The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-01-27
HALF UNDERGROUND.

SrARvE FOSTER.
"Be IL ever so humble" there's place like the
home of Thomas Foster and his family, near Little
Neck Long Island At some distance from any other
habitation, the mansion lies partially imbedded in
the southern slope Of hill in the wooded out
skirts of the village. Approaching from the rear
one would mistake it for little icehouse. the peaked
roof rising barely four feet above the covered
ground But this impression would be removed by
the sight Of narrow streak Of smoke creeping
through rusty pipe near the northern extremity
OF the roof and falling suggishly about the walls
A heavy log resting against the boards at this
end shows that there is no entrance here: but two
three steps will take to the opposite exrem-
ity of the building where opening some three
feet high by thirty inches wide is discov-
cred. Through this diminutive doorway,
HERALD reporter drew nigh to it yesterday.
eral little clouds OF grayish hue indicating
that some within was enjoying noontide smoke.
As the reporters eyes became accustomed to the
gloom Of the interior it that the stem
of the pipe encircled with feminine lips and
that a womans lungs were forcing the narcotic
fumes into the atmosphere.
HOME.
1t was difficult TO believe that woman could
live in so ptiable dwelling, but it harder still
to realize that these and foul scented walls
afforded lodging year in and year out, to six human
beings. It's dimensions, nearly could be
estimated by practised eye, were as fol-
lows:-Length, 10 feet and inches; width.
feet: height of roof at peak. feet at Sides feet
The wooden floor is two feet below the surface Of
the ground on which rests the slantng roof of
painted boards. Numerous little chinks admit
modicum light and air-far too little for GOODNESS
in summer. but entirely too much for comfort in
winter. But the inmates thoroughly seasoned
modest dwelling stands on the farm Of William
Cornell not far distant from the house
of his brother, John Henry. whose acres
it adjoins. To the residence of the lat
ter the reporter found his way from the
Little Neck Railroad station. partly by the direction
of a rosy checked little boy whom he discovered
playing on the top of haystack near q Int by the
road side. When first questioned as to the where
abouts of Mr.. Cornell's house, the youngster
innocenty responded Gin Little Neck and wherr
more definite information requested. said, "Ask
some one and they tell YER Finally. he in
dnced to give satisfactory reply. and Mr., Cor
nell was found in the sitting OF his farm house
surrounded by numerous family.
HISTORY
While OF the little was looking for the
paternal tippet and gloves, and overshoe for Mr..
Cornels right foot. from which he had recently
Topped toe the S.ory sn 81 the
family. Toms father. John-Easy Johnny
used to call him-went astray in snow storm
about twenty years ago. and died in the hollow over
yonder. He was drunk, and lost his way coming
from the tavern. He was half-witted, stammering
fellow and used to go claiming and fishing every day
of his life. His son John is just like him. Toms
got brains: but he don't get along any better.
Hes hired several different shanties around here in
my recollection but finally built him the place
he lives in now.'
How is it that he keeps so poor Is he drinking
"No; that's the funny part of it. He's sober
man himself, but his wife and children drink like
fish. There's hardly day they're not rummy-
every one Of them, from the mother down.
How many there in the fainilyY'
well. altogether they are six but sometimes they
have some other poor devils with them, blacks and
whites all one to Them
'.What do they live ong" asked the reporter.
time Tom Tom works occasonnay for Mr. Cox and me
and my brother Bill but we have to get down there
pretty early in the morning if we want
to get them for days job. They spend all the time
out OF doors. When they have a little money they
go down to the village and get a pint Of rum and
Six packages of chewing tobacco-that's one apiece.
II there's anything over they buy loaf OF bread.
They care more for rum and tobacco than any
in Flushing and has respectable relations; but
she's low as she can be. Her tongues the worst
ever heard in English and she outswears any man
around these parts They have son named Luke,
about twenty years old, and another named Tom.
about fifteen. Then there's Liz she's about eight
cen and dds about ten"
II suppose they get part of their living by taking
things from the neighboring farms?'
mo it's singular thing, but don't think they're
dishonest. They might take fence rail that didn't
belong to them, but that IS about all
SUNDAY CABIN.
Thus informed to the persons whom he
about to meet the reporter ont In company with
his host and his host : son, q young married man
who lives with his wife at home. The walk lay across
farm formerly occupied by merchant OF this city
after his failure for an enormous sum. From
the base of lagpoe not far from the house could
the and cables of the Brooklyn Bridge
ten miles distant in direct line, and the blue
waters Jamaica Bay and the at greater dis
lance. equally distinct. Arrived at the abode of
the Fosters the younger Cornell called in to the
smoking woman. well, Kate. how are you this
morning.
Well we re pretty tolerable. Ben. We're all alive
yet
HE hasn't got his shoes yet; he'll DO out in
minute
The allotted time was spent by the reporter in
examination of the muddy portal of the shanty, in
front of which scattered several broken bits
of household utensils. beyond use or repair.
Soon the lord Of the manor stepped forth,
arrayed in heavy black boots, decent trousers. torn
waistcoat and dirty shirt. His beard is black. and
a big black hat. After few words about his nten-
ton to appeal TO the Poormaster for aid
Tom walked on few PAGES with the elder
Cornell, while the younger man remained with the
reporter to interview the housewife, who not
only enjoying tine so,aie or %r & S but mad gopa
the youngest daughter. also appeared with tobacco
stained lips, and bits of tinfoil from exhausted
packages of the weed strewed the floor Of the
shanty, Liz stood by the stove cooking
cakes and pork and cabbage for dinner and expressed
an intention 20 down to the Bundle Bees Nest'
u low tavern half "a mile away--to play game of
euchre. Her Oldest brother. Luke, there already;
but Tom. the younger one, got out u banjo minus
two strings and that he would stay home, he
had to work this week. This hopeful young
in his stocking feet and female
upper garment of cloth. When he had finished
"a big pipe he smoking when inter
rupted by the arrival OF visitors, he refilled
it and handed it to his mother hers having been pre-
viously exhausted Then. with Dds assistance, he
abused little black pup, which shares the family
home until IL snarled with rage.
The furniture of the cabin comprises n small table,
two seats and stove, and there few we'll worn
cooking utensils scattered about the single apart
ment which serves bedroom, parlor, dining room
and kitchen. Only along the middle of this room is
IL possible to stand erect. All hands sleep together
ON the floor, without bed or bedding other than -
bundle OF dirty rags. Such water is used
for daily cooking and semi-annual additions
is fetched from small pond nearby. Yet. despite
the imperfections OF their desoate honIc the family
is said 10 be the happicst in Little Neck-thoy have
everything to hope and nothing to fear and, IA Mrs.
Foster remarked between her pulls, Whatever
comes, you cant starve u Foster. Where another
wouldn't have nothin', we've enough and to spare