The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-08-23
THE NEwSBoYs ORGANIZE.
Form n Union and Relief Society for
Mutual BcneGt.

The fever for organization that seems
sooner or later to animate all forms of
labor and industry, has now infused itself
into the newsboys of Washington. The
'Newsboys' Union and Relief Society" is
the result of the spirit. Already nearly
one hundred boys, black and white, have
enrolled their names on the union lists.
have paid their initiation fee and are now
wearing badges that proclaim their mem
bership.
The movement is the outcome OF plan
originated by E. N Reese. assistant city
circulator of The Times, who was once
| a newsboy himself, and who still displays
an active interest In the affairs OF the
urchins who make their living by selling
papers, Similar unions have been organ
lied in previous years as-ong the newsboys.
but they have all failed for lack of inter
est and good management. The plan un-
der which the present organization has
been effected Is as follows:
Eacli boy who desires TO join the union
pays to Mr.. Reese 10 cents for an initia-
! tion Zee and cents for badge. Then he
pays each day penny. These fees entitle
him to all the benefits of the union. II he is
sick he receives a weekly sum OF S1.5O
and is cared for by physician. DR.. C.
NJ. Emmons has volunteered his services
free of charge to the union. The bene-
fetal end OF the project is proving the
greatest attraction. The boys are quick
to see what value the weekly allowance
is in case OF illness.
| A picnic will be held by the union Mon
day. September 10. 1t will probably occur
at either the National or the Y. NJ. C. A.
Park Races and games will be the amuse-
ments provided for the boys and prizes
will be awarded to the winners. Refresh
ments will be served to the boys free OF
charge. The picnic will take place be-
tween the hours of a. m. and p. m,
after the newsboys have sold their morn
ing papers and before the evening papers
are issued. In order to defray the ex-
penses of the picnic tickets will be placed
on sale in news stands and cigar stores
throughout the city. People buying tickets
will be permitted to attend and watch the
festivities. 1t is thought that the sale
will net considerable sum- enough to pay
all the expenses and leave a surplus. The
surplus will be used to fit up a newsboys'
home. Mr.. Reese has a plan to hire
hall and fit up several rooms for the ac-
commodation of the Juveniles
One of the rooms will be equipped with
light gymnasium apparatus. Another will
contain magazines and light reading mat
ter. kitchen will be set up, where boys
who have no homes can get meals az a
moderate cost. Cots will also be provided
for the homeless ones. A larger hall will
provide accommodation for weekly mset-
ings of the union. On Sundays the boys
will assemble for divine services. 1t is
the intention to have some clergyman
give talk on each Sunday. In the winter
months night school will be formed and
| those who so desire will be taught to read
and write. The rent of the hail. it is
thought. can be easily betrayed by the
membership dues If sufficient number of
| newsboys Join the union.
Mr.. Reese estimates thai there are in
Washington at least 500 newsboys If
half of this number could be induced to
join the daily income would. it is thought
be ample to meet the expenses of the
union. II is hoped that philanthropic
persons will be interested in the scheme
and assist in its maintenance. Most Of
the newspapers are interested in the idea.
The agencies of the New York newspapers
in Washington have agreed to take back
all papers which members of the union are
unable to sell.
A roeeting of the Union will be he'd Sat-
urdsy at $3.50 p. N. in the rear Of 421
Tenth Street At this meeting tempo
rary headquarters will be seivSted and a
permanent organization effected.