ABSTRACT
Lady Harberton was represented by Lord Coleridge and Mr. Percival Hughes, while Mrs. Sprague, the defendant, was represented by Mr. Horace Avory and Mr. Biron. Lord Coleridge, in opening the proceedings, said that the present case was instituted by the Cyclists’ Touring Club for the purpose of ascertaining what the duties of innkeepers were towards cyclists whilst they were on tour. It was also to ascertain whether innkeepers could decide whether cyclists applying for refreshments were or was not in attire which was acceptable to the opinion of such innkeepers. The Law with regard to innkeepers was very strict. It would not be denied theatres. Sprague was an innkeeper, and if she refused without having a reasonable objection to serve the plaintiff she was liable to indictment. The jury must bear in mind that the plaintiff was not asking for a penalty for Mrs. Sprague.
