The herald., 1895-02-24
WITH THE
FLOWER VENDERS OF
LOS ANGELES
flow the Wee Maidens Who Sell
Posies OH the Streets Ply
Their Innocent Work
After Night--Many
Pitfalls for
Them

"Vi-olets, vi-oets, cents bunch"
The half-pleading, fascinating tone in
which these words are uttered by the
youthful voices, is familier to all pedestri
ans who frequent Spring street.
The invitation to purchase these sweet
scented, pretty boquets is so earnest, the
appeal is SO persistent that but few can
refuse the offer extended in such childish
manner. 1t makes the flowers look hand
somer, it makes the perfume more fra
grant when they are offered by these in
nocent hands--they look brighter and
more attractive.
From early morning until long after
the sun has set over the San Pedro Bay,
these little venders walk up and down the
principal thorougfare, importuning the
passing throng to buy their flowers from
her.
They omit no one. The richly dressed
lady who is out on her shopping tour re-
ceives the same attention as her less
favored sister, and the business man, who
is hurrying to reach the bank before that
institution closes its doors, is stopped by
the same request as the tourist, who knows
only enjoyment and has temporarily
thrown business cares to the winds
Do they sell their neat little bouquets?
Just watch them for quarter OF an hour
and see how the people patronize these
young folks. Whether moved by chari-
table instincts, or whether attracted by
the melodious appeal but few of the
pedestrians turn deaf ear to the request,
or fail to buy boutonniere.
Within block, however, is seen the
form of an elderly woman, resting her
weary form silently against one of the
large buildings that adorn Spring street.
By her side is large basket containing
poppies and flowers of all descriptions,
and in her hands she holds few large
bouquets. She does not speak, she fails to
call attention to her wares. She seems to
live in another sphere; the scenes that sur
round her seem to be of no interest to her.
Once IN while the little children with
the violets run up to her, place in her
thin hands the proceeds of their sales and
her somber face brightens as she beholds
the nickelsr that have been gathered by
her offspring.
1t is the old story of a poor woman at
tempting to provide in honest manner
the necessaries of life for herself and fam
lily. 1t is that fact that makes the heart
softer, the purse string looser, when the
pretty bouquets are offered.
And yet many people do not approve of
these little tots running around the.streets
practically in idleness, subject to insults
and remarks that should escape the child
ish ears. Even pity for their unfortunate
condition cannot remove the belief that
these youngsters are surrounded by evil
influences that may forever leave their
imprints on their minds.
But the dangers with which these child
rem are surrounded are not so great and
are far less numerous than the scenes to
which the little girls are subjected whe
they enter saloons and barbershops,
where frequently words are uttered that
should never reach their ears. The street
offers suggestions that sometimes do not
escape the eyes and mind of tender years,
but how much more degrading and often
sive are the surroundings of the drinking
places, that should remain mysteries to
the childish thought.
l have heard it remarked by men who
usually do not philosophize that the
schoolroom and not the streets and saloons
are the places where these children should
receive the first impressions of life, and
that, no matter how urgent the demands
of the widowed mother may be for the ne
cessities of life, the child en- should at
least be protected from the evils that sur
round them.
They should be prevented from entering
do not refuse to share your money with
them, but drop a nickel in these small
and somewhat dirty little hands and you
will not only have done kind act, but
these violets will look prettier in your coat
when you admire yoursel in the looking
glass.