Note 98 — CHAP. XIV.

It had been usual for many years previous to 1752, when robberies were committed, to make a composition of the felony, by advertising a reward to any person who would bring the property stolen, to be paid without asking any questions; but the pernicious consequences of recovering goods in this way from the encouragement such advertisements held out to thieves and robbers of every description, became so glaring and obvious, that an Act passed the 25th year of George II. cap. 36. inflicting a penalty of 50l. on any person (including the printer and publisher) who shall publicly advertise a reward for the return of stolen goods with "no questions asked," without seizing the person producing the goods stolen:—or who shall offer to return to any pawnbroker, or other person, the money lent thereon, or any other reward for the return of the articles stolen.