St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1893-12-14
THEY TALK TO THETRAMPS
MAYOR EgsTiS AND REV. MIR. WiIK-
MS0K VISIT THEM
DOWN I'm THEIR BLACK HOLE
AT the Central statfon-The Mayor
and the Clergyman Give the
Homeless Ones Words Of Cheer
and Promise Them BETTER 40.
cemmodations and Care-The
boys" Applaud the Speakers.


The numerous gentlemen whom dire
necessity drives to the lookup these
cold winter nights enjoyed rare treat
last evening. Mayor Eustis and
|aRev. William Wilkinson made
speeches to them. His honor and
Rev. Mr.. williamson called at
the central station about 1880 p. m.
land asked Jailer McKenna to show
them to the ''tramp room." This cele-
DRAFTED refuge for the .'hOuseless
stranger" is down one fight of stairs.
The mayor and Mr.. Wilkinson went
down, opened the door to the right. and
entered the lodging house.
The air was foul, most foul" and
the dodgers dirty, more dirty, most
dirty. 1t was motley mixture.
Stretched upon the crude improvised
benches were perhaps hundred men
OF all ages, occupations and condi
lions of servitude. White-haired pau
pers lay next to youthful unfortunates.
and good clothes touched rags.
For all the dodgers were not
tramps. To look at the wretched
array and not think of the ambitions,
hopes, loves and bitter disappointments
that had swayed the lives of all of them
at some time, would be impossible. The
mayor thought of them, and so did Rev.
Mr.. Wilkinson.
tered the dodgers did not look up, at
first supposing that the mayor and the
clergyman had come to stay for
the night. But when Mr.. Wilkinson
spoke they sat up and listened very
intently. AS they did so, the
observer could study their faces. Some
there were who would not work under
any conditions; many who would only
pc too glad of an opportunity to earn
honest money. This is what Mr.. Wiki
inson said. and those unfortunate men
nearo every word:
UT is prOpo sed to find some lodging
and breakfast for the deserving, but not
for men who are chronic loafers or
drunkardS or dead beats. The city
does not intend to make Minneapolis
shrine toward which all toughs in the
West will wend their weary way, but it
Is designed that unfortunate manhood
shall not lie out In the cold and starve.
Keep honest, sober, fear God and be-
have and all will be well with YOU"
Then Mr.. Wilkinson turned toward
Mayor Eustis and said:
"Gentlemen, this is the mayor of Min
neapolis."
the word '.mayor'' seemed to have
talismanic effect, for every tramp sat up
stringently, and some stood up, while
all applauded. This is what the mayor
said:
boys, we are sorry to see you here
because of hard times; but you might
be in many worse places. We will try
to help you. How many Of you have
lived here year?"
A few hands went up.
''How many OF you use whisky and
tobacco" asked the mayor.
The hands were not counted, as the
mayors time was limited.
The mayor then informed the dodgers
that 1t was intended to furnish a break
fast to all the deserving, and that ar
engagements would at once be made to
provide for them more effectually. What
is needed is bath room where the men
can wash their underclothing and them
selves.
Mr.. Wilkinson then assured the
mayor, in the presence of the dodgers,
that If any well-considered plan, ade-
quate to the needs. was devised, he would
see that $500 were placed at the disposal
of those in authority. The money was
the gift of personal friend. Then the
mayor and Mr.. Wilkinson babe ..the
boys" good night and made their exit,
leaving them all in splendid humor.