Idaho news. (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1887-1891, 1889-08-24

n IN NNNS-rL/
IN Twenty fve-a
~ peasters! Me-a give you seven
Al n dol-a! You rob-a poor italia.
No, no. Eight dol-a. Hey?"
mo. sir. Twenty-Five dollars or moth
ing. You can't dicker with me. l have
only one price for my animals"
The speakers were Giuseppe Falieri, an
Italian who had recently arrived in this
city, and Mr.. Rieche, the animal importer
of Park row. The Italian was one OF
those fortunate sons of Italy who arrive IN
this city with little money. Among the
poorer classes of Italians those who mmi-
crate to this country with just enough
money to pay for their passage hire out as
laborers on railroads, adqueduets and so
forth. Those who have little more money
buy push cart or a peanut stand. But
the Italian who is fortunate enough to
possess 500 invests in hand organ and
ring tailed monkey. The purchase OF this
outfit is a serious undertaking to the man
interested. He conSults all his friends and
asks their advice, especially in the selec-
ton of the monkey.
| Almost every day dozen of this class
of Italians come into the animal store to
purchase one monkey. Giuseppe Fallen
was one of them. He examined fifteen
monkeys, one of which had too large a
head to suit him. Another's teeth were
| imperfect. Fourteen were worthless in
/ his eyes for the purpose for which ne in
tended them, but the fifteenth was bright,
intelligent little animal, and he coveted il
with eagerness. Finding that Mr.. Reiche
was determined not to lower his price.
| Giuseppe turned his attention TO Mr..
O'Toole, the chimpanzee, Said he:
s'How mOoch-a de big mOnk-a?"
''One thousand dollars"
thousand dol-a!"
Holding up his hands in dismay. Cur
seppe looked about him in bewildered
way. He tried to secure ''ring-a-tail-a
monk for $40. and being unsuccessful,
sadly left the store. Mr.. Reiche explained
to the reporter that his absence was only
temporary, as he was sure to return and
secure the animal upon which he had set
his heart.
ssThere mas not been so large demand
for the little hand organ monkeys said
Mr.. Reich, 'ssince the common council Of
the city refused to issue license to the
Italians about two years. Previous to
that time we used to sell as many as 25C
! ring-tailed monkeys each year to the organ
grinders. This kind of monkey come:
, from South America, principally from
Brazil. They are classed by the trade as
J the Crown or Capuchin variety. Why the
Italians prefer this species is matter o.
conjecture, as there are other kinds which
would answer the purpose equally
as well. The ring-tail, however, i
very quick of perception, and learn
rapidly. As the Introduction of mon
keys has not extended beyond the corpor
ate limits of this city the organ-grinde
who has tanned monkey is Obliged to ex
, hibit it in the country towns in this yicin
ity, although he sometimes makes lonl
journeys with his little companion perche'
upon his organ. When apoor italian buy
monkey the act is regarded as one of tn
most important in his career. 1t is as
, he were about to adopt a child. He
Here the narrator was interrupted b
the entrance of dozen Italians, headed b
1 Giuseppe. There was a woman in tn
company who carried baby in her arms
!. The monkey which had pleased Guisepp
| so much an hour previously was take
: from its cage and passed from hand
I hand. 1t made an interesting picture
! The whole party looked as grave as if
' were question of life or death. An al
| mated dispute arose about the merits (
9 the little animal, which Giuseppe ende
by taking leathern purse from his pool
ct and paying for the monkey in gol'
It With much showing of white teeth an
d many smiles, the party went out into Par
!, row, while proud Giuseppe hid the monke
b under his coat and fingered behind
j. whisper confdentialIy as II It were sta
: secret.
o 'sName-a-de menk-a, Mateo."
u II am always foolish enough to feel
8 trife sorry for the poor little monke!
n when they are sold," resumed Mr.. Reich
e when the door had closed. why? B
; cause while in their native forest th'
|. roam at will through the trees and ha'
e any amount of fun; but once in the posse
d sion of the organ grinder and life is res
ls life Is earnest for the 'ring-tail-a monk-a
Take Mateo, for instance, as Giuseppe b