St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1867-12-27
OrgdN-Grinders and I,R0ge-PeG-
terS.
THEIR HABITS AND PECULAElTIEc.

THEIR HABITS AND pECULAEITIE:.
The Italians have been characterized
by witty bohemian III one of our civ
daiiiys as nation whose chief industry il
orgal-9rinoing, and whose principal ex-
por; is inaccaroni. 1t is curious that al
though nearly all rgan-grinders Of other
countries are Italian, they are rarely seen
in Italy itself.
Both organ-nrinders and imacc-pcd-
d!cr> are much less numerous in t.lis city
than before the late war. The army and
the General activity OF all branches OF in
iu>try attracted them from their callings
by superior remuneration. The indus
trial arts in Italy are comparatively few
especially III the long-lnisgovcrned south
ern portion, lately known as the Neapo-
Titan dominions. There abound the laz-
zaronl, who are rarely acquainted with
trades, and who gather a precarious sub
sistence hy begging or doing odd Jobs. 1t
is from these that spring the two classes
here discussed
Naturally, on arriving in a strange
land, they seize upon pursuits that re-
qulre no previous preparation. Europe
ans OF the Latin race, comprising ltali-
ans, '>paniards ana French. are not
prone 10 eni.rate. They enjoy bright
skies and il mild air, their simple food /,
acquired with little labor, Il lax morali-
ty gratties their animal instincts with
slight seeking, and their ignorance both
dehars aspiration and withdraws know
ledge OF more prosperous regions. They
are contented at home.
The southern Italians are quick-wittel
and prompt at repartee, and much re,
semblc the Irish in their incxhaustibl'
fund of humor. They are indolent simply
from position with sufficient mCtlv,
they are readily attracted TO labor.
1t has long been custom both her,
and in Europe for speculative Italians t,
induce their southern countrymen to emi
crate, by paying their passage and loan
mo their organs ior street music. lh
conditions are that certain sum shal
be brought home nightly, the overplu
being retained by the employee. Ihl
business has been conducted in past year
with great success, and has III man
countries realized moderate fortunes. |
this city there are establishments, also
where organs are loaned for about tweI
ty-tive ccnts day, to itinerants, VIII
often realize from two to three dollar
daily by their use.
TIE ORGAN-GRINDER's MONKEY.
, A more exalted step in the scale of tl
profession is to carry a monkey, but til
y requires capital, and can not be tree]
;. undertaken. \ well trained monkey
y valued at from fifty to L hundred dolla
according to his accomplishments. Thsl
!, are professional trainers of the animal
and If IN Unschooied monkey is brougl
tor instruction, at least fifty dollars
CHARGED for his board and tuition. Mo-
KEYS of the freshman class commence /
- dancing, or giving a series Of jumps
the organ plays. This is easily learnc
y and is facilitated 10y Jerks with rep
70 this they add jumping on AID oil Il
- organ. when bid.
:, The "Sophs' become accomplished
l, ,a taking off and rea-djusting their caps al
!" !" passing q hoop from head to foot. Bea
rr ing a tamborine and holding it individ
81. ally 10 the crowd for money, requires Il
matured intellect of a graduate. |
tI. U. that lidllcs deserves his diploma.
B. Among the classes OF Italians lie
ey speclilcd may be included tie sire
Ms musician OF the fiddler and harp orde
'' They are individuals naturally gifted Al
On acquire their skill solely by ear, with
.,i .4 slight mechanical teaching from compa
~ ions. OF musical annolation they kn,
n, nothing. All these people are apt,
. arrival, to betake themselves to the vic
h., ity OF the Five Points. where both sex
o. to the number often of a dozen or mo
occupy promiscuously one room, a
sleep in an atmosphere of dirt, grease a
"a mingled with the fumes of bodies M
en- en- or less diseased. The floor, Or a til
De, der filthy mattresses, is their only beddil
ny with ragged blanket Of the most rep
siye kind. In the hot nights of sunni
they fly from this atmosphere OF vern
On and sutiocation to the roof, while tn
in in tellow-lodgers, Irish and colored, res
Is rs to the carts lying in the street, Or to