The Magistracy, well aware of the wiles and power of their antagonists in the race between Justice and Depravity, made but few movements
for a considerable length of time, by which means they gained to their support all well-disposed persons; in consequence, their exertions have been so far successful, that when matches are made for battles, cavalcades of Lords, Knights, Commoners, dustmen, and the rabble in general, may be observed in motion, destined for an arena—they know not where, as the spot fixed upon for the scene of combat is frequently occupied by a party of Officers of the Police previous to their arrival. Thus defeated, they have been known to traverse the roads and fields for miles, to enter some jurisdiction independent of their persecutors. Cock-fighting is yet permitted to be publicly advertised, though but seldom; and Cudgel-playing has lately exhibited some strong symptoms of revival.
"HINTS BY THE COBLER OF CRIPPLEGATE, 1761[336:A].
"He could wish to see Butchers' boys, who gallop through the streets of London, punished for so doing, or at least their horses seized for the use of the poor of the parish in which they so offend; for, though a poor man's life may not be worth preserving, his limbs may be of use to him while he crawls upon earth.
"Brewers starting their butts in the day-time, he considers as an intolerable nuisance.
"Ruinous Houses ought to be pulled down, because they may as well tumble upon the head of an Alderman as upon that of a Cobler.
"A regulation in Smithfield-market, he thinks, ought to take place, because a mad Ox may as well gore the lady of a Knight Banneret, as a poor Oyster-wench.
"Worn-out Hackney-coaches should in a particular manner be looked into, because none but those in easy circumstances can be affected by their breaking-down in the streets. This regulation in no shape regards my family, because I never suffer my Moll to enter one till I have first properly surveyed it.
"That Cheesemongers should not set out their butter and cheese so near the edge of their shop-windows, nor put their firkins in the path-ways, by which many a good coat and silk gown may be spoiled; as by advertising in the papers his shop will be sufficiently known, without carrying home the shop-bill upon their clothes.
"Ladders, pieces of timber, &c. should by no means be suffered to be carried upon men's shoulders within the posts of this City, because, by a sudden stop, they may as well poke out the eye of a rich man as that of a poor one.