The evening world., 1889-06-17
FROM THE CITY'S wHIRL.
DRIFT CAUGHT HERE AND THERE BY
EVENING WORLD" REPORTERS.
Heroic struggle with n Drop . n = Nickel
Electric shock Machine.

Electric shock Machine.
Among the many drop-a-nickel devices is
the one with an electric battery attachment,
which by dropping q coin and pulling a ban
die administers an electric shock which the
recipient can intensity at will, a dial register
ing the strength of the current.
A party OF four gentlemen tried one of these
machines recently Mt IL suburban Summer re-
sort. Three of the party tested their nerves
with various success.
Then the fourth gentleman, who. from his
business, (telegraphing). was generally sup
posed to have a greater knowledge or cleo
tricity than the others approached the
machine. dropped in his nickel and seized
the handles.
The others eyed the dial, expecting to see
the needle indicate u higher record than any
of the others.
Nor were they disappointed.
The handle seemed to be caught in some
way, and the would-be recipient Of the cleo
trio current gave it a smart pull. which
brought the needle around to about 60. The
only effect upon him was a slight start, caused
by the sudden shock.
Slowly the needle travelled around to 400 /;
then 1t took a sudden jump uu to the highest
number on the dial. 600. while the gentleman
tugged away at the handle, presumably to get
more electricity.
He's beaten us all to pieces" said one of
the party, gazing meanwhile at the register.
Well, he's accustomed to it." said
another.
Two or three similar remarks followed.
until one of the party noticing the frantic
Juggling of the gentleman at the handle,
turned around. saying That's as high as
you can -
His remarks were cut short by the sight
that met the eyes of the rest of the party.
The electrified individuals hat had fallen
from his head; his eyes were ~protruding, his
face red and q series of spasmodic grunts
emanated from his throat. while he hoped,
first on one foot then the other.
Let go" yelled one of his companions.
A few gurgles was the response. followed
by a semi-howl which could be family distin-
guished as "C-c-c-an't."
Just then he managed to free his left hand.
which of course severed the current and he
sank into n nearby chair with q prolonged
"Phe-e-w!"
The ludicrous side of the situation was ap.
parent and his companions shrieked with
laughter, which was accelerated by the VIC
TINS explanation .
II wanted to quit ut. 60 and tried to pull
my HAND away, but l only pulled the handle
out further and made il a darned sight worse. '
Many VaIuabIe KeepsAkcs Come Into the
Possession of BOwery StOrekeepeFs.
The little shops and stores along uppei
Park Row and the Bowery are receptaclel
for all sorts of things, and many a keepsak,
that has fallen into their keepers hands hal
seen better days.
lhtbo buOpb hT0 pretty muCh hA dllhe'
They are generally stuffy, ll-ventilated cage
:. like rooms, lined on either side with a row o.
/ shelves reaching up to the ceiling and lade1
with second hand goods.
A showcase that stands on the counter is
generally filled with medals. guns, pistols
! swords. watches. sleeve-buttons and, in fact,
; everything that is likely to command the at
tention of a purchaser.
, TIL proprietor of ono of these quaint estab
: lishments is an old man who has been in New
o York for over thirty years, and during hi
time he has handled some of the mos
precious keepsakes.
He has attended receptions where souve
: Mrs have been presented to som popular
{ f~avorite, and then III after years the medal
watch or cane, or whatever it might be. ha
fallen into his hands to be sold to the frs
(. man who comes along that will pay the price
Y Ioh, yes he sighed, when spoken to b!
2 many n man rise and fall In this town.
At times they have been popular ant
have had lots of friends. but after a Will,
. they are poor, their friends have grown cold
and finally they have been compelled to pawl
o the keepsakes they should have priced sc
dearly.
AT the end of the year the articles hav,
not been redeemed and the pawnbroker sell
them at auction for what he can get.
IF you cared TO make any inquiry yol
would find that their former owner had die
f in poor circumstances, surrounded by only
$ few relatives, or perhaps have been taken OF
v III u hOSIhluls
r There are many sad stories brought L
light in this business and here is the plac,
you have a chance to study human nature"
Some People Who Can Always Find n
Excuse for Kicking"
The man who goes about growing AM
grumbling Can always fnd something Il
+ e" kick " about on the Elevated railroads O
this city.
If he can't find n lamp on the train from
which oil is leaking. or if he is not carried
past his station through his own carelessness
. he can always discover something which h
can find fault with.
There are some "kickers" who think tina
the guards are responsible for everything tina
goes wrong. and they vent their feelings OF
a that unfortunate individual.
I An EVENING WoRLD reporter, who stooC
. on the platform of the Chatham Square sta
q overheard an old fellow mutterlng to him
self.
Mean, ~unmannerly, impolite fellows
Let 'em off first. Eli How dare they vel
out at people that way? One would thin
that the passengers were a lot OF animals VIII
were being removed from their exhibition
cages.
q There should be a stop to this. Col. Hail
should make them speak properly"
5 " Just then q train came along and the ole
4 man was swallowed up in the crowd tina
Y pushed tugged and crushed in the rush TO
the gates.