Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-08-21
BY SHEAR DETERMINATION.
The Small Texan Stranded In Sew York
Got His Business Start rs Newsboy.


Shorty the Barber Is the title the
newsboys bootblacks. and other inhabi-
tants OF CITY Hall Park, have bestowed
upon n brown-faced, healthy-lookng 1T
tie lad OF u. Shorty IS a comparative
stranger, even In the park where there
are so many unknowns. He arrived
from Dallas. Tex, one day last week on
n cattle-traln, and when he had the
nerve 20 ask the boss for his pay for at
tending tAe cattle. he received Kick
and a cuff. and found himself stranded
IN the metropolis. not knowing where
he was going TO get his next meal. There
was no use in his seeking justice ne
argued as nobody would take ms worn
AGAINST the al-pOwerful cattle boss VINO
could claim with truth that he had fur-
nished Shorty with 81 suit OF JeahS
and had fed him for three weeks because
he had to have him 10 help care Tor the
cattle Shorty was a sturdy little Ameri-
can lad. and was not disconnected at
the Thought that an atom Ike himself
would never be noticed by anybody eN-
conf the Gerry society. so ne just
clinched his chubby fists and started out
20 hustle for his living. Naturally ne
drifted into City Hall PARK. the nome oi
the homeless. and at last. In his explo-
rations, found himself staring through
window In the Registers ONCE AT
clerk clipping sheets Of p9Er with a DIG
pair Of shears. out or doors on every
side there were little fellows of his own
size and age selling papers and backing
boots but he had not even the limited
capital REQUIRED to launch out In their
business. a..
He divided his attention between me
REGISTERS clerk ard a crowd OF hooilunS
Gathered on the stOOp shooting craps. lie
longe1 to toin the group, and would have
enjoyed the excitement OF the zap game
but he was pcnn!leSs, ana the cdpitans'lc
crap-shooters had no use for rank
outsider He knew full well maj II ne
ventured near enough to look on he was
bound to be pummelled by some player
who had superstitious fears against being
hoodooed. suddenly an idea suggested IT.
self IN him as he caught sight Of mop
haired lad called Girnpy. because he was
naralvZcd. and shorty saw the clerk lay
down the shears. He walked oyer to tho
omen window, and in a faltering tone
said:
Hey. mister, lend us yer shears fer a
few minutes will yer?'
The clerk turned In surprise Mt the re-
quest and weighed Shorty from head to
foot.
what do you want 'em for9' he asked.
81 list wanted ter make a few cents
cuttir,' a fellers hair" replied Shorty,
pointing toward Gimpy.
The clerk looked at Gimpy ana an
amused expression crept over his race as
he said:
IAN right. here y'are. Now mind young
man, if you attempt to run on with them
I'll have YOU arrested.
Thank yer" said shorty, as II the ar
rest was part Of barganin.
He took up the shears, and, approach
ing the group announced:
Docs any Of youse fellers want yer
hair cut? Cause il yer do, | kin do 1t
good. an it'n only cost yer hpence
apiece"
Shorty eyed Gimpy as he made this an
nouncement. and the lame lad became
Interested The crap-shooung was sus-
pended for the moment and the plaU~""
stared at shorty
Holy smoke, will yer git on ter der
size az it," said Red Brannigan, no bigger
than Shorty himself but mis- remark was
frownod down by the others.
GO on. Gimpy, YOU needs cut. Git
one" said one OF the group.
well I'm in tn habit Of havin' a
| shampoo wid me haircut. an you can't do
| that. kin ycr?'
yet bet Ntr lie i KIN. Sdlu 'HoIlN'
1 and Gunpy was induced to submit to the
/ operation. The other lads crowded around
ana howled with delight at shorty S
| efforts Gimpy's hair was as thick ~
/ tow. 1t was tangled up into knots and
| Kinks. and Shorty's job was not an easy
! one. The shears were not very sharp
| either. ana at every clip Gimpys face
! assumed an expression Of pain. The Job
| was finally completed. and Glmpys head.
shorn as il was In terraces, might nave
| been living picture OF the city Han
| steps in hair, but he did not nina APP
| pcarances. lie ran mis- hand over II, ana
| seemed satisfied 10 know that his hair was
! gone. g.,
oyer trust?" he quericd, fishing in his
| pockets FOR the required nickel
NO" said Shorty, clutchinS the shears
! in threatening manner.
How about der shampoo asked
! Glmpy.
THAT'S all right, but pay fer der hair
| cut"
The crowd chimcd in in Shorty's favor
and Gimpy had to pay.
| "Now. # yer wants a shampoo. sad
| shorty. as he pocketed the five pennies'
"ver kin go over TO der fountain.
! Sbortv's tonsorial abilities created such
| y favorable impression that two more
ucwsboys decided to try il. and even Red
! Hranniean was induced 10 undergo the
/ operation. The REGISTERS clerk. VINO
watched the proceedings from the win
! dow. received his shears back, and shorty
went IN Park Row TO get square meal
| lie had enough money lot to buy stock
/ of papers, and he is a newsboy now.