Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-04-12
MURRAY'S MUSINGS.

| AbIe-Bodied Beggars of New York-Prob
lem for sociologists-Two-Dollar Bill.
Move Rapidly Now-Jerry simpson Hits
the Nail on the Head.
Theoretically New York has no beggars II
| is forbidden occupation. As matter of fact
| there are more street beggars here than there
are in Rome. They are not, as rule of that
class of aged, infirm, crippled helpless people
one often sees and sickens over abroad; but
they are able-bodied, impudent varlets, who
doubtless combine occasional highway robbery
and HOUSEKEEPING with the regular business of
soliciting aims on the streets. The unfre-
quented side streets are rendered dangerous by
their bold operations, which are not always
carried on By night. In the crowded shopping
districts they have snatched pocketbooks in
broad daylight. On upper Broadway these
operators will follow close alongside of timid
men, demanding financial assistance in the
most threatening manner. They are usually
too active for the police, and give those kind Of
coppers a wide berth.
In effect, therefore, the anti-street-beggary
municipal laws of New York drive the misera-
bly, poor and MANNED creatures from the
streets and substitute able-bodied loafers,
tramps. and highwaymen. These laws exclude
even the industrious organ-grInder and Ger
man street bands, but a very loud public pro-
test, and the championship of the organists by
great daily newspaper, soon secured mod
lhcation in favor of the Italian musicians who
are now subject only to local objection. That
is, when householder objects to the organist
he must move on. This is a sensible arrange
ment. There is no reason why little children
should be deprived of the only sort of music
most OF them have an opportunity of hearing,
provided the street music is not nuisance.
and is not allowed to disturb sick people or go
among the disciples of Wagner. In this respect,
however. it will be observed that the sons of
Italy are in the enjoyment of privilege not ex-
tended to the natives Of Germany, for "the
little German band" had to go. Perhaps the
proper representation of this fact at Rome by
Secretary Blaine might mollify the wrath of
King Humbert. and Offset in measure, our
condemned indifference to the legal rights of
the Mafia, or at least prevent the inconsiderate
shelling of New York.
AS to the class of beats and buns and toughs
VINO render the streets of New York unsafe
and who, while able to earn an honest living
prefer to prey upon the public in one form or
another. 1t IS composed chiefly of native Ameri-
cans. To our shame be it said. If the police
records didn't show it to be true, the personal
observation of those who come in accidental
contact with members of this class would be all
sufhclent. AS rule, these beggars are men in
the prime OF life. Where they come from is a
mystery. What creates them is a problem
worthy OF the investigation of the politico-
social economist 1t is to be observed that in
almost every case inquiry elicits the statement
that they are American workingmen ont of en-
ployment. But why should American workmen
60 unemployed where all classes of foreigners
hnd ready market for their laborf Why
should men who speak the English language
and who are familiar with our system and the
demands of trade allow themselves to be thrust
out into the streets by aliens who know nothing
and are compelled to face all the manifold
disadvantages of such ignorance?
Is the American employer responsible for
this? And if So to what extent is he RESPONSE
Bile? Has 1t come to pass that our system of
protection to American labor encourages only
foreign labor. and by such protection results in
driving our native born people out of the labor
market and into the streets and highways? Is
the American made of such stuff that he is IN
able to cope successfully with the problem of
life on level with imported foreigners? 1t is
humiliatIng to even entertain seriously such
suggestions. If these suggestions have foun-
dation in fact it is still deeper concern. New
ertheless, the circumstantial evidence of the
vast army of native born American tramps,
buns and cutthr0ats that Infest the highways
and byways of the country and slink idly about
the streets of our great cities would seem to
challenge the attention alike of the humanita-
rian and the political philosopher.