New-York tribune., 1901-09-03
TO LICENSE NEWSBOYS.
An ATTEMPT TO IMPROVE THEIR CONDI-
TON TO BE MADE BY THE Ma
TTONAL ASSOCIATION OF
NEWSDEALERS BOOK
SELLERS AND
STATIONERS.
STATIONERS.

TIE resolution favoring the licensing OF news
tcys which was passed a few days ago by the
National Association of Newsdealers. Booksellers
and stauoners was occasoned b. the desire OF that
organization 10 improve the condition of the chill
dren now engaged in selling papers in the streets
and 10 insure 10 : greater number Of them some
kind Of education.
President Thomas F. Martin Of this association
estimates that there are now some three thousand
newsboys in this city, and it is already well
known fact that many Of them are not doing
legitimate business. Little pickpcckets have been
known TO ply their trade under the ostensibe
guise Of newsboys. and other small urchins with
q paper or two under their arms habitually haunt
the elevated stairs 10 gain dimes Of niclIels from
persons who do not care TO buy papers. but who
pity the apparently sad plight OF the boys.
"A much larger number Of boys than IS generally
realized by the public" says Mr.. Martin ARE
carrying papers without any adequate reason for
doing so. In many cases the parents do not wish
them 10 do So but have control over their chill
dren. who in this way losing the schooling
which they cannot get later in life. At the same
time the dishonest bring the whole class into
Gisrepute and even reflect discredit times the
older neEsdealeTs II the boys could sell papers
except with a license the disreputable ones would
go out Of The business. and the hundreds OF boys
who are forced TO earn living in this manner
would stand a better chance.
We in favor Of all legitimate selling" con-
tnued Mr. Martin. and would have the license
low, say perhaps 80 cents. The association would
no doubt willingly pay the license Of desirable boys
who were absolutely unable 10 spend that amount
themselves. With the number Of newsboys thus
reduced within proper limits. not only would
children OF better character follow the calling but
lhey would be able 70 make a fair living, which
some OF them cannot do now. and would proba bly,
grow Up 10 do profitable business as newsdea lers
as some Of have done"
PRESIDENT Martin had experience as a newsboy
lh MS caller days and is intimately acquainted
WIZ the life m its various aspects. He considers
INC employment far better than much Of the indoor
Nofk which many children doing. and thinks il
SReh OF an educational character. IL followed uD
me neWsboy who becomes in later life successful
t.egIletor oi a newsstand may then make from s25
Ihs system Of licensing employed in Boston is
1slsnY commended by the association Of news
eeaisfs. and the members see no reason why II
sSslo not IN time be adopted here. In London also
ne seneme works most satisfactorily. In both
S4.sse cities all licensed newsboys wear a badge
~ - boston IN order 10 obtain the license they
aahe 70 apply 10 the school authorities This is the
"Lich mas the matter Of education much at heart
a., aHe association VIII request publishers OF even
" papers not 70 issue editions on Christmas
I, ,ss-leaf S Day, Fourth OF July and THANKSGIVING
S oues hot OBJECT 70 early morning work on these
out Is anxious 70 secure at least an afternoon
o,.as Ief the children that they may learn 10
~ - - lhe national holidays and imbibe some OF
cal forth. ' 'i''eiNeu ~