The Sun.
London, England, 1844-08-15 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Stu,—The public, no doubt, will view with sur-
prise and disgust the machinations of the common
informers to suppress these " harmless speculation,s,"
established and tolerated for the last ten years.
Suddenly have these despicable beings pounced upon
the licensed victuallers, and are now sueing them for
penalties, in some instances amounting to 2001., for
permitting the drawing of Derby and Leger Sweeps
in their houses. This interference is abominable. A
friend of mine was served with a writ on Monddy
last, and the informer had no less than twelve or
fourteen others in his possession. In many cases
these sweeps have been productive of great good, and
have been the means, to my certain knowledge, of
establishing several fortunate members in a respect-
able way of business. These "harmless speculations"
are not attempted to be suppressed upon public grounds,
but by the aid of those despicable beings, common
informers. No work is too dirty for them; but I
wish to impress upon their memory the fate of the
" Qui Tam" actions. The perusal may teach them a
salutary lesson. I am credibly informed that they
have obtained no less than 100 or 150 writs against
licensed victuallers ; in fact, they intend issuing
writs against every person who has suffered those
sweeps to be drawn in their houses. Upon a certain
party remonstrating with the informer, he had the
effrontery to tell him that he had no occasion to find
fault ; that his neighbours were in the same predica-
ment ; and intended, after they had finished their
rounds in London, to pay a visit to Manchester,
Sheffield, &c. This is a pretty consolation for our
country friends. The press is a powerful organ
when it devotes its energies for the protection of the
public, and you will confer an inestimable good upon
the country, and obtain the thanks and support of
the community at large, by calling attention to the
subject. Again, I would propose a society to be
founded for mutual protection, upon the principle of
that excellent one, " The Licensed Victuallers' Pro-
tection Society," and subscriptions raised to exonerate
the landlords of all sporting houses from loss ; to meet
the actions upon fair and open grounds ; also to em-
ploy the first legal talent in England, if necessary, to
defend these actions. Thousands would respond to
the call. I am secretary to one of the clubs, and
hundreds have expressed their determination to sub-
scribe. I would recommend no party to compro-
mise the matter, for by compromising you " furnish
the enemy with the sinews of war." I question whe-
ther these persons will have the audacity to appear in
a public court of law. In my opinion that is not
their object, but extortion. I am sorry to add, they
have succeeded in one instance. Will any gentleman
of the bar condescend and lower himself in the esti-

oration of his brethren and the public by advocating
the cause of these despicable prowlers? I appeal to
the licensed victuallers of England, as a powerful, in-
telligent, and influential body, not to succumb to
these abominable doings, but unite and be deter-
mined to frustrate the designs of common informers.
I inclose my name and address, also that of the in-
former, for your satisfaction.
I am, Sir, yours respectfully,
J. AL
Lambeth, Aug. 14, 1844.