, 1900-02-17

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lie like a pirate, from sheer confusion
If fault has been found in him he joins
the ranks of the IS. ITs.," and waits
the pleasure of the board.
The board Of special inquiry sits be.
hind closed doors, and, at first sight
isn't formidable; in fact, it looks wise
but distinctly good-natured. The S
is are admitted in small attachments
round the little room. The secretary
calls a name that sounds like an echo
of Forsyth street. A tall Hebrew steps
forward, puts his hat on, and swears
to tell the truth. Then Major Semsey
takes him in hand. The major is the
cornerstone and foundation of the
board. He doesn't care what he does
with his tongue. He can apparently
talk all the languages and dialects of
Europe and have a try at Central Asia,
and appears to be equally at home in
all. He translates the questions of the
board and the immigrants answers
and the DOOR foreigners cling with pa
thetic confidence to this man who
speaks to them in the language Of their
homes.
Major Semsey tackled the Hebrew,
who admitted that he hadn't Il cent,
but said his brother-in-law, Isaac Ros-
enthal, would take him out. Isaac was
produced from outer darkness and he
informed the board hat he was in the
clothing way, had $1,000 in the bank,
and 500 in his pocket, and longed to
support his brother-in-law for an in
definite period of time. He had not al
ready procured work for him. Oh. no.
The board moved hat the new addi-
ton to the dominant race be admitted,
and the two men started for Forsyth
street. Right here let it be put on rec
ord that this devotion of brothcr-in-law
is without parallel. Ruth and Naomi
weren't a circumstance to it. The
number of br0thers-in-law who appear
before the S. |. board each day and of
fer to share their home with stranded
immigrants is enough to justify popu-
lar recognition of the brOther-in-law
as the highest product of modern civil
lizatiOn.
Two Italians are the next candidates.
They have been held up by the con-
tract-labor examiners, and have filter
ly made affidavit that they had receiv-
ed promises of work at high wages.
The major gives them a chance for
their lives.
You know, if you've said anything
that isn't true, you needn't stick to it,"
he says, showing them the English af-
tidavit. Then he reads it to them in
Italian. They smile confdingly, show
their white teeth, and nod their heads
in conscious integrity.
Now, that's all true?"
Isl, signor."
And the boss provides you work at
$3.50 a day."
Isl, ~signor."
We'll, why the devil didn't he tell
you not to tell it?" Tin EngIish).
Excluded" voted the noard: and
the Italians, still honest and smiling,
go Il to join the group in the lowest
circle.
Another Italian comes, who has no
money, but his brother-in-law is on
hand to take him out. The brother-in-
law hadn't written TO him, oh, no;
didn't know he was coming until fell
low passengers sent word the boy was
here. He has no work for him. No:
but one must do something for ones
wifeNs brother. He will give him a
home. So the Americanized Italian
tells the tale. The new arrival hasn't
a good memory for detail. His story
doesn't agree with his brother-in-law's.
He i~nconviently remembers contain
letters and promises Of stone-quarry
work. His relative makes desperate
efforts to prevent his rushing on to his
own destruction, but is snuffed out by
the board.
"Excluded'-and off he goes.
A Burmese boy whose trade is lion
training turn up. He speaks excellent
English; so the reporter, to his sor-
row, will lever know whether the mai
or could have talked Burmese. The
boy has money. What can he do?
Tame lions. The board looks helpless.
1t don't know of any lions in its imme-
date circle of acquaiutances. Some
one facetiously suggests that the lad
might have a go at the tiger. Just
then an official hurrios in. The COM
missioner has found a man who will
take the lion tanner n provide well
for him. The patron is introduced, and
explains to the board. The boy is ask
ed If he is willing to go with the be-
nevolent friend. He assents indiffer-
emily, as calmly impassive as ever. and
disappears through the swinging door.
A swollen-eyed, ragged woman, hug
ging a crying child in her arms. is
brought in. The child has favus; bad
case. The cannot send any one
back with the little one. Then she
must go herself. Excluded both of
them; and the major twists uncomfort-
ably in his chair. and looks away from
the frightened imploring eyes.
The doorkeeper brings in a pink
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