An outbreak of " Hooliganism "—that is, ruffianism by boys
between fourteen and eighteen—is alarming the lower quarters of London. The boys, it seems, form gangs, arm themselves with loaded belts, or even revolvers, and attack innocent passers-by as well as each other. They do not rob, and appear to be actuated by a mixture of violent brutality and boyish delight in hurting something. Of late, however, their attacks have frequently involved death—three murders of the kind were reported on Friday week to one coroner—and Scotland Yard is bestowing on them serious attention. The law, however, seems to be imperfect, and the Stipendiaries are afraid of exceeding their powers. The best cure probably would be to send the "Hooligans" in batches to sea, naval discipline proving irresistible, but if that is impos- sible, why should not membership of a gang be made a separate offence punishable with some months of hard labour ? In every case of murder the boy should be hanged, the plea of youth being set aside like the old plea of clergy.
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