New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-08-09
SATURDAY, NIGHT IN a CITY GROGGERr
LIQUOR FOR FIVE CENTS A DRINK-BRUTALITY TO
HE PENNILEss AND HELPLESS

THE PENNlLESS AND HELPLESS.
In Dclanccy-st., near Sheriff is so-called " dis
tieTy, grOggery OF the Yllest KIND: Inc en-
trance is on "A level with the sidewalk, which seems
to have entered INTO an endless contest with the
floor of the rum-shGp as to which can become and
remain the dirtiest The entrance Is lined with
barrels filled with various kinds OF liquors. There
is bar but the&eeper OF the den receives orders
for the miserable stuff that he sells over rough,
agc-worn table, by the side of which stands huge
iron safe to the money of the poor wTetches
who buy his liquor. Over the door is big sign
winch Informs all lovers of good things" that
"a splendid drink" of any kind can be bought for
five cents. Scarcely understanding what was
meant by good things" q TRIBUNEreporter stepped
into the filthy hole about z o'clock Saturday even
ing, and, after buying cigar, seated himself upon
convenient keg to note the nature OF the traffic IN
the place. Soon pale, emacated woman dragged
herself III. She had scarcely sufficient clothing to
cover her, and her gray hair was IN disorder abont
her wrinkled face. She was so weak that she could
hardly drag one foot after the other through the
dirty sawdust that covered the floor. She APP
preached the table, and III quaverlng tones asked
for five cents worth of gin.
Gimme yer money" said the brute In charge.
Five pennies were transferred from the wrctched
wOnau's hand to the safe, and abOut gill OF the
vile poison was poured into bottle by one OF the
attendants. Nervouoly clutching the bottle, which
she vainly tried 10 conceal beneath her tattered
shawl the poor creature crept away.
The next customer was a little girl who shyly
asked for a pint OF brandy. As before, the money
was demanded before the liquor was given.
Two tall, well-made men. with faces that clearly
betokcned years of dissipation then came ill., Their
clothes were III thI teIS, ana lney lIcN
called fevensllly for drink. len cents was the
answer from The man behind the desk.
~ pay you to-mOrrer mOrniH sure Billy,' said
one Of the men, in husky voice
We G0nt trust. Git out"
On don't refuse us. Billy. I'll pay you tO-mOr-
rer, sure. Dan here will be my security he CON
tinued, pointing to his companion. Won't you,
Dan?"
The keeper of the place signed to his two burly
attendants who poupccd upon the pcnniless fellows
and threw them sprawling into the dirty street
A crowd of wOrklugmen came III. and these were
well received by all III the place. 1t pay-night,
welcome. They were quiet and orderly when they
entered but few drinks sniloed to transforms them
into noisy quaIrelsOme Tuttiaus III they had
stopped at this stage, there might have been some
damage done; this the proprietor knew. and TO
start them IN the right dITcctOn-tOW ard helpless
intOxication--he treated This was the turning
point. and drink followed drink until they were
reduced to a state of utter helpleSsness. MANY of
them sank upon the floor, pOweilr>s To move.
These were dragged to the door by the attendants,
cast out into the street, and left To the mercy of
any thief VINO might rob them of the remainder Of
their weeks wages. the process of wedding out con-
tnued until only one icft. and he stood leaning
against a barrel blinking IN silly mauneT.at the
objects surrounding him. Soon pretty little girl,
about five wears old entered and walking up TO
HIM, placed her hand III ms. and begged him to
come home. It's all-hc-rRht darlin',p he
guTgled and he started for the door lie lost his
balance and fell heavily upon the floor This was
the signal for another election In an instant he
was lying upon the sidewalk, with his little girl
hanging, sObbng over him. The reporter went TO the
little ones assistance, and succeeded after much
labor in getting the man on his feet.
where do you liver asked the reporter of the
child.
&" Only around the corner, sir" she lsped.
Ii took about all hour 10 get the man around
the corner" and into his home, but the reporter
heartfelt thanks of the wife and child of the
wretched dTunkaId.