THE BALLAD-MONGER AND OTHER PESTS. 285 



an annoyance to others. In the days of the late Inspector 

 Tanner, his simple presence had an immediate salutary effect 

 on all indecorous people, although he was engaged to look 

 after the pockets and not the social behaviour of the visitors. 

 His wide influence extended beneficially over the fraternity of 

 welshers. It is clear, therefore, if the power of one man high 

 in authority was so effective, that a system once set in motion 

 by men of equal position, would require httle addition to the 

 ordinary staff to render it efficient in the future. I submit, 

 therefore, that such a system is worthy of a trial, and if it 

 succeeded, clerks of the course and lessees would gain the 

 gratitude of their chief supporters, and undoubtedly make 

 their own position easier and stronger. 



Their influence, aided by the strong arm of the law, could 

 make itself felt in the alleviation or removal of evils which 

 extend beyond the grand stand and its enclosures. These 

 evils may be best pointed out in the fewest words. Chief 

 amongst them are the ballad singers, not only the dirty, half- 

 clothed creatures who sing offensive doggerel, but the well- 

 dressed men, women and children who troll forth songs 

 hardly less coarse, and often more harmful in their signifi- 

 cance. It is hardly possible to imagine a worse evil. No 

 visitor, whether in carriage or in drag, on horseback, or on 

 foot, can, as matters now are carried on, enjoy immunity from 

 the pest ; and it is not possible to say that even the most 

 innocent escape contamination from the repetition of words 

 and sentiments of the grossest suggestiveness. If one party 

 of these tormentors be bribed to go away, its place is quickly 

 filled by another ; in the result levying a continuous black- 

 mail on any one who is desirous to free his party, often 

 consisting of his own family, from such surroundings. 



I suspect the law, if set in motion, would quickly put an 



