Institution was not made general through the Nation, that so there might be no pretence for any beggar to appear abroad. Their example is very pernicious, for what they get by begging is consumed commonly in Ale-houses, Gin-shops, &c.; and one drunken beggar is an inducement to a great many to follow the same trade.
"But, as to those creatures that go about the streets to shew their maimed limbs, nauseous sores, stump hands or feet, or any other deformity; they are by no means objects fit to go abroad; and considering the frights and pernicious impressions which such horrid sights have given to pregnant women, should move all tender husbands to desire the redress of this enormity."
I have frequently observed, in the course of my researches, the strange methods and customs peculiar to gaming, horse-racing, dice, and wagers; the latter are generally governed by whim and extreme folly. We have already noticed Noblemen running their coaches and footmen. In 1729, a Poulterer of Leadenhall-market betted 50l. he would walk 202 times round the area of Upper Moorfields in 27 hours, and accordingly proceeded at the rate of five miles an hour on the amusing pursuit, to the infinite improvement of his business, and great edification of hundreds of spectators.—Wagers are now a favourite custom with too many of the
Londoners; they very frequently, however, originate over the bottle or the porter-pot.
A curious exhibition distinguished the anniversary of the Queen's birth-day, March 3, 1730; 100 wool-combers assembled in their shirts, with various coloured woollen caps on their heads, in Bishopsgate-street, from whence they went in procession to St. James's Palace, preceded by the Steward of their company and a person on horseback, representing Bishop Blaze, in wigs of wool neatly curled; the Bishop carried a wool-comb in one hand, and a Prayer-book in the other. They arranged themselves in the Park facing the Palace; and their leader addressed the King and Queen, who appeared at a window, thanking his Majesty for the encouragement they had received, and intreating his future protection.
A writer in Read's Weekly Journal of January 9, 1731, has obliged us with a concise and pleasing description of Christmas customs prevalent at that period, which I shall transcribe for the reader's information.
"My house, Sir, is directly opposite to a great Church; and it was with great pleasure I observed from my window, last Christmas-day, the numerous poor that waited at the doors very liberally relieved; but my joy was soon over, for no sooner were the charitable congregation dispersed, but these wretches, who before appeared the very pictures of misery, forgot their cant,
and fell to quarrelling about the dividend; oaths and curses flew about amongst them, very plentifully, and passion grew so high that they fell hard upon one another's faults. In short, Sir, I learned from their own mouths that they were all impostors, both men and women; and that amongst their whole number, which was very large, there was not one object of charity. When they had tired themselves with scolding, they very lovingly adjourned to a neighbouring brandy-shop, from whence they returned in a condition neither fit for me to describe nor you to hear.
"The next day I met with another wonder; for, by that time I was up, my servants could do nothing but run to the door. Enquiring the meaning, I was answered, the people were come for their Christmas-box; this was logick to me; but I found at last, that, because I had laid out a great deal of ready-money with my brewer, baker, and other tradesmen, they kindly thought it my duty to present their servants with some money for the favour of having their goods. This provoked me a little; but, being told it was the custom, I complied. These were followed by the watch, beadles, dust-men, and an innumerable tribe; but what vexed me the most was the Clerk, who has an extraordinary place, and makes as good an appearance as most tradesmen in the parish; to see him come a-boxing, alias begging, I thought was intolerable; however, I
found it was the custom too, so I gave him half-a-crown; as I was likewise obliged to do to the bell-man, for breaking my rest for many nights together.