The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1886-05-14
A HlGH-T0NED BEGGAR.
THE MENDlcANT PROFESSION I9 NOT
WITHOUT ITS DUDES.

WITHOUT ITS DUDES.
An Interview with IA well-Dressed Young
Beggsr-An Explanation of His Methods
and success--The various Kinds of
Beggars in New York.
A young man, who did not look as
though he had spent over a quarter Of
century in this suffering world, turned out
of Tenth street n few evenings since and
sauntered down Broadway. His light
overcoat covered shapely form, which
was crowned with a derby hat Of recent
style. A pair of eyeglasses bridged his
nose, and the cord that connected them
with the buttonhole of his coat was Of
black silk and the loop it made was grace
full. One hand was hidden in a neat driv-
ing glove and from the other hand he
dangled its mate. Altogether his appear
ance was that of a natty young man just
returning home from a late call, for IL
was midnight All this was noticed by
tired-out reporter, who was overcome
with surprise when this exceedingly fine
young man stepped up with: "Would you
kindly assist me, sir, with few pennies
that L may get a lodging for the night~
"What" gasped the almost dumb
struck reporter.
~ am entirely out of funds. have met
misfortune" suavely responded the young
man.
Without attempting a word, the person
addressed pulled out a 10-cent piece.
When the movement toward the pocket
was made, the young man IN want light
ened his voice of the stress of care and
feeling that pervaded it at first. "I only
came over from England month ago."
he volunteered, and am unable to find
work. l am machinist by trade. have
had no food since last night"
This latter observation was added when
the silent transfer of the coin was made
and its denomination became manifest in
the bright rays of an adjacent electric
light He hesitated a moment. Then he
touched his hat with "Thank you" in a
most polite fashion and quickened his
pace down Broadway.
IN PURSUIT OF THE HIGH-ToNED.
The loser by the transaction stood for u
moment hesitating, then started in pur-
suit of the high-toned beggar. The latter
did not even turn around, and as his pur-
suer drew near waited forth a contented
whistle. He finally came to a brilliantly
lighted saloon into which he lodged with
the familiarity of an old rounder. His
lOllONtI tuuSHb JtlSU Ill but atCO VI
tossing off a sherry flip, for which he had
thrown down 50-cent piece in payment.
His cheek did not pale when he saw the
reporter before him. Indeed he nodded
his head in sort of a greeting.
The young man was led to an adjoining
table, and after little persuading, told
his method of doing the streets. "Since
you have fairly cornered me, l will tell
you about the business. | was once a
hard-working young man, but owing to
circumstances l was thrown out of busi-
ness and compelled to find sustenance as
as best could. l have few decent rags
left" and he glanced affectionately at the
neat top-coat and nudged with his chin
the rather flaming necktie that encircled
an upright collar. 81 had to get money
somehow, and | took the method you
have observed l joined the ranks of the
dude beggars. l am not ashamed of the
term. A beggar is a beggar
ayes, there are Others like me. You
have not happened to meet them, that is
all. Indeed, a little more and you would
not have me, as / go to Washin ,ton to-
morrow. Congress is in session, you
know, and it is really about the best time
to visit the capital.
"The success OF my method-you are not
the only one who has been kind to me to-
night"-and the speaker proved the asser
tion without remark by giving his pocket
full of coins slap-"the success OF my
method is owing to the astonishment which
affects those to whom l make my appeals.
My appearance does not imply want or
starvation, and when | tell my story the
listener Immediately concludes, as soon as
he RECEIVERS himself, that / am telling the
strict truth and have been caught without
means. He goes away after making his
donation feeling extremely well satisfied,
and that he has at last hit upon u case de-
serving of true charity.
"Then, too, am careful about my ap-
peals. l do not couch them in pitiable
language, but in keeping with my dress;
they are dignified, straightforward stories
of my trouble and reasons for asking pc
cuniary favors. They take as rule. If l
had been dressed in rags and with sunken
cheeks and hoarse voice addressed you,
you would have shaken me off and passed
on commenting to yourself on the una
voidable nuisances of the streets"
The young man then arose, gave his
mustache a twist, and with "A bow Df the
head left the saloon, it is hoped to continue
his journey to Washington.
HEARTRENDING EPIsTLEs OF WANT.
There are all kinds of beggers in New
York, and while few with the original
ideas and immeasurable cheek of the
species represented above, yet plenty re-
main of a more groveling nature and COM
mon methods. The letter writers are a
class that numbered a much larger client.
age than was supposed till the Charity
Organization society's systematic raid on
beggars was made. The letter writer's are
genteel. They remain at home, and from
convenient desk, before perhaps an open
fireplace, indite the most heartrending
epistles of want and suffering. The busy
merchants heart is touched, and, without
time to investigate, he incloses bill and
away goes the letter. 1t is singular how
much money goes without any effort be-
ing made to ascertain if the beneficiary is
worthy. There are many female letter
| writers, and of course the feminine Chi
Biography adds to the pitiable tale of woe.
The only safe way to treat beggars is to
give nothing, and if they are young send
| them around to the Young Mems Chris.
| tian Association lodgings on the BOwery
or other charitable institutions. You
need not be afraid of overcrowding the
| institutions. They won't 60 Ladies do a
| great deal OF harm in so generously drop
| ping their small change in the beggar's
| box, and so the trade is kept up. A pre-
| MUM is put on the worst-looking beggar,
| and the old woman borrows some other
| woman's baby to make show on the
! street.
Another class of mendicants is the per-
manent beggars, who are found in the
same places week after week and month
after month. They are mostly blind or
| apparently SO, or are i'll some manner Grip
pied, with small musical box or dimin-
utive organ. Summer evenings are
whiled away, and the little tin cups re-
sound often with pennies and nickels that
are dropped in. Some of them are poor
and use their earnings to live upon, but
others are frauds.-New York fines
INSOMNIA IN THE AGED.
Some of Its Causes-Symptoms and Treat
| ment-yarious Remedies.