The New York herald., 1874-08-01
CHMDaM,s nEE PICNIC.

The distribution OF tickets for the Eleventh ward
free excursion for children took place yesterday
afternoon at the police station corner OF Houston
street and avenue d. Although Mr.. Williams, VINO
gave out the tickets, advertised the time Of their
delivery at three O'Clock 7. NJ, the little fellows
began TO gather round the station house by ten
O'Clock in the day, and before noon there was such
q motley crowd OF little folks cOngregated as
would have delighted Hogartn or Dore to pic
tare. There were sheepish little fellows and bold
ones girls bashful and others VINO were not;
clean faces and dirty, ragged garments aud whole;
hair that looked glossy and smooth, and heads that
for weeks mad not known comb. There were,
too, the representatives Of many nations and re-
hgious sects. Hebrew and Hlbernian, Saxon and
Frank British and Belgian-to say nothing or the
native Americans themselves-were all repre-
sented among that barefooted, shock-headed null
titude OF poor little children As they came so
early and had to walt for more than three hours
before the distribution took place, Mr.. Will
hams, aided by the ponce authorities, nad them
1t became just about as easy to keep them In one
place and preserve the peace as to look after
TO use little energy among the unruly ones TO
have them keep quiet
dren-boys and girls iogether-were formed in
long line on the shady side of the police station,
considerable alacrity as ne dropped The picnic
tickets into their little dngy paws or the crowns OF
greasy worn out caps. IL seemed az II that con.
stant stream OF cXpectant children woud never
cease TO dow past the beholder. One could hardly
believe his eyes in seeing such numbers OF children
together There they we're, from every alleyway
and tenement, every cellar and attic In the
Eleventh ward: and heaven knows there IS pov-
erty, misery and wretchedness enough In many
parts OF IL.
About 5000 tickets were distributed among the
children yesterday. The picnic takes place To-day
at Oriental Grove. l.. !. About 300 children OF
b0th sexes are expected to be present. Mr.. Will
liams explained that little more than half OF the
number Ot tickets distributed represents the num-
ber OF children that will probably go on the excur
sion. One reason for this Is tnat the cunning little
ones, thinking that each ticket is worth a certain
amount OF good things, some Of them try the re.
peatIng dodge to become possessed OF two or three
Of the cards.
The funds for carrying out this charitable and
eXcellent way OF giving the poor children OF our
great City day OF sunshine and enjoyment are
accumulated from voluntary contribution. Mr..
Williams states that snfriclent money is now on
hand to defray the expenses OF three more excur.
sIOns like the one OF to-day. 1t Is Intended TO
give eight or ten more during the present season
II money can be had to do To give all the rOor
children OF the city q day OF enjoyment would re-
Quire an excursion almost every DAY from now 10
the end OF summer.
In addition to the luxury OF good bath the
children will be regaled on sandwiches, milk and
ice cream A fine band OF music will accompany
the excursion. An escort Of police Is to be on
hand to preserve order.