Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-18
gotaI anh 1srspnaL.



Danger to Youth.-We yesterday Published
an account of the examination, before Justices
Morsell and Birch, of four youths, charged with
the crime OF incendiarism.
The evidence revealed a state of facts showing
ing that their conduct was the result of mere
love OF mischief; in the exercise OF which they
were altogether regardless of the extent Of dam
well arranged burnings.
No one in The eastern section OF the city could
retire 10 rest without fear that his premises
were embraced in general plan of conaagration,
and that he might be awakened from his slumber
by smoke or scorching flames. Hence, the mem
bers of the Columbia engine company formed a
secret patrol; and il is 10 their efforts the public
is indebted for the recent arrests Of the parties
charged with the numerous acts of incendiarism
on Capitol hill and in other parts of the city.
The history ofthose boys show The danger of
permitting youths 10 assemble, indiscrmnately, al
oil hours Of the night, Gar away from parental over
sight and control Whatever ofmischei is lacking
in the younger, the older will not fail TO supply, for
IN every condition Of life, morals are either inn
proved or injured by individual association How
often do we meet bands of manikins on the Streets
cursing and swearing behind homemade cigar,
and who, whenever an opportunity occurs, perpe-
irate outrages either on persons or property! Eek.
emption from detection emboldens them in their
malicious practices. AT home, some ofthem are
doubtless lamb-like and doce, but abroad, the
children of the devils Of whom the old gentle
man" may well be proud.
One ofthose incendaries (Wilson) while on the
witness stand, spoke about the parties having a
quart of whskey, and it was shown that he him
self was drunk, on at least, one occasion. II is
not to be supposed that they put the liquor into
ing, and then stood off and threw stones at il!
In this connection we may state that, contrary
to law, there are many unprincipled persons, bear
ing the form Of men, who sell sprituous liquors
TO boys, no matter Of what age.
We have merely limited at a few of the dangers
TO which youth are exposed in the hope that
parents and guardians may, in view of recent oc-
currences, exercise more watchfulness than here
toiore over the tender objects Of their charge.
Good morals, patriotism, and domestic peace de-
mand that this important duty Shall be performed,
street MUSIC BUSINESS must be proftable
Judging from the large number of persons who
are engaged in il as a means of living. The hand
organ is the favorite instrument, requiring but the
turning of crank 10 produce The tunes which so
much annoy sensilively nervous adults, while they
delight thai interesting portion of the population
known as "the children" Harpists have en-
denvored 10 substitute their more dignifed and re-
e.. az a.
forts TO this end We're as unsuccessful as the al
tempted substitution of the Italian opera for the
Kunke ethiopian band
Receaiy, fddle-player and q auiisi entered
the city, probably anticipating full and complete
triumph over the organ-grnders but fuiing and
fadling didn't pay" and these separate branches
of business had TO be abandoned, in despair, as
outdoor occupations.
The organ still remained in the ascendant, even
without the accompaniment Of monkey.
In every direction, during the day, may be seen
man or boy, either bending under the weight
OF his instrument, which he carries on his back,
or cranking before some dwelling house, or wher.
ever there is a chance for small change. Those
iiinerant musicians, howevor-thos. foreign vaga-
bond professors, representing various nations Of
Europe--now have a formidable competitor, in
the person OF Frenchman, who, two days ago,
made his grand entry into the CITY; not with an
organ on his back, but on wheels an organ with
a Gothic front and artistic adornments, and with
drums, and gongs, and bells, attached. The in
sirument is drawn by light grey horse. The
operator stands on platform, aud briskly turns
crank, which sets all the inaer machinery a-going.
The director has TO work hard making a lavish
expenditure OF strength to produce the harmony.
Meanwhile, his female companion passes round
the crowd, with small glass plate, to receive
contributions and, when necessary, holds the
hoEss to keep him from dancing TO the values
and polkas performed by the organ at his heels
Not less than hundred boys, Of all conditions
and shades OF complexion, were following the or
gan, when we were, yesterday morning, first graf
flied with its appearance. II is really out Of the
common order, and throws all other street insiru-
ments OF that name into insignihcance. But, still
we do not anticipate that il win silence all the
competitors for the season.