New-York tribune., 1901-10-28

The canvass Of East Side tenements is attended
with many amusing well few uncomfortable
experiences. The fact that the canvasser wears no
outward sign distinguish him from the ordinary
bill collector is the chief Of his troubles His
approach TO a tenement is sent speedily throughout
the building and is known 10 every inhabitant be
fore foot in the building. perfect is the
secret service OF the tenement dwellers. Frequent
ly he walks through the dark halls the sound
OF dog barking 10 arouse his apprehension.
The people themselves regard him with the deepest
suspicion. Their attitude is OF mingled hostility
and terror; they either shrink from his questions
entirely answer with surliness which IS i'm
penetrabe. Frequently canvasser passes through
entire tenement house without securing al atom
OF information
One Of the Citizens Union canvassers had an
amusing example ofthe extent OF this suspicion the
other day while canvassing in lower East Side
district, He was working in a tenement not far
from the Bowery. He knocked a door. and after
considerable time the coor was pushed open
nized Evidently the result was not unfavorabie
for presently feminine voice queried
rs your man imp inquired the canvasser po-
Vat you want Of my MANI
The Citizens Union man explained that he wished
TO talk with her husband, If he would him.
Vat you talk 10 my man about?" the wife ques-
The canvasser explained that he wished TO talk
about politics look of intense relief passed over
You can't talk politics with him." she explained.
why asked the visitor; imPauently
''he's dead
The end Of the last day OF registration was at
hand; the clock IN the registration booth showed
$50 The registration officers were stretched out
| enjoying their first nap OF the day. The Tam
many captain, too had settled back in his chair
and his face wore an aspect OF complete serenity:
all his people registered. and his work was
done. Only the Republican captain showed signs of
uneasiness: half minute intervals he got up and
walked TO the door and looked anxiouSly up and
down the street
AT length when the time had trailed TO within
FIVE minutes Of the closing time, there was a sud
| den stir outside the booth and a man rushed in
hatless. coatless and in OF breathless ex-
| but radiant Found him in bed and he kicked like
a steer, but he had TO come" he explained to his
With extreme care the applicant began to unron
the wrappers lhet s9L ms precious natura-
| when he removed the last layer and disclosed a
| Chairman impressiveIy. The chairman grunted
| scornfuly he took it, and his colleagues made
| audible comments they reluctantly reopened
their books As the chairman studied the paper be-
fore him the frown on his face softened slowly TO
:Gentlemen" he said. deferentially. The appli-
enrolment in the B'nai Birth Lodge. Shall We reg
And as the clock finished striking the hour the
Tarnmany captain answered with chucke: Next
| year"
4 There was a mass meeting the other night in
/ one of the East Side German districts The hall
/ was crowded. but the audience was hostile. The
| chairman had been forced make one apology
after another for the non-appearance OF the dis
tingushed array OF speakers which the posters had
prouised. mediocre list had been substituted
and the silence OF the audience and the utter alb
sence OF applause marked the lack OF enthusiasm
aroused. One burning issue after another had been
| touched in vain. and the fountains OF Teutonic
sentiment were still untouched.
] AT length the last speaker was introduced. He
was received in silence save for the noise attend
ing the departure OF number OF the more disgust
ed OF the audience. This orator too. plunged, or
| rather noundered. 10 the attack OF Tammany. He
! arraigned il as guilty of every known offence. but
the Germans listened stolidly At last he touched
the Ramapo case. the most colossal fraud OF the
/ ace an attempt Il accomplish the ruin OF the mu-
! nIcipality.' Even these phrases aroused no ap-
| plause-
/ why gentlemen. this is attack upon the lib
ertv and welfare OF every citizen of greater New
/ York. he exclaimed. in burst OF oratorical fer
| vor Why do We demand liberal supply of pure
| water? Because. gentlemen. good water makes
/ good beer.'
There was a second OF silence while the Teutonic
| mind srasped the fact Then the audience rose as
| one man and cheered and cheered until the very
| wells trembled with the echoes OF their ringing
lvya