The herald., 1894-01-14

feet. Why not investigate this phase
of life for the benefit of those who have
never known hunger or homeless life ?
GOES 'A-sLuMMINe."
The next day the HERALD reporter
was adrift among the lowest OF mankind
seen in a large city. He started out to
sink to the depth OF trampdom, to learn
its cause and effect.
Disguised as typical tramp ne seated
himself in Central park on the opening
day of the new year. The suns warm
rsys brought on drowsiness and aided in
more completely assuming the character
undertaken.
Half an hour had been spent in loung-
ing around when a fellow came up and
asked me "hev light" His lank, care
worn expression was significant OF hard
spent years, although he said he had
been out of a job only six months. He
left Fresno at the close Of summer with
the anticipation of securing work in this
part of the state. He had traversed the
southern portion of the state, had hung
on brake beams in his fight across the
dreary, burning wastes of sand, had
counted ties in Arizona, and had visited
the worlds fair and returned to Los An
geles by the way of New Orleans. No
wonder he was tramp.
''Gittin' nigh onto chewin' time" he
remarked, land if it wuzn't fur them
Salvationists the Lord only knows
where I'd eat today"
The Salvation srmy?" remarked the
writer.
"Oh, yes; they give free feed on the
first OF every new year, Pm told. 1t
ano unr 1Axr kAA T.
us poor devils. | haven't eaten since
yesterday" and there was tone to the
voice that came near giving the "snap"
away.
The tramp suggested a visit to the
army's lunch place, as it was nearly 10
o'clock, For" he said, "the other bows
will soon be gittin' inter line. You see,
you must have one O. these tickets.
They give 'em only 20 deservn' people" )"
The pair etrolled down Sixth street to
Spring and then to the Turnverein hall.
The tramps. the unemployed, the de.
serving and the undeserving, were COM
mencing to cong:egate to accept of
the army's generous hospitality. The
writer, who appeared to be decided
'greeRie" at the business, finally se-
cured ticket from a blue bonneted
lassie, and fell into line behind his
friend.
Like the swaying crowd, the CONVEX
sation dhfted. Nearly two hours were
epent in standing in line like ticket
buyers at one of PATHS farewell con-
ceqts. Finally, when the long line OF
dirty, hungry men and youths filed
slowly ur the stairs and jumped on the
benches. sigh of relief was uttered.
Gee" said the tramp, who, from
numerous saIutationc by brothers OF the
fraternity, bore the name OF Shorty"
''sin't that spread for you See the
big cakei"
WHO'S the 'greenie'?" whispered
orimy knight Of the railway tie to the
writer's temporary companion, after
things had become settled.
lone OF the boys" ne answered.
Alter having been forced to listen to
religious ceremonies for half an hour,
during which time Shorty" and the
writer had eaten heartily of the free
s1nch so generously prepared by the
selt-sacrificing Salvationists, they both
wandered out in the street again.
An hour or two was spent in loafng
sround the street corners. About 8 80
O'Clock the pair was Joined by "Big
Mike" in Los Angeles street groggery.
Big Mike lie known on the road from
New Orleans to Portland. He is
q genial, whole-sonled tramp OF l5
years standing. Mike had partaken of
the Salvation army's dinner, but he
was snrs to take advantage OF an oppor-
tunity TO eat again, even 80 minutes aft
erward.
Ths psusl "fermalities" had been ex-