The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1878-02-12

pitlful story ready Tor use, gotten up
without regard to truth. The usual
question to the young tramp ls, "Why
don't you go TO work." They always
profess readiness to work, but generally
give, as trade to which they are accus-
toned to work some occupation in which
they are sure no employment will be
offered in that locality. One of the
same gang stole, to-day, a jug of bay
rum out of farmers wagon, all of
which was drank during the night.
Slept In barn.
JULY l9.-It rained very hard when
morning came, but we intended to move
on; were prevented by the fact that
most of the party were sick from the
effects of the bay rum. We finally start
ed at about dusk toward Hinsdale; pass
ed through Pittsfield during the night;
went through singly, because the old
tramps thought if we We're caught we
should be taken to the lookup and made
to work in the morning for lodging and
breakfast. This plan of working to pay
for board Is not In accordance with the
idea that tramps entertain as to what is
just and suitable. We reached the
Shaker village about 8 o'clock on the
morning of July 10. Some of the gang
went out to beg; got all we wanted to
eat from the Shakers, who always give
literally.
July 20.-Separated from tie gang
to-day, as they were going to the west
ern part of New York. We passed
through Richmond at night, reaching
West Stockbridge, where we slept in
barn.
JULY 2l.-Reached the State line, and
taking the railroad track ,passed through
West Stockbridge to Stockbridge, and
about mile beyond the latter place met
two tramps who had been put OFT a
freight train; they had beat the rail-
roads for their ride from Dunkirk to
this point. They started originally
from Chicago. One of them was paint
er by trade, and said he belonged to
Spencer, Mass. He was about 35 years
old. The other man was cigarmaker
He was about 60 years old; had tramped
fourteen years. We slept during the
night in a barn in West Stockbridge.
JULY 22.-Passed through Hinsdale
very early. About two miles out we
met gang of eight tramps, who said
they were on their way to Pennsylva-
MIA to join the railroad riots. They
proposed to travel on the railroad tracks
separating and going singly through
the villages, stealing rides on freight
trains If possible, and expected to reach
Pennsylvania in about week. Left
them, and travelled until nearly mid
night, when we met four Others who
were also bound for the riots Got
supper of them, consisting of roasted
potatoes, beef, and ham, which they
said they had got by begging. One of
the party was very well dressed, with
plenty of cigars in his pocket Hewore
large, plain gold ring. We tried to
get his confidence, but failed. His APP
pearance indicated that he had been but
a short time on the tramp. Another
man in this gang had large valise
containing light buggy harness. He
said he raised it this side of Springfield.
Left them, and arrived at Huntington.
Slept in barn by permission of the
owner.
JULY 25.-Went to Russell, but could
not get anything to eat by begging, and,
being nearly out of money, returned to
Nastfsald ond falooro,,had 20 Doator
for funds. Remained during the next
day, July 20, waiting for money.
JULY 26.-Received some money by
telegraph, and moved on; soon met two
tramps with valises going to the noun
tains; went with them, and soon met
another party of seven. They were en-
gagged in roasting chickens and potatoes.
Remained with them during the night.
These fellows had been waiting four
days in this place, hoping there would
be strike on the Boston and Albany
road
JULY 2S.-We staid in this place all
day. Three of the party went out at
night and brought in three hens and a
can of milk which they had stolen.
July 29.-The party separated, to
meet between Chester and Middlefield,
five taking the turnpike and the others
the railroad. The gang to which we be-
longed arrived at the designated place of
meeting on the morning of July 80.
Waited for the party, but did not find
them till the next day. OF the eight