Durango semi-weekly herald., 1904-05-19
THE ELECTION
SPEER, ALEXANDER AND
WILSON WIN 0UT--TALK
OF CONTEST

given a diet of broad and water and
left to sleep the following night on
the bare floor.
The next morning he was put to
worl, ON the streets, where he had TO
toll all day, his food being bread and
water. He passed a second night in
the city jail and next morning was
escorted to the odge OF town, where
he was told TO hit the trall'' and
never show his face in the place again,
1t was not very long before Blue
Guich. although this Is not It's real
name, enjoyed an odious reputation
among the Inhabitants of trampdom.
and the result was that the town was
blotted from their list OF snaps" and
more lenlent places were selected for
the levy OF food required by the gen
uemen of the road during their an
nual tour through the country.
As soon as the American tramp
finds himself in Mexico he Immediate
ly adapts himself to It's customs for
he knows he Is In land where he has
little to fear from ohiclous policemen
with penchant for asking questions
about his financial condition. and
where the poorest peon will divide
half his tortilla with him If told that
he is hungry He soon realizes that
charity in Mexico Ia universal and
that 1t is a religious mandate, which
has been preached into the very mar
row of the peoples bones. This Ia
usually the tramps' lfst introduction
TO the Mexican paradise. but after
awhile he lays for bigger game than
poems and rellgiously inclined sen
lists from his own country.
His method of procedure is we'll
known to most Americans He is un.
errlng in spotting his countrymen. and
Is always certain to address himself
to the generously disposed. On ac-
count of his success In avoiding a
stingy man. the American tramp Is
nearly always sure to obtain some
money from his fellow citizens. He
has hard luck story. Of course. which
he uses 50 frequently that In a short
time he becomes extremely proficient
in the art of spinning 1t out 80 that 1t
will awaken the most sympathy.
The sympathetic tourists, who have
read so much about the hard side OF
Mexico. are more than half willing to
help poor stranded countryman out.
and the American tramp leaves the
hotel patio, where his studied talk
was made. with enough United States
currency TO see him through weeks
spree A peculiar thing about tho
American tramp is that SO far none
OF the tribe has ever been known to
be in sympathy with the temperance
movement
One of the most prominent traits
of his character is his undaunted
nerve. A well known resident OF this
city was walking along San Francisco
street not very long ago, when he was
accosted by one OF these gentry, who
was fairly well dressed. Stepping up
boldly to the gentleman in question.
with the air of u brisk business man.
he said quickly: Just one moment.
mister Through unavoidable circum-
tsances my funds have become depict
ed. and, as you are a countryman OF
mine. respectfully request the loan
OF dollar" The well known resident
saw the humor OF the case and hand
ed him quarter.
The common hobo who begs for the
price OF meal is of course familiar
10 every one. He is about the same in
Mexico as he Is In the United States.
his habits being somewhat modified
by his easier mode Of life in this On.
joyable climate-Mexican Herald.