The million-peopled city
Garwood, John
1853
The Divisions of the Irish of London into Cockneys and Grecians.
Of the Irish immigrants who remain in London, few have any such intention at first. But they gradually become accustomed to the place and its habits, and at length settle down in it. Their descendants are called "Irish Cockneys," and the new-comers are called " Grecians." By these names they are generally distinguished among themselves. And | |
304 | the two divisions of this class are most distinct. The animosity which subsists between them is very bitter, far beyond that which often unhappily subsists between the Irish and the English. The Cockneys regard the Grecians as coming to take the bread out of their own mouths, and consider their extensive immigration as tending to lower their own wages. Having also succeeded in raising themselves, at least some steps, from that abject poverty and nakedness which distinguished them on their first arrival, they now look on the Grecians as bringing a discredit on their country by their appearance and necessities. There are constant quarrels between the two, and they are so estranged that they will not live even in the same parts of the town, after the first flow of generous hospitality has passed over. |