An old Irishman, who comes from Cork, was spoken of to us as a
crossing-sweeper who had formally obtained permission before exercising
his calling; but I found, upon questioning him, that it was but little
more than a true Hibernian piece of conciliation on his part; and,
indeed, that out of fear of competition, he had asked leave of the
servants and policeman in the neighbourhood.
It seems somewhat curious, as illustrative of the rights of property
among crossing-sweepers, that three or four “intending” sweepers, when
they found themselves forestalled by the old man in question, had no
idea of supplanting the Irishman, and merely remarked,--
“Well, you’re lucky to get it so soon, for we meant to take it.”