New-York tribune., 1907-06-26
HO! FOR GREEN FIELDS.
East Side Children Who Need
Tribune Fresh dir Outings.

.cPlease take me to tho country" This was
remark that q Tribune reporter heard more often
than any other yesterday afternoon. when he paid
visit to one OF tha moro crowded districts the
East Side. He was accompanied by missionary
whose round Of duties kept her in the section OF
the city Just east OF Chatham Square, and 1t was
from there that she gathered the children she sends
20 the country.
The streets were crowded with boys and girls
Here would be group near an Ice wagon, watch
ing with envious eyes tho man who chopped OF
pieces Of the cooling substance, and ready 10 rush
in and capture any tiny bit OF tho luxury that
might fall TO the ground. The beat down upon
their heads and the streets inexorably. Some
of the youngsters sought relief on the shady side
there was not q scene OF action n that section OF
the East Sde-at least. not the action that be-
longs 10 exuberant. healthy childhood.
The humid air seemed TO have taken all the life
out OF the little people, and the best that most OF
them could do was 10 stand about. Idly watching
ice wagons the fruit and hoky-poky carts 20
rest nstlessly on the curb On tho steps OF the
mothers. holding sickly babies-restless. crying
little pieces OF humanity
On block the reporter counted nearly two
them knew the missionary. To not few OF them
had she brought relief in previous summers by
Fund. to place In the farming districts OF
New York State. where both the room TO play in
and the yitalizng forces that make the child want
10 play be found
When the missionary stopped she was instantly
surrounded by a group OF faces-faces with Just
dirt enough on them 10 set of the paleness or the
skin underneath.
II want 10 go 20 the country" came from one
side. Can't mo and my sister go7'' from another.
IT wish could send them ALL" said the mis-
sionary There IS not OF them that ought
not to go. II some Of them do not get away
this summer I'm afraid they won't get through the
next winter. Tho heat take all the
strength out OF them."
She passed and stopped beside q little ten
year-old girl sitting the steps holding a baby
Tho faces OF both the children had the palor that
is tho result OF dark apartment in a crowded
tenement. and their faces the perspration stood
or triclded down in brown drops.
do you want to go TO the country, NeIue?'
asked the missionary.
Yes" was the quick response as the face
frightened.
What do you want to so forr'' spoke up the
reporter.
Because it's cool there and you can play
So the request IS coming to The Tribune Fresh
Air Fund not only from this street this neigh
borhood but also from all the poorer districts OF
Now York: 'Please send me TO the country
Please get me away from the heat OF the city
Hero is sample OF tho letters that the Fresh
Air Fund Is constantly receiving:
Dear Editor:
las it Is near vacation and Il IS so hot 1
wish you would kindly let my sister, brother and
go 10 the country this vacation 1t Is very warm
here, because We live on the top floor and the sun
shines the roof all day long. As my mother
has to go out working and 1 have father, she
fnds it an irnpossibility to give US outing.
My sister Helen is five years old. my brother
IS eight years old and arn'elsven years Old Hop
ing to hear from you soon. remain yours truly
SUSIE
The management OF The Tribune Fresh Air Fund
Will not feel that tho fund has accomplished ALI
that 1t ought TO until every of the thousands OF
IL sufficient money Is provided by those ed
in the work.