The herald., 1898-02-25
on THE STREET
. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES


Waiting for a car, met one OF the hard
working teachers of our city schools, the
other day. 1t was late in the afternoon and
she was all tired out with the nervous ex-
haustion that comes of trying to rule and,
at the same time instruct large class OF
the toughest youngsters that are to be
found in one of the poorest quarters OF
town. Boys who are occasionally shoe
blacks, paper sellers, match peddlers,
cigarette fiends and theater gallery gods,
form the tough element Of this school and
make life far from pleasant for the patient
pedagogues- The teacher was eloquent
upon the trials of her profession, but at
the same time had lively sense OF the
humor that sometimes crecps even into
such grimy surroundings. Il was giving
them some breathing exercises" said she
Ito give them a change. and to keep them
out of mischief. They. for the most part,
worked at the exercises willingly enough,
but one big. husky boy who was ring
leader among the rebellious ones did not
join in. l talked to him and told him how
good it was for him to practice proper
breathing, and how. among other things,
1t would make him stronger and help TO
develop his muscle. With a glance Of un-
disguised contempt he looked at me and
growled out: L amt goin' into no ring, so
l don't want no muss, See?'"
And the car moved on.
The interest in the Havana developments
has been 30 profound that breach of dis
cipline which observed on the part of
policeman the other day may perhaps be
pardoned. He was standing in the center
of one of the most crowded crossings on
Spring street. at the busiest hour of the
day. Street cars were passing within a
foot of either side OF him. nervous old la
dies were looking TO him for assistance.
and wagons were in imminent danger OF
collision with themselves and bicyclists,
but Mr.. Constable stood calmly reading a
newspaper containing the latest theory as
to the Maine's explosion.
Talking of policemen. the commission
some months ago led us to believe that
there was to be striking Improvement in
the appearance of the force. Their uni
forms were to assume a metropolitan and
thoroughly up-to-date semblance. 1t is
true that white gloves and white clubs
have been introduced but /, seems to me
that they look trife inconsequent when
the whole effect is spoiled by headgear of
an ancient vintage. A helmet green with
age is not fitting crown for such glory as
the commission promised US.
Wednesday was Milo NJ. Potter's lucky
day. Besides the fact that the license of
the Van Nuys hotels bar was restored to
him. Mr.. Potter was appointed by the
president of the chamber OF commerce to
a seat on the committee on grievances. The
minutes of this committees meetings
ought 10 make interesting reading but
Louis Vetter. who is its chairman. declares
that its patience shall not be imposed upon.
o o o
Frank Virgins versatile accomplish
ments have long been the admiration and
envy of his friends but few had suspected
that there was such latent force in his
ability as chucker-out. The handsome
secretary's big toe ia still sore from the
severe exercise it indulged in on Wednes-
day afternoon. In making his shoemaker
acquainted with the tailor of foolhardy
confidence man who had dared to invade
the sacred precincts OF the chamber of COM
merce in his search for suckers Mr.. Wig
gins has not only added a fresh lustre to
his own reputation but has given a timely
warning that whereas the majority of
home products find welcome berth in the
chamber the Poker" Davis variety will
be hurled to the street or the garbage bar
rel with neatness and dispatch.
BYSTANDER.