The Leavenworth weekly times. [volume] (Leavenworth, Kan.) 1870-1880, 1875-09-30
TwEED's HOTEL.
Now e Den Of Tramps and Thieves and q
Fit Residence for its Projectors.


Fit Residence for its Projectors
At Fifty-ninth street and Fifth avenue
there was projected by William NJ. Tweed,
in the spring Of 1871, large hotel. A
large sum Of money was expended in pre-
pairing the foundations, and the work was
pushed forw ard vigorously. After Tweed's
downfall the erection of the building ceas-
ed, and what had been constructed was
permitted TO 60 TO ruin. The building was
not suffered 10 be untenanted, however, al
though the character of its occupants was
revealed only by accident during the past
week. 1t was learned that a man with
light pantaloons had come to this place af-
ter the attempted burglary at DR.. Ham,
mond's house, and that he had had a
wound in his arm dressed there The po-
lice from the Nineteenth precinct surround
ed the place and searched every part care
fully, but the wosnded person had escaped.
A reporter OF the Tribune visited this build
ing at Fifth avenue and Fifty-ninth street,
and went through every part of il. At
that time there were thirty or forty tramps
in different parts. On the east side, in the
first apartment, used for bath room, there
was a large pool of water. Here several
persons were bathing in the pure spring
water. A cake Of yellow soap had been
obtained and paper vas used for towels.
Following up the stream into the sub
cellar toward Fifth avenue a fine
natural spring was found where clear water
dubbed up. This lie used as the drinkin
fountain by the tramps. Turning to the
l<,ft .I<1
where bricks were piled up for seats. This
was the tramps' BARRIERS shop, and the bar
Der was shaving nlan. Alter quitting the
BARRIERS shop, the next floor was visited
only the floor imbers have been laid there.
In many places, however, boards have been
laid down, and upon these the outcasts Of
society who inhabit this place spend the
day. They were engaged in all kinds of
occupations but chatted socially with one
another. Many were mending their cloth |
ing, and some were patching their boots. |
Others were waiting for their unJercloth- !
ing, which they had washed short time
before in the bathroom. TO dry. Noticing |
a number OF empS tin fruit-cans lying
about, the visitor asked one of the tramps
what they were used for. The inform alton
was given that after dusk they scatter
throughout All parts OF the city. Each had !
his own particular district. There they |
beg for food and whatsoever they can gel. |
Ordinarily they have not sufficient nerve to |
steal, but ii they believed they could safely |
ge, away with any small thing of value |
they doubtless would take advantage of the |
situation. They are not considered to be
thieves, but Migrants. Later in the nigh; |
they go to the place where lager-beer kegs
that have been emptied OF all that can be
sold are set out upon the sidewalk. They
empty the dregs into their cans and drink \
what they thus obtain Delirium tire
mems overtakes them frequently, and then
they are cared for in the hospitals until |
they are recruited. They utterly refuse TO
work. Many OF the Migrants Appeared we'll |
able to earn good wages. But they prefer
this kind OF an existence and paupers