284 MINOR EVILS OF THE RACE-COURSE, 



his thousands, and can appeal for redress, when injured, to 

 the Committee of Tattersall's. 



Of other objectionable features of the race-course not any 

 is more vicious or repugnant to good sense than the unre- 

 strained licence given to the tongue, which chiefly characterizes 

 what I should term the outer ring, in close vicinity to the 

 more refined and delicate portion of the company. It is 

 but fair to say that the reputable bookmakers are decorous 

 in their language, and detest the use of vile expressions on 

 the part of other members of the ring as much as any one 

 does, and would hail with as much delight its effectual sup- 

 pression. But the evil exists ; and it only remains to inquire 

 if there may not be found some practical remedy. It occurs 

 to me that what is wanted might be brought about by 

 the employment of a few extra policemen, including some 

 detectives ; whilst the extra expense incurred would be amply 

 covered by the additional receipts from members, who, as 

 matters now stand, are debarred from frequenting a place in 

 which such language is allowed — or, if need be, by raising 

 the charge. 



It is certainly incumbent on clerks of the course and lessees 

 to do all in their power to put down the evil, either by per- 

 suasion or by force. So long as ladies and gentlemen pay the 

 sum demanded for admission to the stand and its inclosures, 

 so long have they a right to demand to be protected from 

 insult ; that decent order be kept ; and that all offenders, in 

 this respect, should be immediately expelled. At a theatre, 

 if the comfort of a visitor who has taken a ticket for the 

 stalls, or any other part of the house, be interfered with by a 

 maudlin fool or talkative person, the latter is immediately 

 removed by the attendant without solicitation or charge. So 

 it should be on the race-course with those whose language is 



