disturbance. In other places it might be sufficient, as a general rule, to set the law in motion only on the complaint of two householders annoyed by the vicinity of such establishments, but here the apathy and low moral tone of the bulk of the Chinese inhabitants necessitates an initiative action on the part of the Government; yet there may be kept steadily in view the principle which is, I think, consistent with the rules that should control legislation avoiding any forcible interference with private habits. We may prohibit such an open exhibition of profligacy as gives public scandal, or to the obstruction of others in giving effect to their convictions of right, or which adds to the ordinary temptations to a vicious course.
There can, I think, be no reasonable doubt that the public toleration and licensing of gaming houses would greatly increase the number of habitual gamblers. Many are uncontaminated by this vice only because they are free from temptation. They do not seek its haunts, nor will they brave the shame of being known there. Some there are too who, having a better standard of Morality, take that for right which the executive authority does not punish. When the law by its action shall have removed the shame and the temptation to every man's door.
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