Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-04-12

house is retired from the street and over the
main entrance there is a sign which informs
the passer by that here is located the head
quarters of the Newsboys' and Children's Aid
Society. At night the words are brought out
in brilliant outlines by means Of many gas Jets,
and the cheerful light streaming from the win
dows speaks Of the comfort and good cheer
which can be found within. The little fell
has been fitted up have acquired a good share
Of worldly caution from their early and rough
contact with the world, and at first they looked
upon the society with suspicion. ''Wots their
little game anyhow" was the problem that
the shrewd gamins first set themselves to
solve. Some suspected that it was 1.-The pous
racket" that was being attempted. Other ven-
tured the theory that it was a scheme of "the
night doctors to procure material for the dis
secting room.
INVESTIGATING THE RACKET"
There were all kinds Of conjectures afoat
and the house and its surroundings were SUBJ
jected to rigid scrutiny by the quick-witted
youngsters before they consented to place any
confidence in the enterprise. The ladies and
gentlemen interested in the charity, it is need
less to say, did not attempt to work any
racket" They secured the services of an
agent who was thoroughly acquainted with
the class intended to be benefited. Mr..
Peter u. Sweeny is IN charge
of the home and his practical
good sense as well as his deep interest i'll the
work has contributed materially to effacing
any prejudice which may have existed in the
minds of the boys. MIR. Sweeny. however, il
not alone in the enthusiasm which he displays.
The ladies and gentlemen of the asso ciation,
which comprise in its membership some Of the
most prominent and respected citizens, have
demonstrated their zeal and practical sympa-
thy for the newsboys by giving literally Of
their time and money toward making the
home a success. They are animated by de-
sire to help the brave little fellows who have a
hard struggle at the best in their efforts to
make their way in the world.
THE TYPICAL NEwsBoY.
Everybody admires pluck and energy, and the
newsboys seen daily in the streets are good ex-
amples of these traits Their clothes are ragged
and their voices are shrill and piercing and at
times their conduct on the street does not add
to the comfort of the passers by People are
so accustomed to the boys that they come and
go without attracting much attention from the
public. 1t is, perhaps noticed that the hand
that is thrust out for the nickel in ex-
change for a paper is. perhaps, q trifie
more grimy than is usual, but it is rare
that the busy man of affairs takes the time to
look into the face Of the newsboy or think of
his probable condition. AS a rule the boys are
self reliant little fellows and they don't care
for sympathy as long as they get the pennies.
Their time is fully occupied with devising
Some of the boys have homes and parents and
others have not, but their home ties are
naturally somewhat weak. They lead in
dependent lives and it is for this reason that
the society has work to do. They can help
the boys in great many ways. At present
they furnish them with a pleasant place to
spend the evenings.
The RECEPTION ROOM.
The large connecting parlors in the Metzerott
house are comfortably furnished with tables
and chairs. Reading matter is supplied for
those whose taste run that way. Then there
are games and other diversions which boys
enjoy. Perfect liberty of action is encouraged
within. of course, limits that prevents
the house from being injured and the
furniture Destroyed On three evenings
during the week a night school is held for
those who wish to attend. The District authori-
ties supply competent teacher. and the boys
are given an opportunity to satisfy their thirs,
for knowledge. There are large proportion
of the boys. unpromsing as they.may be i'll APP
pearance, who are ambitious for the future.
They look forward to a career and
they have their dreams of the future
on much the same generous scale