The herald., 1894-01-14

fleet. Why not investigate this phase
of life for the benefit of those who have
never known hunger or homeless life
GOES ''A-sLUMMINo."
The next day the HERALD reporter
was adrift smong the lowest of mankind
seen in large city. He started out to
sink to the depth of trampdom, to learn
its cause and effect.
Disguised as a typical tramp ne seated
himself in Central park on the opening
day of the new year. The SUMS 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 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 flight 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
comes very handy, too, sometimes, for
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 visit to the
army's lunch place, as it was nearly 10
o'clock, For" he said, 1.-The other bows
will soon be gittiI' inter line. You see,
you must have one O. these tickets.
They give 'em only 10 deservin' people,"
The pair strolled 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. Tho
writer, who appeared TO be decided
"greeAie" at the business. finally se-
cured a ticket from ue-bonneted
lassie, and fell into line behind his
friend.
Like the swaying crowd the conver.
sation dHfted. Nearly two hours were
epent in standing in line like ticket
buyers at one of PATHS farewell con-
cegte. Finally, when tine long line of
dirty, hungry men and youths filed
slowly up the stairs and jumped on the
benches. q sigh of relief was uttered.
Gee" said the tramp, who, from
numerous salutationc by brothers OF the
fraternity, bore the name OF SHORTY"
amt that spread for you See the
big cake !"
Who's the 'greenie'?" whispered a
grimy knight Of the railway tie to the
writer's temporary companion, after
things had become settled.
"One OF the boys" ne answered.
After having been forced to Listen to
veligious ceremonies for half an hour,
during which time s.Shorty'' and the
writer mad eaten heartily Of the free
Mnch 80 generously prepared by the
Feli-sacrli1cing SaAvationists, they both
wandered out in the street again.
An hour or two was spent In loafing
sronnd the street corners. About 3 40
O'Clock the pair was Joined by .Bip
Mike in Los Angeles street groggerv.
Big Mike 10 known on the road from
New Orleans to Portland. He is
genial, whole-sonled tramp of l5
years stending. Mike had partaken of
the Salvation arms's dinner. but he
was snrs to take advantage OF an oppor-
tuDlty to eat again, even 30 minutes aft
erward.
The usual "fermalities" had been ex-