New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-09-17

nksxAs with the gigantic problem of
keeping clean each separate street of New
York City.
And that in 1896. when mounds of fit! -
four to six feet in height-werc piled at each
street corner to be some time thrown into the
sea for the tide to bring back!
What pioneer Of civic ideaism was this
man who to-day proudly bears the title Of
Supervisor of Juvenile Leagues of the De
partment Of Street Cleaning.
What inspired him to his task?
In 1895 Colonel Waring became Commits
sioner; his reorganization of the work Of the
department and adoption of new methods are
matters of city history. Mr.. Simons was
special inspector of street cleaning at the time.
The following year his opportunity came.
A law was passed compelling the separation
of ashes from garbage, but the people rebelled
against it so strongly that it seemed almost
impossible to get them to obey the new regu-
lation.
Mr.. Simons conceived the idea Of enlisting
the boys and girls of various schools, explain
ing to them the reason for the measure and
inducing them to help the city by urging their
parents to fulfil the new edct
BY permission Of Colonel Waring informal
leagues for children were formed and the Job
Of organization was given into the hands of
Mr. Simons and three of his colleagues. In
1896, after an official report had been sent in
Mr.. Simons was given the sole charge of the
movement.
Here his struggle began. for the only per
son who approved of his plan was the Street
Cleaning Commissioner, and he would only do
so unofficially and without lending aid from
the department. Everywhere else he met with
either apathy open opposition.
What was there against the children's move
ment to make it so unpopular?
First-The department considered it re
Election upon its powers to clean the streets Of
New York Second-Outsiders contended that
it made the children part Of a spy system
directed against their elders
But the interest Of the boys and girls had
been aroused AID they focked around NJ.
Simons, eager to help and uphold him.
At this time his sight beginning to fail,
and a specialist pronounced the dread verdict
of complete blindness in the near future
Here was this man, almost blind who knew
that soon his sight would be gone forever.
inspired with the idea Of child citizenship, al
most destitute, with every hand turned against
the vision before him.
But nothing daunted him. Meetings were
held in the street-wet and fne-until the
police, too set themselves to disband the chill
drens meetings. No matter where they gath
cred they were told TO "move on"
This could not continue. en- IN Auouet
1885 out Of his meagre salary Of two dollars
a day. he took a couple Of tiny rooms to serve
as meeting ground for the children of the
leagues. Not only he, but his wife and five
children were deprived Of the very necessities
Of life TO keep burning this tiny fame which
he had managed 70 ignite.
But he was completely happy, working
night and day for the cause he felt was worth
all the sacrifices made for it.
From this time on the movement spread like
wildfre. Five hundred 10 a thousand children
called daily at the small meeting place TO hand
in reports and take their civic pledge And
gradually the children themselves organized
funds for the upkeep Of their league as il
grew in strength
In 1909 William II. Edwards became Com
missioner. And once again Mr.. Simons was
sent for 20 interview a new superior, who
might or might not approve Of his work.
This time his hand was wrung with a firm
grip Of enthusiasm as big Bill Edwards
expressed his deep admiration for the work
done by the children. What was Of more prac-
teal value. the Commissioner assured him that
All help needed for the future would be given
officially by the department.