Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1880-07-30
A TOUCHING APPEAL.
From Young Man out of Work
In Behalf Of his Glass.

EDITOR LEDGER:-l would like to
say few words to you in behalf of
some Of the young men here desiring
employment | am a native of this
state, was born and educated in this
city, am well known here, and am po-
sitive in regard to these remarks.
Why is it that our young men cannot
get work here? They are willing and
ready to do anything to keep from
loafng. Our merchants (I do not say
alD have preferred to employ young
men from other cities, and in more
instances than one have they been de-
ceived, Our young men have been
trying, until it is just a mechanical ef-
fort with them to get positions here.
Trying until some do not care what
becomes Of them. / have received
letters while away from here, from my
sehoolmates, asking what chances
there are for work. One writes, 1T
seems if fellow is known here, he is
almost certain to be refused a posi-
tion; and if one goes into saloon for
water, or billiard hall, they are
marked as dissipated, and all access to
work is barred"
Now, hr. Editor, | do not speak
thus Of all the young men, as some are
very loose characters. But what
must they do? They are censured for
going in these places. They cannot
stand on the street corners, as that is
| prohibited by all. If they stay at
home, it becomes mOnotonous, and
finally they are called Of no account
BY their relations, and told to try aud
get something to do, when they have
waited and tried until the thing is a
arce. Cannot something be done?
Their fathers aud brothers gave
up their lives to relieve the
'ufferings o humanity during the
fever of 1878 and 1879. How
have their efforts been requited by
them2 Some Of these we're relations
Of some Of our rich merchants, who
were nursed through the dangerous
sickness to health and prosperity.
know Of some who are deserving OF
work, and have good credentials from
some Of our merchants. Still they
cannot get work. | do not mean to
presume that have the right to criti-
cize our merchants, for some of them
have proved themselves to be noble
hearted and just. | only beg of them
to give those they think worthy trial
and not be hasty in condemning. Once
they were boys, and liked little fun
themselves. We I claim to be a
young man) only try to please our
selves. as we have nothing to do, and
do not wish to loaf on the streets. |
do not drink, nor frequent the places
mentioned. But [ think the truth
ought to be known of the deserving,
as | know it, from personal informa-
lion. Memphis is very dear to me :;
some of my fondest recollections are
centered here. Those that were wont
to welcome us, in fair weather or foul,
two short years ago, are no more ;
only their memories remain. We can.
not leave the place where our parents
laid down their lives doing their duties
to God and man. Our wandering and
weary footsteps turn from strange
countries and faces back to their once
called home, where we played in our
infancy and childhood, hungering for
the loving smiles and welcomes which
we are fated never to see on this earth
But | digress. AS lover Of your
paper, and an old subscriber, have
taken the liberty to write these few
lines, hoping this goodly city will look
at them in the right way. If our
merchants will give us a chance, we
will show them our willingness to
work. RespeetlulIy yours. Q. NJ. r.