The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-10-09
PEDLERS' LICENSES.
More Generous Treatment the Right OF
Street Vendors.

To THE EDITOR OF THE SUN-Sir: From
time immemorial the perambulating vender
has been feature Of commerce, just as much
as the one at the stand, booth or small store.
In some cities Of Europe market places have
been provided, where the city offers either
stands free Of rent or at very small rental,
or allows the space on certain conditions re-
garding hygenic laws. the quality OF all food
articles and the weights and measures en-
ployed in the sales; and the inspection of all
this is vigorously enforced
Formerly, in New York when a man will
ing to work could not find a job, he could
hustle" for a living; and pedding by means
of stands, baskets or wagons, with or with
out licenses the fees for which were very
moderately. was the last resort Of those on
whom fortune had not smiled That refuge
kept many away from the criminal field.
To-day we behold the sad spectacle OF
men willing to work, but who cannot get a
lob flor most jobs suitable for such persons
are given to the lowest bidder, or who are
in some way disabled, being arrested. paraded
through the streets and brought to the station
In dirty and uncomfortable cells and then
brought before the Magistrates and fined
from 81 to $40, according TO the enor , OF
oa not makes little difference. as charges are
conveniently found to cover the cases. and
the word OF the guardian OF the peace
fwho receives his Instructions from higher
up) is almost invariably taken. and the private
citizens who may have witnessed the injus-
tcs have no TING To-, to lose IN such system
must either pony up" or serve out the time
in Jail. where they may have the chance 10
of the United States, the Declarat ion OF In
dependence and the much talked Of rights
Of personal liberty. Of making living and
awake Greek. italian or Jewish pedler,
whether with wagon, pushcart; basket or
nationality working for him, each provided
with license, why should he be prevented
any more than boss iruckmhn or cypress,
many vehicles for him.? Is an Italian or
Greek padrone more guilty in this respect
than the more prosperous other posses
having numerous stands or wagons Tor the
sale OF cigars periodicals, candies ana news
papers, and men wor king for them at re
elevated stations, under, the stairs at We
ferryhouses. parks and other polhts-'he
so styled news companies
1t may be said that some of the stands arc
on prss'e IN he e4 t e place He end
on public streets, for the public, and they
should pay for licenses IN thH +er2na pac
private property, within the Stoor llhe, nave
been made to pay 81 for each chair, license
This is not intended as defence of tho
real padrone system. but only to show
the injustice done TO a certain class OF our
population who evidently ar" mlSofrihrna.r@
Well We have them. they are here, aud must
be taken care Of surely We don't want TO
drive them TO crime man has the rlgh'
to make a living by homes means, whether
he he a Yankee, n "dagO" or Chinese, Give
him the chance-dont choke hin; mink la17
about the Chinese Boxers. the unspeakahlo
Turk and the furnished FFlndoo, and remember
Thai Christian charity begins at home,
Finally, as rents and living eXpfhses have
increased from - to 40 per cent, hnt wages
In, k. branches