New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-09-04

future, and seemed relieved when the
departure of the reporter to the next
bench permitted him to resume perusal
81 an afternoon papers editorial page.
The adjoining bench proved to hold
what appeared to be the only really
deserving case Of bad luck found out
of the twelve investigated--the case
of Frank Mitchell, twenty-year-o
farmer lad hailing from Iowa.
I'm used to working around restau-
rants" he said, "but there are about
fifty applicants for every job of that
kind offered now. l came here from
Iowa two months ago in tho hope Of
getting a steady restaurant or hotel
job, but. they're pretty scarce. Do I
have to beg? No, mister. In the first
place, I'm not that kind, and in the
second, I've got a pal who came here
with me. When I'm out of job and
he has one his money goes fifty-ffty
with me, and it's the same with my
money when I've got work. Between us
we manage to get along, although
we're not sporting any imousines or
living at the Waldorf.
why am I here on bench instead
of looking for work? Well, if it wasn't
Saturday afternoon I wouldn't be, Mis-
hunt for work"
RCA0oC0 ~ <ACNCRS NAOnCy
He refused to accept money offered
him by the reporter.
Excuse me-" he said. What I'm
after is job"
The only two men who claimed to be
war veterans, and who were uncon-
vincing when pressed for details as to
their military service, were James Os-
ten, found IN City Hall Park, and a
swarthy. 0. D. shirted individual who
occupied Union Square bench in COM
pany with q shifty-eyed youth who in
sisted that there's no use looking for
job as a hospital porter"
1t was Osten's contention that no
man should scatter his energies by
going about looking for work when he
don't know where to look for it"
"The want ads in the newspapers"
was suggested.
Maybe" was his reply, and turned
his attention to regarding the clouds
above the Woolworth Building.
Both Osten and the other man as
sorting claims to military service said
they had ''just drifted into New York"
Among the other City Hall Square
inhabitants interviewed was Finnish
carpenter claiming Whitingsville,
Mass, as his residence.
II came here looking for big money
about week ago." he said. Cali I've
been able to find have been few odd
jobs, at lesa money than / made at
home. Pm saving every cent l can
make for carfare back to Massa-
chusetts."
Most of the men interviewed, and
who appeared not averse to accepting
some small change for their views,
were given a dime or a quarter by the
| reporter. He retained a 50-cent piece
for the afternoons most interesting
tale. This was won by George Bying-
ton, late Of Washington, D. c., who was
discovered in City Hall Square, medi-
tatively rubbing weeks growth Of
beard as he reflected upon some of
the strange aspects of life.
What sort of a job am I looking
for" he repeated "Well, sir, I'm
waiting for cooler weather so I can
take down awnings. Yes, I'm an
awning man. I used to manufacture
en- in Washington until the war came.
Then the government cornered all the
canvas and drove me out of business
But I've got another profession,
too. I'm an artist. I studied art in
Paris, but I never could get folks to
appreciate my sketches. So I became
sign painter. That's pretty dull bust
ness around New York now. though"
Mr.. Byington here became confiding.
~ don't want it generally known"
he said, almost in whisper, "but I've
got two aunts out West worth $500, 900.
They're going TO leave it to me some
day. In the mean time, could you--er
advance me a Sigh, pecuniary loan? ?"
s'You win," said the reporter, and
handed him the so cents