London at the End of the Century:A Book of Gossip
a Beckett, Arthur William
1900
FROM THE CAB TO THE POLICE COURT.
But to return to London. People have grown so accustomed to the rules and regulations anent cabs that they have forgotten them. This seems rather like an Irishism, but it is substantially correct. I have not looked into the Act or the bye-law keeping the Cockney jehu in order for a very long while, but I fancy that every cabman should, upon the application of his hirer, produce a list of his fares and also supply a ticket. As the latter custom has entirely ceased it may have been abandoned. However, it is worth noting that when there is a dispute about a fare the hirer can request the coachman to drive him to the nearest police-station, where the matter can be arranged. As a rule the jehu prefers to grumble and depart. If he is not too abusive this is as it should be. | |
I must confess I cannot recommend summoning a cabman. I know, of course, that everyone owes it to society to take steps to protect his fellow-man, and particularly his (if I may use the expression) fellow-lady from the danger of insult and over-charge. But for all that I prefer to leave a police-court severely alone. And for this entirely selfish reason. Many years ago a cabman was so indignant at receiving | |
142 | about a shilling more than his proper charge that before driving away he struck at me with his whip. I was a lad in those days in my teens, and remember the exact date. It was on the first night of Fechter as at the Princess's. Well, I determined to summon the man (fortunately, or unfortunately, I had secured his number), and I carried out my vengeful intention. The result was that I had to hang about the court until the time arrived for the hearing. When it did arrive, the man never appeared, and in his stead came a miserable-looking wife and two small children. The husband and father was ill. The magistrate, at my earnest request, granted a remand. I felt deeply touched-I was very young in those days. When the case was again called-a week later-the man appeared, pale and careworn, and explained that his wife and children were laid up. He was most miserable, and asked for mercy. I seconded his efforts to the best of my ability, giving my evidence reluctantly and as a hostile witness to myself. By the aid of these tactics he and I managed to get the defendant off with the infliction of a small fine. Personally, I was delighted the fine was a small one, as ultimately I paid it myself. However, I was rewarded for my trouble by the penitent cabman thanking me with tears in his eyes, and courteously intimating that he saw no reason why I should not call myself a gentleman. Previously his |
143 | language had suggested that, whatever I might think myself, he had serious doubts as to the validity of my claims to rank with the lowest order of chivalry. |
