The Times during the past week has been opening its
columns to protests in regard to the condition of Hyde Park. Complaint is made as to the filthy condition of many of the tramps and roughs who sprawl on the grass and infest the seats with their " body-guards ; " and also in regard to the reciters who have now organised a species of dramatic entertainment. Lastly, the correspondents ask how long the anarchist orators are to be allowed to spout treason against the State, and to cover public men and the members of the Royal family with the foulest abuse. There is no doubt of the evil. The spoiling the park for quiet and decent people by these means should be stopped, not in the interests of the rich who have plenty of other open-air resources, but of the poor and the respectable working-class ; but the thing is not easy. We would leave the spouters severely alone. No one is hurt by their nonsense unless and until they can pretend they are martyrs. The nuisance of the reciters we would abate by strictly preventing all collections. The trouble of the lazzaroni must be left to the weather. Ic is practically only in a spell of dry, hot weather, that it assumes unbearable proportions. The rain soon washes the dirty tramps away. If this were not enough, the park-keepers might be allowed—if they have not the power already—to exclude persons in their judgment likely to interfere, by their presence, with the general enjoyment of the public.
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