentlemen) gambling in an open porch of a tavern in the face of the public, and when Magistrates of the County were within a few yards of them. Is it thus the law to suppress excessive gaming is treated, which cost so much labour and expense in making, and from which the public had such high expectations? In one county, the faithful presentments of the Grand Jury are taken no notice of, and in another the box and dice are handed about with impunity. If the law is bad, let it be repealed, but if it is a good law, for your Country's sake, carry it into execution, or do not take the oath of a Magistrate.
A FRIEND TO VIRTUE.
It is a common, and I think, just observation, that good laws well executed, are the happiness and strength of a nation, and it is almost as common in Virginia for the people to say, we have good laws, but badly executed; what caused me to reflect on these observations, was seeing two men (so I will not call them Gentlemen) gambling in an open porch of a tavern in the face of the public, and when Magistrates of the County were within a few yards of them. Is it thus the law to suppress excessive gaming is treated, which cost so much labour and expense in making, and from which the public had such high expectations? In one county, the faithful presentments of the Grand Jury are taken no notice of, and in another the box and dice are handed about with impunity. If the law is bad, let it be repealed, but if it is a good law, for your Country's sake, carry it into execution, or do not take the oath of a Magistrate.
A FRIEND TO VIRTUE.
What sub-type of article is it?
Moral Or Religious
Crime Or Punishment
Legal Reform
What keywords are associated?
Gambling Suppression
Law Execution
Magistrates Duty
Virginia Vice
Grand Jury Presentments
What entities or persons were involved?
Magistrates Of The County
Grand Jury
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Failure To Enforce Anti Gambling Laws In Virginia
Stance / Tone
Critical Exhortation For Law Enforcement
Key Figures
Magistrates Of The County
Grand Jury
Key Arguments
Good Laws Well Executed Strengthen The Nation
Virginia Has Good Laws But Poor Execution
Public Gambling Occurs Near Magistrates Without Intervention
Grand Jury Presentments Are Ignored
Anti Gaming Law Was Costly To Enact With High Expectations
Repeal Bad Laws Or Enforce Good Ones
Magistrates Should Not Take Oath If Unwilling To Execute Laws