The Evening critic., 1885-01-14
THE NEwsnoYs, DINNER.
HOW They Acted ana what Tne,


HOW They Acted ana what They
Ate.
Officer Harding had pretty tough job
of IL last night. He was detailed to look
after the newsboys who had dinner given
them by Mrs. La Fotra, Of tho Temple
Cafe, on Ninth street. The dinner was an-
nounced for o'clock. At $3.50 there were
at least hundred boys in front Of the
building. Every minute added to the num-
Der. When the doors were opened there
were fully $50 boys waiting They were
anxious to get in, but for boys behaved
very we'll. 1t Is true that they did a good
deal of diminishing among themselves, and
one or two incipient fights were nipped
by Mr.. Harding, who had long stick in
his hand. He raped an unruly young
ster on the head frequently, but never hurt
him.
Not enough tickets had been distributed
hut the mere informality Of mo tickets"
caused not single wave Of trouble to roll
across the boys peaceful breast. He was
on hand. Officer Harding was greatly as
sisted by Mr.. j. l.. Harmon, Of the Post.
Only boys known to be genuine newspaper
boys were admitted. When the doors were
opened there was grand rush. 1t was a
scramble, jam and wild stampede to
where the food lurked. Officer Harding's
stick came into full play, and Mr.. Har-
mons strength was taxed to its utmost,
The officer and Mr.. Harmon were frequenF
ly in danger of being upset. Inside the
boys seated themselves upon improvised
benches, running across the dining-room.
They were Of all sizes and of all colors.
There were more colored boys than white
ones. Soon every seat was occupied. Some
who could not get in gazed wistfully
through the windows.
DR.. s. l.. Crissey, superintendent Of the
Bethany Sunday.school, was master of
ceremonies. There were readings, MUSIC
and sensible short addresses to the boys.
The boys were very attentive-often
hilarious. They can sing. In the chorus
Of Hold tho Fort" and in the Sweet Bye
and-Bye" they came out strong. They
'lived" in the chorus. Good time was kept,
and the boys seemed TO enjoy the singing
immensely. In the readings policemen
were referred to several times. And when
there were such references the boys gave
Officer Harding, who stood at the head Of
the room, benefit. Between reading and
song apiping voice about the centre of the
room called out: "say Skinny, do you
spec Wen have turkey" This brought
down the house. Five little girls sang q
lullaby.
small boy, Elphonzo Youngs, jr., who
gave several airs on the cornet, was en-
cOred again and again. Plates were handed
around by ladies, who looked very pretty
and very business-like in their white aprons
They were treated with the greatest re-
spect by the boys. The empty plates were
held as if they were eggshells. When la
dies appeared with tho substantials there
were "o-h-sn long drawn out and much
subdued impotence. They were all
served, They got q turkey sandwich,
cake, apples and oranges and a cup
of coffee. And they liked the repast
They ate heartily and for few minutes
were still.
They got away before 10 o'clock, having
passed a vote of thanks to the ladies who
had entertained them.
One feature OF the evening was an ad-
dress by VIM. Allen, veteran newsboy.
He urged the boys to lot intoxicants aud
tobacco alone. 1t was a very successful en-
tertainment in every respect.