By early October 1888, the East End of London as a whole, and particularly the district in which the Whitechapel murders were occurring, was very much on edge, wary that, at any moment the killer in their midst might strike again.

Consequently, anyone that acted in the least bit out of the ordinary, was likely to find themselves suspected as having been the perpetrator of the crimes.

The Lakes Chronicle Reporter, in its edition of Friday the 12th of October 1888, published the following article, concerning a participant in an innocent past time who found himself the focus of public angst:-

THE PUBLIC SUSPICION

“During Saturday night and the early hours of Sunday morning, several persons were arrested and detained at local police stations until all circumstances in connection with their apprehension were thoroughly sifted.

Several of these were given into custody on grounds which proved on inquiry to be flimsy and even foolish, and the police have, in consequence, been put to a great deal of trouble without any corresponding result.

It seemed at times as if every person in the streets were suspicious of everyone else he met, and as if it were a race between them as to who should first inform against his neighbour.

ATHLETES RUN AROUND THE EAST END

On Sunday evening a passing sensation was caused in Commercial Street by a very ordinary incident, which well illustrates the existence of this suspicion.

Amateur East-end athletes, whose circumstances prevent them from practicing in the country, are in the habit of organising running matches through the less frequented thoroughfares of the district on Sunday evenings.

They dress in some kind of athletic costume, sometimes divesting themselves of all clothing except such as is absolutely necessary for decency.

AN ORDINARY FOOT RACE

In one of these competitions on Sunday night a young man, who was far in advance of his competitors, was nearing the Shoreditch end of Commercial Street, running at high speed.

Almost instantly the rumour spread that a man half-clad was running for his life from the police.

People hurried to their doors and ran in the direction indicated, only to find that an ordinary foot race was in progress.”

NOISELESS SHOES FOR THE POLICE

The same issue of the newspaper also published an article about some of the endeavors being trialed by the police:-

“The use of noiseless shoes has been urged upon the police, but it is said that the matter is not simple as it seems to be.

It is stated that during the past 12 months, Sir Charles Warren has had trials made of several varieties of boots, with india-rubber, waterproof, and other kinds of “silent” soles, but that none have been found suitable for the varied duties of a police force of 14,000 men, nor have any been proved to be specially adapted for the requirements of particular localities when changes of weather and of temperature are taken into consideration.

Nevertheless, in some special cases, where they have been found very suitable, they have been adopted.

A CONSTABLE’S DUTY

It should not be forgotten that a constable has to walk daily for eight hours.

His comfort and efficiency have to be carefully considered, and the greatest caution is, therefore, required in making any changes in the style and material of his boots.

As a matter of fact, many very strong reasons have been sent to headquarters in favour of the retention by constables on beat duty of boots that are not silent.

REASONS FOR NOT WEARING THEM

Two important complaints have been made against noiseless boots, first that the wearer of them is very much more fatigued than when ordinary boots are worn, and, secondly, that the feet are drawn and made sore.

Speaking generally, therefore, the present pattern of boots will probably be retained until inventors have overcome the difficulties mentioned.”