The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1825-04-01 00:00:00

POLICE.

GUILDHALL.

T H X DA tin Y Pint. eras.—Two ;;;;saiartly-d raised young Jews,
David and Samuel Barnett, brothers, were brought before Mr.
Alderman BRIDGES, the cluing Magistrate, for practising cer-
tain tricks of ingenuity upon the simpletons in the neighbour-
hood of Petticoat-lane, for which the criminal law, taking It
for granted that the public ought to be able with common
prudence to protect themselves against, has not as yet enacted
any punishment for.
These dandies, for such their appearance evidently bespoke them,
mounted the step to the bar with a smile and simper on their
countenances, which bespoke their perfect confidence that they
had managed their business so as to evade the authority of the
Magistrate.
The complainant, Judah Polock, certainly not the keenest look-
ing Jew we have ever seen, now stated, that he was at the Coventry
Cross public-house, in Petticoat-lane, about seven in the evening,
when the younger prisoner David came in with a couple of pieces
of what appeared to him to be fine Irish linen. They were very
neatly done up in the usual form, and in paper embellished with
numerous gilt stamps, &c and being offered at what appeared to
him to be a low price, 2L a piece, he was tempted to look at them.
Much was said in praise of the goods by David, but he refused to
sell a piece singly at that price, or he (Polock) might have bar-
gained for one piece then. He, however, sooner than Mil/ such
cheap articles, offered to treat with him for the two, if he would
first let him show one piece to his slater for her opinion. This,
however, was refused, and after some haggling between them,
Polock being pressed to say what he would give for the two, at
length bid 21. 12s. for both the pieces. David affected to be greatly
exasperated at such a bidding, and telling him he ought to be
kicked for making it, left the house apparently In a rage. He,
however, shortly after returned, accompanied by his brother, and
they agreed to let Polock have the two pieces for 21. 12s.
On taking them home to his sister, he found that his fine Irish
linen was nothing more than calico ; and instead of 245. would have
been dear at Ss. a piece. From his description of the prisoners,
he soon learn that they were well known in Petticoat-lane—by
some as the Dandy Pedlars, and by others, as he stated, as the
Dandy Pickpockets ; and wise furnished with flirt address, in St.
Mary Axe. Thither he went, and found them both ; but instead
of being ashamed of their conduct, or offering him aril recompense,
they only laughed at him and were preparing to kick him down
stairs for his insolence. He prevented UDR by a hasty retreat, and
• getting an officer, gave them both into evatody.
As the trick had been conducted so as to be a clear bargain and
sale, the Magistrate could not interfere; and against the penalties
of the Hawkers' and Pedlars' Act they were provided ; for on being
questioned, they produced their licenses. Notwithstanding their
apparent confidence, however, their apprehension of punishment
induced them to signify their willingness to settle matters with the
complainant, which was permitted; and Polock subsequently re-
porting that he was satisfied, the Magistrate discharged them with
a suitable admonition.