Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1884-11-08
HISTORY OF ONE HEwsBoY


"IIullo, Mr.. -! Mickey's in the
Jug" yelled diminutive specimen Of the
professional newsboy, As the manager Of the
N0rniRg NelrS entered his counting groom
one morning last fall.
Where, my boy ?" asked the manager,
with a smile.
In the cooler; got pulled in for piping
a watch last night Hes been asking for
you all morning but Their police wouldn't
send for You, so said I'd cum.
g Mickey" was one of the brightest and
most enterprising little fellows in the corps
of regular newsboys who called at the
maiiing-room Of the Morning Ners at 4
o'clock every morning, as regular as the
day dawned, and the knowledge that he
was in trouble was a matter of deep regret
by the entire business Office. He was kind
hearted and generous to Il fault, and ever
willing to do a favor or to earn an honest
penny His natural shrewdneSs and sagac-
ity was marked feature in one 50 young
(he was scarcely l0), and when turned to a
miSchicyous end, there was no end to his
pranks and tricks Still, he had never
been discovered doing anything dishonest
and it was in hopes that there might be
some mistake that the matter was investi-
gated at the police station.
But Mickey was guilty. His own con-
feesion convicted him; and Mt the hearing
that morning he was sent to the county jail
at New Castle to await trial.
q did it, Mr.. , and there amt no
the kindness of the Chief Of Police, he
was allowed to remain in the waiting-room
of the station for few minutes But |
thought YOU could get me out won't YOU
please pr
No, Mickey | cannot get You out now.
You have broken the law, and must 20 ia
jail; but | VIII see,what | can do" said
the manager, kindly laying his hand on
the little fellows head, and endeavoring to
get him to raise his eyes from the floor
What made YOU take the watch? You
knew it was wrong"
i don't know somethin' in me did it,
and the next thing knowed | was
cotched"
You would have been no better off had
you escaped" was the earnest reply.
" You would have been punished some
time. Everybody is who steals"
Spcet | would if YOU say SO. But,
please, Mr.. , get me out this time
and I'll never pipe again-'deed | won't"
" / can't do anything to-day, Mickey
but will Just as soon as | can"
But must / 90 over to Jail and be locked
up with all the 'fesSional thieves and muir
derers? On, please, Mr.. F., don't let EN-
do that--plcase, DON'T p
1t was truly pitiful to witness the poor
boys distress, but nothing could be done
that day, and, in company with several
other youthful criminals, he was carted OF
TO prison.
As the State Of Delaware does not pos
slss such an institution ~ a reform school
or house Of correction, Mickey's fears OF
being locked up with hardened criminals
were well founded, but there was no help
for il until the machinery Of delivery could
be put in motion. The evidence against
him was conclusive, and the punishment
for hi; crime was six months to two wears
in jail. and twenty iashcs ct the whipping
post. Yet, owing to his tender wears, tho
prosecuting attorney decided to not push
the case, and. after 4 weeks delibera-
ton, and on the promise OF his parents,
who had removed to Philadelphia, to take
him home and look well to his future,
Mickey was released, and, in company
with his mother, left the city.
For weeks he did not show up at the
Ne,rs Office, and the managers and his old
companions began to wonder what had be-
come of him, when one pleasant morning
he made his appearance, wearing the uni
form of q District Telegraph boy, and
looking decidedly improved in every par
tiealar.
He walled into the counting-room with
the air Of 4 police captain, and asked for
the manager.
He is in his private office" said the
polite bookkceper, failing to recognize him.
" Have YOU anything for him?'
Tell him Mickey Williams j. here" he
replied, proudly airing his new uniform in
front of group of admiring newsboys.
Mickey did not need card 10 be admit
ted to any part of the Morning Ne,rs build
ing, and in few minutes was seated in the
best chair the manager owned.
well, Mr.. -, didn't ! tell you I'd be
honest and 60 into work when you got me
ont Of theg crib at New Castle? ?" said he,
proudly, his bright little face fairly beam
ing with pride as he spoke.
" Yes, Mickey; and am glad to see il.
How long have YOU been in the telegraph
service ~
Over a month. \ man got me the Job
one day COZ saved his hat from bein' run
over by 8 horse"
aWeu, how do you like it by this timer
asked the manager, with smile.