This disgraceful incident created great indignation, and there was a loud outcry as to the want of proper discipline amongst the Guards stationed in London. Yet they still enjoy the undeserved, and exceptional, privileges they then possessed, and are better fed, clothed, and paid than their comrades in the Line regiments.
The Gallant Specials.
(During the Chartist agitation in 1848, about 150,000 men were sworn in as special constables.)
They may talk if they like of their Horse Guards Red,
They may talk of their Horse Guards Blue;
They may boast if they please, of such troops as these,
And of all the exploits they’d do.
But London town acknowledges,
That in spite of their fine fal-de-rals,