The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-03
Local Matters.


about youths, and, while approve of them, can
not help rcgrctng that few of our citizens take
an interest in the things you propose am yet
apprentice, and have good reason to know that
you right in the descriptions you give Of the
disadvantages under which apprentice boys labor.
board in the family of my master, and have
great respect for him and them. All OF them treat
me well, and there Is good feeling between US.
But am not SO blind not to know that my
presence in the house is often embarrassment.
There are many things TO be talked orer that /
do not wish TO hear, and that they do not wish IN
TO hear The house is not so large as TO afford an
apartment for each of US, and the kitchen Is not
pleasant place to So what am to do? Why,
simply walk out when supper is over. But where
am to walk to- 1t is true, am not unacquainted
in the city, but it is equally true that do not feel
disposed TO oiter in the houses Of my friends and
make a con, enicnce of them. In the summer time
get along pretty we'll in the streets, in the pro-
miscuous company meet with; but in the winter
time have generally kept out Of the taycrns only
by going into the engine houses; and, to confess
the truth, have passed several years pretty much
in this way. have stccred pretty clear Of scrapes
Of all kinds, and so have good many Of the lads
keep company with; but / have secn the ruin
of a good many who would have done well if they
could. They couldn't resist temptation, and
could; that the difference between US. Our
chances were alike. l have many time thought
that little care, such as YOU recommend, would
save many youth from the downward road Now,
sir, advise you to 20 ahead in this matter. In a
little while will change the position Of an apprcn-
ticc for that Of a journeyman, when viii be able
to pay for my board in n good boarding house,
where shall enjoy the accommodation Of n cit.
ting room, fire, lights, and all other things have
in my youth desired in vain; but there arc many
behind me who have a critical road to pass, and
wish you TO help them over IT, II is astonishing
how men can forget the wants ofboyhood, and
how little they seem to care whether boys grow up
to become good members Of society, convicts IN
the penitentiary. ! believe the wishes Of most of
our boys would lead them to do right and that
your plan will enable them TO act on. their wishes
So go ahead. Yours, &c.
ONE OF THE BOYS.
We would say to zone Of the Boys" that we shall
be proud to greet him Of the men to engage
in the reform we are urging citizens to adopt
lie says truly that men soon forget the wants Of
boyhood, and its trials and temptations. The eve
ming reading rooms Of which VIC advise the cstab-
lishmcnt in opinion essential to the welfare
Of youth and the peace Of our city; and yet,
I
They will, however, be yet established, and those
who participate in the work will soon be honorcd
by the thousands rescued by them from lives Of de-
graduation and infamy.
If the business men of our city, the merchants
and mechanics, arc waiting for those deemed
wealthy and respectable to take the lead in this
matter, they will wait in vain. We know of none
sufficiently respectable TO effect 1t but such
active business men, and VIC would urge them to
begin at once.
THE WAY or THE WoRLp.-Jack il a little dog,
yet big enough to know what good behaviour is. In
fact, we doubt that Inc will ever grow any larger
! than he il, for Jack is not very young. lie is a
good looking dog too, and has sober, scdate, self
| possessed countenance. lie usually sits upright
near the curb stone beneath the shade of old
sycamore, and surveys with seemingly observant
| eyes every passcr. by. The other day Jack looked
out upon all who passed, and when big brown
dog appeared disposed TO make his acquaintance
| Jack snubbcd him of and then a little boy put
| his hoop around Jacks neck, and he lcapcd out o.
it, and seemed to wonder why people would triHc
! 50, a. he poevishly resumed his place; and thcr
| there came by and boys Of all coors, and stiff
Jack sat in philosophic silence, wondering why
| people would be troubled and excited Ia worlc
that would spin round just fast and well II the
would all keep cool and quiet. But in the midst o
| these reflections there came before Jack In nppar
ton that aroused oil his ire poor, dirty, ragged
neglected looking boy. Jack inccnscd t.
fury. and sprang forth with yelling rage, and
through fear Of queer locking club be bore, TIT