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 little 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 doggrel, 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 lot 
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 
