The Daily times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1886-1889, 1888-09-25
CURIOUS LONDON CLUBS.
Amuscments Of the Judge and Jury"
The 'Canaries"-The Teapot Club"

A short tour through the East End Of
London has convinced us that the clubs
whereabouts arc equally as singular as the
curious contests held in that quarter
One Of the most amusing is the Judge
and Jury. This is society formed for
the purpose Of trying mock charges
among its members, and Is usually held
in the parlor of some convenient public
house once a week in the winter months
and at stated intervals al the present
time. Stepney, Limehouse Whi;ecLapel
Spitalfelds and other typical East End
localities all have their Judge and Jury.
The charges arc always of a most out.
rageous as well as humorous description.
Many years ago bird fanciers clubs
were much in vogue, but there are very
few IN existence now. Ono Of these was
for the purpose of relieving brother bird
catcher when in distress OF q peculiar
kind. The law only allows birds 20 be
caught at certain times OF the year. and
representatives of the lime and twic
found laying down their bait out Of sea.
son were subjected TO severe penalties. A
weekly payment Of 3d. or Cd. to the funds
Of the society was SUFFICIENT 90 secure a
prompt payment OF the penalty if caught
thus infringing the law
Another club, peculiar TO the bird
catching fraternity, was once o recog.
nized institution, and We believe although
it is not conducted on such q largo scale
nowadays. that interested parties still
meet and talk the matter over in @ small
way. The members are known as The
Canaries and the latest idea or dodge dis
covered in transforming tho humble spar.
row into q more 0rist0cratic bird by
changing its coat D. another color was
discussed and experiments made on the
table. 1t was said too, and on good au-
thority. that these men were IN the habit
Of further experimenting ON the birds by
piercing them with rcd hot needles la or.
de-, TO make them sing better. but one of
the Oldest dealers In Bird Fair assured
the writer that this latter experiment had
never been done to his knowledge
You win find in the east clubs for pick
pockets and their brethren. clubs for beg
gars who mass their takings In the way
Of victuals together and partake of q
meal from the same dish, bgt one 81 fhe
most curious is the Teapot club This
society Is supported by the frcqeentors of
cheap lodging houses. whose limited exc
chequer win allow thom 10 occasionally
prtake Of the fragrant cup Tho teapot
Of the lodging house lar'of is the come
mon property of the tenants. and lu many
Of the houses woman has DC given into
her charge. while those who wish for
mug Of tea every evening can haze the
same guaranteed on payment of from Id.
90 I'D per weak Mi,h the subscriptions
from the dodgers "siflngs at U.s. per-
pound are purchased and brevel accord
iagly
a club too. OK. in Che east. only
open 90 men who have mot and conquered
some recognized champion in tho pagilis-
tie world. but among somo of the most
curious we are inclined 90 number those
devoted % gambling for such small
stakes MS permits lads 90 enter che arena
of speculation ard-iose. There are
scores II these places n Lond1n-L9n-
don lid Bits