Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-04-18
THEIR PEACR DISTURBED
CITIZENS COMPLAIN % YOUNGER
AMERICAS
Children Who Indulge sin Games to
the Annoyance of the
Public. ~

A complaint was received by the police
recently concerning thu misdeeds of small
boy who is pet of the peace guardians of
one precinct and of several of the detec-
tives. This small boy, who is but four
years old, attended the races one day and
witnessed hurdle performance. AS soon
as he returned home the thought struck
him that he might initiate the interesting
race track event. He called on several
of his young friends, explained to them
what he had seen and then proceeded with
the arrangements for the, race The sur
face of the sidewalk and street was too
hard for the youngsters, and they looked
for place where they could do their run
ming and jumping on the soft earth. A
flower garden was found and the growing
plants were goods~enough hurdles for the
children. What they did to the flowers was
told IN a complaint made to the police.
Ihls, however, Is only one of the many
complaints that have been received lately
common occurrence of the season-about
the pranks and escapades Of Young Ameri-
ca, athoush those complained of are not
always so young as the boy mentioned.
Cnnoren playing in the street have caused
a number of growls from wheelmen and
drivers, but the police seem powerless to
apply remedy. policeman who spoke
TO some chlldren one day last week and
ing such play was not thanked for his
trouble
DO you want us to go out in the country
TO pray game! was asked by one of the
little girls present. eff you do" she added
I'VE just amt going, and we've got to have
some place to play
He Smiled and Passed On.
The policeman realized the difficulty he
would have If he attempted to force the
children to leave the street and he merely
smiled as he walked. He was also in
formed before he got beyond hearing that
the presence on the street of the children
might stop some bicycle scorching and fast
driving, to say nothing of the reckless
handling of horseless carriages
Complaints about boys playing base ball
on the streets, as well as on lots, where
the ball Is frequently batted across the
sidewalks. have also been received by the
police. Boys who engage in this game in
the more thickly populated sections some
times do considerable damage, but cause
no more annoyance than do the crowds of
boys who gather about street corners and
business places and make hideous noises
during the late hours of the night
Another source of ANNOYANCE to citizens
ana consequently to the police is the small
BOY with the parlor rife or air gun that
was given him as a Christmas present
There are many people who have no OBJ
lection to the slaughter of cats and rats
with such toys, but when chickens are
killed and the leaden missiles are sent in
close proximity to children or dwellings it
IS entirely another matter.
Violation of Law
The discharge of such weapons is a vio-
lation of law, and when the offender is
known the matter may be easily rene
died.
Several reports made to the police in
dictate renewal of cruel sport that was
INDUCED in to some extent many years
ago, that of fastening tin pan to a dogs
tail Such cases come under the law pun
isbing persons for cruelty to animals.
Complaints are frequently made against
boys for breaking windows, throwing
stones and engaging in noisy games of
every description. In connection with the
reports of disturbed peace one man who
had grievance based his complaint on the
conduct of children on the streets at night.
Although those complained against were
young, he stated that their conduct was
disgraceful, and he thought the place for
children after shutdown was where they
might be under the immediate supervision
Of their parents.