New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-09-20


searchghts IS the latest detail OF the METROPOLITAN
park police OF this classic city. Never did park
police have better hunting ground either. than
the historic River Charles where on pleasant Satur
day afternoons and evenings many four thou
sand have been known 70 glide IN peace.
harmony ard. in the past with much dernonstra-
ton OF affection between the csnoe.sts and their
guests.
Yes. the park police. married or single with -
without mustaches. put IN the hours between dusk
and midnight hunting for kisses and searching out
cinging embraces. They not hunting kisses FOR
themselves. and with the young women OF River
side Newton and waltham IN their present state
OF mind II T. Just well. for the most handsome
policeman Of the park fotilla could not hope a
single favor. They are hunting for kisses Win
searchlights that they may arrest the kissers and
drag them into court. Boston has decided that
kissing the Charles Is crime. and that even
reclining side by side in a canoe IS worthy o; a
$50 fire.
The METROPOLITAN Park Commission has draw WI Up
a now set OF rules and regulations TO govern the
conduct OF canCeists and almost every hand which
has ever held paddle IS raised IN revolt. There
rules IN all. but II is No that "a causing
CONSERVATION In some quarters and liberal amount
OF indignation in all. Il reads:
NO person shall annoy another person b the use
OF threatening abusive language. or loud cutlery.
solicit any subscription contribution. have
possession OF or drink any intoxicating liQCcr. or
play any game OF chance. or have possession o. any
instrument OF gambling; OF DO any obscene or in
decent act: or have possession OF or Use a flash
hight searchlght OF dark lantern
The remainder OF the rules have caused OBJ
lection the part OF the vast majority % canoe
lists. In fact. the whole great terrible thunder
cloud centres In the police Interpretation OF what
ian indecent act IL. Holding hands kissing
smuggling together IN the bottom OF the canoe 70
listen intently to the band concert. resting
tired head in the zap o; lady fairall these things
the police declare are barred on the Charles by
Rule No. !.
To prove # they arrested Matthew \. Peterson
and Flora Smith. a policeman IN citizens clothes
padding canoe sneaked into the little cove in
which Peterson's caroe was drifting. The hand o.
the fair Flora being firmly held and the police
hsshiight disclosed - ell. The young and the
policeman had heart to heart talk and rather
stormy things said
I've warned you" said the policeman You've
got to sit up decent IN your or be arrested"
Five minutes later he slipped back into the cove
and again his light flashed. II was dreadful
thing he witnessed Actually. the police story
goes. they were kissing. II made the Puritan blood
IN his Pngram veins-the forefathers or this par
ticuIsr -cop' landed at Plymouth ard his fore
mothers at Saem-it made his blood run cold. and
member in good standing % the Society %
Colonial Wars. he swooped down and arrested them.
Matthew stormed and said things and fair Flora
chung tighter and cried but 81 all in vain The
police light Of Boston virtue. personHed and ex-
aCgerated had found them out
A few days later. IN the District Court. Peterson
paid a fine % 80 and the case ainSt Miss Smith
v-os placed on file The Judge. with surprising
Chvairy. sor Boston. argued. IL Is said. that the
getting together in the canoe was mostly the Young
mans fault
There is not a finer spot for canoeing fl the
whole country THAI the Charles River. a peaceful
stream. winding. farked With shady BANKS with
little he If-hidde1 cOves here and there. IN which
canoes float snugIy Close to the stream IN sew
era1 places. the city has band stands where con
certs arc given several times a week There are
between 400 and $500 canoes on the river. and
often feet OF 600 gather for a band concert.
There are great lighthouses. where canoes can be
stored for nominal zee. and young folks from all
parts OF the city journey To the canoeing grounds
by convenient trolley cars.
This has been going for wears and years. and
to-day the Charles River. with its canoes. Is as
much an institution the '-Pou" concerts or the
public Fairgrounds for poor children. No statistics
are available. but one IS safe IN saying that thou
sands OF happy young homes in Boston and the
suburbs their being 20 Charles River canoes
They are narrow little shells. these canoes. and
they turn most easily IN the hands OF one
not used TO their tricky ways.
You must sit still warns the canoeist he
places hts Young woman among the pillows and
rugs Just forward OF amdships. II you don,
you'll get wet"
Then ne paddles 70 a shadowy spot and anchors
by sticking a paddle into the mud and casting
rope about II. He knows how 70 the
centre OF the canoe without even fitting It. and
when he gets there all is very snug and comfort
able
Remember. you must not move" he gives added
warning. and then perhaps. he kisses her.
You are a horrid. horrid man" the Boston girl
exclaims. perhaps. but she does not struggle
even move. The canoe is her excuse and his adj
vantage.
And il she does move it all comes out the same
In the end. The canoe turns like 2 flash.
and they both IN the water. He sVims ashore
with her. Saves her life. indeed and they are
engaged No end OF Boston homes began this way.
rs this glorious home making institution 20 be
sacrifced?'' is The question that Boston is asking
to-day. 1T surely will be n the police keep up
their pernicious crusade" IS the general verdict.
The police work this way: As soon a crowd