For my own part, I cannot see how the country could get on without
Licensed Victuallers. Some years ago when a Frenchman wanted to
describe an English country gentleman, he said he was one of those
who, whenever he had nothing to do, suggested to those about him that
they should go out and kill something.
[Illustration: "_If a time arrived when there were no more cakes and
ale._"]
There is a type of politician who, whenever he has nothing to do, says
"Let us go and abolish something." If this type had its way it would
abolish the Lord Mayor's Show and Barnum's White Elephant. I do not
think the country would be one whit happier if a time arrived when
there were no more cakes and ale.
_Licensed Victuallers' Dinner,
January 29th, 1884._