VOCES POPULI.
Scene—Trafalgar Square. Several thousand loafers and roughs discovered asserting right of free speech, free meeting and free procession. A few hundred genuine artisans out of work standing about moodily. Lines of Policemen drawn up in reserve look on impassively.
A Lover of Liberty. As an Englishman, Sir, I’m disgusted—it’s un-English, that’s what it is, “dragooning” an inoffensive assembly like this! I used to think freedom of speech and action was the right of every Briton—but it seems we’re to be overawed by the Police now—confounded impertinence on the part of the Government, I call it!
“... The Leaders, H. George, and the man whose name was said to be Walker, put up their coat-collars and sneaked away under the trees.”—Newspaper Report.
An Orator (leaping suddenly on parapet). Feller Citizens, are you Men that you stand by with folded ’ands, while unlimited food and wealth lays within a stone’s throw? I want yer——
Constables (behind). Ah, and we want you—off you go!
[Disappearance of Orator in direction of Police-station.