River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1894-11-15

MR.. EDITOR: The sentiments eX-
pressed by "Citizen" in his communi-
cation to last weeks JOURNAL, with
reference TO the annoying attitude of
certain young people meets respon-
siye expressions of approval from
every other citizen of this community.
The patience of longsuffering
public has been severely tested by the
persistence and intensity of this
offensive annoyance of maynard,
insolent and lawiess blackguardism
The burden of this complaint, how
ever, does not lie against the kid
element-ranging in age from to 10
years; we can endure with more of
patience, and perhaps with something
of sympathy, the thoughtless frolics
OF irresponsible children at that
dependent age, but there is no reason
in the long-suffering tolerance of
com unity without effectual protest
for the persistent rowdyism that
insults and menaces its good sense.
convenience, comfort and morals; the
intentional, intelligent and studied
annoyances in public places of dozen
boys from twelve to twenty years of
age, an aggregation whose supreme
ambition seems to eliminate in row.
dyism. There is no excuse for il ex-
in the depraved tastes of the perpetra
tors, and the equally criminal toler-
ance OF them by the well disposed part
of the community. Not only are we
annoyed by these disagreeable dis
plays at the depot upon the arrival
and departure of trains, and in public
halls during performances, but the
same disquieting element is conspic-
uous in and around the Post Office
nearly every evening. Even church
services are not free from the per-
sistent annoyance of these same
youngsters. Who has not felt
sudden freak to go TO church some
Sunday evening TO learn of some of
that fraternal spirit that inculcates
love to our enemies, and while in that
frame of mind in which he expects
and hopes to receive an afflatus of
divine grace very different feeling is
aroused in him by the noisy entrance,
shuffiing and pushing, whispering and
giggling OF these chronic offenders
with exasperating persistence, and
instead OF a sentiment OF yielding
pliancy to the religious services he
feels a sudden and almost irrepressible
desire to snatch these offensive and
disquieting disturbers Of his peace of
mind "bald headed?" at the close
of the services there is boisterous
rush of these self-important young
sters for the exit where they Zine up"
along the steps interfering with the
free egress of the audience and
pleasant conference of friends
What object have these fellows in
view in this ungentlemanly and
offensive performance? Are there
any young ladies' there of such a
yitiated taste rs to accept the PRO
lection" of this crowd Of gentle
mem" This same squad are frequent
ly seen running from one church to
another at the close of the services,
and seem to be looking for some I'M
protected lady to escOrt--home.
Another most reprehensible feature
of this same decidedly ungentlemanly
element is frequently observed on the
streets in the evening. A number Of
them gather in front of stores and
make disparaging remarks of women
and young girls as they pass. If
man should hear an Outspoken insult
from these against a member of his
own family it would be resented with
sudden and swift vengence, as it
should be, but the remark you hear,
for evident reasons given above, is
always about another mans relations.
affects the good name of the individual
members of the community in which
all are interested, and it should be
summarily and vigorously suppressed.
1t is true that parents should have
their children under their absolute
control, and direction. This is easily
attained with those of the dependent
ages from 8 to II. Beyond this age
boys-and too frequently, girls, begin
to assert their independence. Ii the
inclination of the mind and heart are
in the right direction, simple advice
and general oversight will keep
him straight, but if his disposition is
hayward and his associations with
the depraved. he needs watching. he
needs discipline, and if the parent is
derelict, the community through its
authorities should not be. 1t is a
matter that concerns the community,
matter of public policy, of public
morals. As TO young girls: that
thoughtless mother who permits her
daughter on the street evenings with
out proper protector is guilty of
criminal negligence" carelessness
which maybe repented OF IN later
years in bitter, but unavailing
tears"
munity is vitality interested in the
formative character of its youths, the
| morals of its young people, the gentle
manly and chivalric conduct of its
young men, the innocence, the virtue
and amiability of young womanhOod.
We believe the City Marshal does
what he can in the preservation of
| order and the suppression of annoying
disturbances; he is not ubiquitous,
cannot be in all places at once, and
perhaps doesDnot know how far the
community will support him in this
direction. ut is evident, however,
that the Community desires the COM
plete suppression of these annoyances.
OBSERVER.
G. L. Rollins can save you money on
wood