No doubt the managers had long been in the habit of paying fees--L2 2s.

for every piece, song, &c.

But it was urged that this was simply to secure expedition in the examination of their plays, which they were bound to submit to the Chamberlain fourteen days at least before representation, and not in pursuance of any legal enactment.
The Examiner of Plays received a salary from the Chamberlain for the labour he performed; why should he levy a tax upon managers and authors, and so be paid twice over for the same work?
Now, on the subject of fees Colman was certainly most rapacious.

He spared no effort to increase, in this way, the emoluments of his office.

Did an actor on a benefit night advertise any new songs, glees, or other musical performance--Colman was prompt to demand a fee of L2 2s.