St. Paul daily globe., 1890-12-19

their pals who are ill, shadowed or in
prison. They form a regular aSS0cia-
ton, like the housebreakers and shop
lifterS, from whom, however, they are
quite distinct.
During their visits in Paris, although
operating in common, they do not dwell
together, but are scattered all over the
city, meeting only TO share the spoils at
certain specified moments in dark or
borgne taverns or wine shops situated
IN the neighborhood of the Champs
Elysees and the Grand opera. The for
elgn,.aS we'll as the French, operators
have their receiving houses, called in
Paris meumerS (millers), where they
dispose OF their gleaningS. and ii is re-
markabie feature of these TRANSACTIONS
that they are carried on on both sides
with scrupulouS fairness and honesty
A sharp and observant person might
detect the pickpOcket who shadows him
with evil intent, by the peculiar rowing
restlessness of the eye, of which even
the most experienced ones cannot en-
tirely divest themselves. The habit Is
contracted at the outset of their career;
Imperative then, it becomes invetelate.
The plckpocket embraces at glance
the particular article In shop window
calculated to attract the paSSer-by,
the conformation of the vic
TINS pockets, the foot passengers
around him, and the quarter
from which his bugbear, the Bobby"
is likely to appear. The English pick
pocket rarely offers any opposition if
caught i'll the act; he submits silently
to be led off by his captor. Only the
women howl, thrash, scratch and tight.
1t is the characteristic national GOODNESS
and lack of emotional irritability that
contribute more than any physical apti-
tude to make the British pickpocket
faclle prInceps in his art, aud an object
OF envy and admiration to members of
the profession in other countries.
In each country the profession retains
its own particular methods. The Span
lard. like the South American, does not
attempt to operate save in a tolerablY
thick crowd; the Italian works gener-
ally only on ladies, and badly, because
f ne is too precjpitate; the Turk is fear
less, awkward, audaciouS, and even in
the clutches of the police, with one
hand pinioned. attempts to steal with
the other. The French make
speciality of recognition, which
is effected by one pal affecting
to recognize in some innocent, rus
tlc-looking individual relation or old
friend. effuslvely falling on his or her
neck; while the error is explained and
apologies offered the deed is done by an
associate. The most dangerous of that
species is the becoteuse, usually a
young and very pretty girl, who rushes
into the arms of benevolent old man.
kisses him on both cheeks and calls him
''uncle," relationship he will have
good cause to remember, as it has cost
him all his portable property.
Ihe utter carelessneSS of the public
Facilitates the operations of the pick
pockets to degree which has often
elected from them expressions of
withering contempt. To supplement
the legend which bids people beware of
them, the authorities would do we'll to
atflX few simple rules, the observance
OF which would be an effective protec-
ton. Ordinary precautions defeat mauy
attempts at subtracting watches. The
practice so common with women of
is fatal; so also is the dangling by a
weak handle of little leather bags
palpably containing not only recent
purchases but the wherewithal to make
more. A prudent diStrust should pc
lnculcated against any person running
up against you with al Overcoat, rug
or an open newspaper in his hand, as
also against reeling drunkardS. ).
1t you are suddenly tapped on the
shoulder in a crowd by stranger, be on
your guard, for his partner is watching
the moment when you turn your head
to rob you; in a railway carriage, omni-
bus or boat, respond guardedly to thes
advances of travelling companions who
politely offer to assist you in entering
or alighting; have secret pockets for I
everything worth stealing; do not al
low feminine vanity to fiaunt much Jew
elry in public; the confraternity is
armed with scissors sharp as razors, that
clip the fastenings of necklaces, braces
lets and earrings without the wearers
suspecting it. The number of thefts
committed in this way is enormous, but
being discovered only much later thes;
are often attributed to other causes, and
the real offenders have gone unpunishedi
with reckless impunity. Fl