The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1876-11-16
A TRAMP.
BY MARY RUSSELL.

He was sinking around to the bach
door. A tall, ungainly fellow, hag
gard face; hang-dog expression
sleuched hat; old, mud-sprashed
clothes, ditto boots. Undeniably o.
the genus tramp. Mrs. Ford's little
dog barked furiously, and the good
mistress, looking up quickly at the
sound, exclaimed contemporary:
"A tramp
She arose with decisive energy and
started for the point toward which be
was making. They met at the open
kitchen door.
'How do, ma'am?'
what do you want here?'
Something to eat
Go to work and earn it. An able
bodied man around begging. For
shamev
pm looking for work. Doggedly.
Looking for work, indeedl Ifyou
were an honest, industrious man, you
would never have to come to this pass
-skulking about the country, a low,
dirty tramp! Begone!'
The dog that had been shifting sus-
piciously around the man, began to
bark moro furious!y than before,
making little nips at the fellows heels
when he turned 10 20. lie kicked
savagely at the brute and muttered an
oath as he passed through the gate
The next moment we saw him stink
ing down the back street.
"A miserable tramp said Mrs. Ford,
indignantly, when she Lad watched
him out of sight. I'VE must look
sharp to our locks and bolts tonight.
That fellow had an evil look in his
face when told him to begone.'
This good woman always looked
upon human nature with suspicious
eye, and it revenged itself by always
to her its darkest side.
would it not be better to have Civ.
en- him his supper; may be the fellow
was really hungry mildly suggested.
No, indeedl It would be encour-
aging laziness. Besides, who wants a
tramp spying about the house that he
may return to rob, and mayhap mur-
der. You wouldn't want to be mur-
iered in your bed, would you?'
The argument was conclusive. No;
[ surely did not wish to be murdered
n our bed.
An hour later, at the supper table,
Mr.. Ford remarked:
Some tramps made their nest in
Mr.. Merrill's haystack last night: and
saw several about the village to-day.
The papers are full of their petty
hievings and misdemeanors. 1t is a
bad state of affairs
what is the cause questioned. 81
neve: before heard OF such large
aoating population as is adrift this
fal.'
Hard times! Every department Of
industry is following the democratic
policy-economizing, cutting down
expenses, dischargiug, employees, and
leaving thousands without work or
food. Many Of these laborers shoul-
der their packs and trudge forth to
seek for work and better times.'
Then some of the iramps arc hon
est men who really desire employ
ment,' l said.
Certainly
Don't tell me thatH Mrs. Ford spoke
up, impatiently, If Il person is hon
,st aud capable and industrious, he
will never have to tramp over the
penniless vagabondH
No. answered her husband. 'but an
men do not possess that trio of vir-
ues or, possessing them, they may
have their counteracting vices. Some
lines these ne'er-do-wells fail to get
ahead in the world, through certain
warm, generous heartedness that pre-
1ents them from pushing their own
interests and securing to themselves
he dividend at the expense OF anoth-
,r's loss
For PHYS sake, don't set these lazy
oafing creatures up as examples of the
nnseliish virtues!
Mrs. Ford waved her hand depre-
,iaiingly.
oh, no;' Mr.. Ford returned with
Iuiet smile. Il grant you that such
men are lacking in some essential of
executive force or abili-
;yet il is not in our province 10
udge them. You know they are far
rom the restraining eye OF friends and
&c Their seli-respect
grows shabby along with their clothes
They drift about with want and sus-
'icion always dogging them, and soon
;ome TO feel that they are aliens to
Iociety and its laws, and may eventu.
lily outrage BOTH
'You have made out a pretty fair
;ase. Pity you hadn't better subject
said his wife, sarcastically, 'For my
part l have no sympathy with them