Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-08-31
A CHANCE FOR THE BOYS.
A Free Bath I'm the River without Polio,
Interference.

The average small boy, this being . generic
name, has fond spot in his heart for that
operation known in the bright lexicon Of youth
as "goin' in swimmin'."
He yields to the temptation with great rssdi-
ness, plots and plans like conspirator, steals
OF at any and all hours, and enjoys to the full
the sweets OF surreptitious bath in
muddy stream. He il surrounded by
dangers-strong currents, unknown deep spots,
treacherous sands, watchful bluecoats armed
with locust clubs-but all tend to make the
pleasure all the dearer. There il some In
stinctive element in the small boy that
into surroundings that promise the greatest
risk He revels in danger, and the threat Of
policeman makes him cautiously gleeful
DIsooMroRTs OF THE SMALL BoY.
But to some extent the small boy was begin
ming to tire Of the interference Of the law in
his surreptitious bathing He was driven from
pond to pool, from wharf to bridge, from
river to creek, and back again, the bluecoat
slowly but surely hedging him in. He was
surrounded by Gordon Of directors, and until
paid for by many mile Of
weary trampins or by a danger Of the Police
Court that, by reason of greater certainty, lost
its flavor. In short, the small boy was about
at his wits end for free bath. He
piucu luz piuuge lutO the cool ueptns Oh INC
river, his mind revolted from the prospective
confines of the tub, he longed to cast aside his
gear and, unfettered and free, dive and swim
to his hearts content.
A POPULAR RESORT.
A favorite swimming place for the boys is the
great tidal reservoir in the fats, and here
large numbers of them congregate
every evening to plunge and dive
and disport themselves much after
the manner of porpoises. For time the police
officers interfered occasionally, and even this
spot became almost impracticable.
CHANCE FOR THE BOYS.
But there is a light on the horizon for the
boys, and it would seem that thence
forth they will be enabled to take
their river bath uninterrupted, provided
The Washington beach association has Just
been organized, having for its object the pro-
vision OF means for open water bath
ing for ladies and children, as
well as for men and boys. They have
selected the tidal reservoir as the best place
dumping of sand on the shores to give en-
trance to hard bottom This, and
the future improvement by the association,
are OF course for the benefit of its members,
put the small boy is going to reap harvest
t from them. A beneacent bylaw Of
the beach to all corners at such
hours when it is not in use by members, who
shall don decent coverings and be out Of the
way in time for the association people to battle.
The hours Of the latter are from s to Z O'Clock
each evening, but
DURING THE REST OF THE DAY
the beach is free. There are planks at hand to
lend aid to sinking people. and strict watch
will be kept over the place to preserve order
and decorum.
The high weeds growing on the banks Of the
reservoir afford shelter for the boys in chang
ing their clothes, fully concealing them from
the highway and from the monument windows.
The association uses tents for this purpose,
and will soon erect house, but these viii not
be open to the public.
So it happens that the small boy has peace
at last: Like hunted beast he has gone from
one place to another, always on the alert
for following officers, taking daring risks,
and enduring hardships and discomforts, but
now he has found a swimming place where the
bluecoat is a harmless figure in the landscape
and the Police Court has no terrors