Dodgeville chronicle. [volume] (Dodgeville, Wis.) 1862-current, 1870-06-17
The Brokers' Errand Boy.

. q. F 90
1T is doubtful whether in any part OF
the world as smart y a boy can be found
as the stock or gold brokers' errand boy
in New York. Quick in his movements
prompt in carrying out, and strictly ad
herring to the letter of the orders with
which he is intrusted, at the same time
comprehending their import, he forms
an important and Indispensable part of a
brokers' Office A mistake or act of care
lessness on his part is, not untrequently
of serious consequence to his employer.
What is first required of him is, that
he be thoroughly acquainted with the
g street," which means that he must know
where to find any Of the hundreds OF
brokers' offices to which he may be sent
He must also be familiar with the offices
of /" outside customers" in more distant
parts of the city. IL is in the delivery Of
notices to the latter that celebrity is par
ticu1ar1y needed, the broker being anx-
ious that his customers shall, with the
least loss of time, obtain information of
the purchase or sale made for their ac-
count, and that the notified price shall
correspond with the published quotations
for the same hour or quarter OF an hour
of the day. sT'aj ilH j.1~a" -a.
: p A person finding himself suddenly jos
tied or pushed aside, while walking in
Wall street or in any of the adjoining
streets, may at once take it for granted
that the offender is one of these messen-
gers, hurrying upon his errand; and he
may see the legs of the youthful scamp In
flying motion, half block ahead. If oc-
casionaily two boys of this class are met
dallying on the sidewalk and playing of
practical jokes upon one another, one
may feel sure that both are on the re-
turn from their errands, enjoying a boy
ish solace of not more than a few mo-
ments' duration, for fear of consequences
when getting back to their respective en-
ployers. feuf .sa-as a.
All the business transacted among the
brokers al the different boards has, subse
quently, to be compared at their offices
This comparing" requires the utmost
attention and accuracy. Book in hand,
the ce.boy rushes into the brokers Of
fee and calls out: $50 and SO" has
bought of or sold to you so many shares
of stock, naming the description,
or so much gold, at such a price
-regular--buyer three, or cash, as the
case may be. When other comparing
boys are before. him, he has to
WALL Ills buIu, 6G WIAltll AlO SSoo LII pthoASA'p3
and beguiles the time with whistling or
with bantering his comrades. The mo
ment he1gets his answer from the clerk :
Gall right" or "No report" or "There
is discrepancy" he makes note in his
book, and flies off to compare" with other
brokers. Besides these duties, the most
Trustworthy of the boys have to make
bank deposits, deliver stock, and collect
checks, all of which require alertness,
Judgment and caution. fa
The age of the brokers' errand boy
varies from thirteen years. to seventeen /;
beyond that age he has outgrown. his ocr
cupation, and is generally promoted to q
clerkship in the Office where he, has
served, or he looks for a similar situation
elsewhere 2'a~i r. .,;ia..t- 49,,
Most of the boys are well behaved and
polite some are pert and rude, and even
under this impropriety of conduct, good
trait of character lies hidden, viz, zeal
for the interest of the employer. Time
and better sense cure the fault, while the
good quality is likely to remain.-- Ne'0
York Post. da.ie g., -tom 1lgdj ,QljsDbn