The membership increased so rapidly and the detail work became so
extended, that it was found necessary to increase the number of
officers, from two boys to eleven. The constitution and by-laws
provided a Central Association, which was officered by boys who
had experience upon the streets, as sellers and carriers. The
vice-president gradually became familiar with the objects of the
association, and the work among the boys. He was a typical newsboy, a
good street-seller and his power was felt among the boys, especially
those who were inclined to be bad. A secretary was elected from the
ranks of the carriers. He was a good worker. The treasurer was a boy
who received the unanimous vote of the association. The money he
received was small donations, from benevolently-inclined friends. This
was used for purchasing flowers for sick boys, etc. The real work of
the association depended upon the executive committee of five members.
Like most organizations, the committee-work centered in the chairman.
The chairman of this committee proved to be one of the most active
and faithful boys of the association. He left nothing undone in his
efforts to unravel a difficulty or in correcting and building up a boy
who had done wrong. The four boys on his committee were untiring in
their efforts for the success of the association. This committee was in
constant touch with the president.
The membership committee of three boys looked after old as well as new
members. Each applicant had to be submitted to them for approval.
With these eleven officers, all boys under fourteen, the association
began life. The constitution and by-laws embraced in its power and
force simply one aim, one object, to do good among the boys. To do it
effectively, and make the results lasting. To build up, never pull
down; to encourage honesty, to watch and warn a boy.
The work among the street boys became more interesting as the months
rolled on, and, at the end of a year the membership of Boyville had
increased to two hundred and fifty sellers and bootblacks. This number
not only included boys who sold papers every day, but those who sold
extras, and on Saturdays, and special occasions, and boys who sold
magazines or other periodicals. The association began to grow and
become recognized by the boys generally, and new sellers appeared upon
the streets daily, all anxious to join. The working officers remained
the same—but two boys doing the detail work.
Two years passed under the new officers and rules. The Boyville
Newsboys’ Association began to be felt in the community. Compliments
were frequent concerning the good work. The association had increased
its membership to fifteen hundred and twenty boys. A little army, and
all working harmoniously together for each others good, and in trying
to assist and build up the association. Doubting men and women, and the
world is full of them, were perfectly satisfied of the success of the
boys governing themselves, as was shown almost daily in the work. The
boys solved a problem never thought of being tried by men and women who
had long experience in working among boys.
The success of Boyville increased in proportion to the work done by the
young officers.
People began to look upon a newsboy with some consideration, and as a
necessary adjunct to the growth of a city. His politeness, his honesty,
his general deportment attracted special notice, and the boys received
many kind words and increased attention.
The association began to assume such magnitude that it was found
necessary to divide it into auxiliaries, to get a suitable badge, and a
membership card defining more explicitly certain rules.
Boyville was therefore divided into five auxiliaries—the sellers,
north, south, east and west branches, with the constitution of the
Central. Each auxiliary had eleven officers, making a total of
sixty-six officers—all boys. In the annual election of officers
great interest was taken by the boys, many displaying political “wire
pulling” qualifications that would equal the work done by great
political bodies.
These sixty-six officers were scattered in all parts of the city,
making it almost impossible for a boy whom they wanted for violating a
rule of the association, to escape their notice.
The membership card told the story of what was expected of a member. It
is herewith given for that purpose.
No.—————
THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
——————————is an active member for life of
The Boyville Newsboys’ Association. He does not approve
of swearing, lying, stealing, gambling, drinking
intoxicating liquors, or smoking cigarettes, and is entitled
to all the benefits of said association, and the respect
and esteem of the public.
Signed by the officers.
With these rules, and simple pledge, if pledge it can be called, in the
hands of each newsboy, the reader can imagine the good that must result.
It does not say the holder is guilty of any of these evils, neither
does it imply that he must not swear, etc., but it does say, and each
boy is strongly impressed with the fact, that he does not approve of
these things, and will not permit a fellow member to violate a single
rule.
A boy who says I do not believe in swearing, while he may swear
himself, will take great pleasure in checking some one else, and often
bumps up against a strong proposition when he finds some other boy,
probably of greater strength, watching him, and waiting anxiously for
an opportunity to correct him. If not corrected with a simple warning
it may end in a fight.
A boy makes an application for membership. He is recommended by a
friend. He is approved by the membership committee. In case there is
something wrong with the applicant, particularly if he steals, or
swears, or smokes cigarettes, he is sent with a note to the president,
or as is more frequently done, one of the officers reports in person
giving the president a history of the applicant and the failing he has.
The new member knows nothing of this, in fact he gives expression to
his thoughts and says, after he receives his credentials, “It’s dead
easy.” It is, as far as the business he has with the president, but the
moment he leaves the president’s office, the officers living in his
district are notified of the trouble this boy gives, or bad habit he
delights in keeping up.
Even the boys with whom he associates become familiar, through methods
of their own, with his failings, and go after him with all the
authority of an official.
With all the interest taken by the boys to correct a member for
violating one of the rules, and the severe methods adopted by them to
correct a known evil, it is seldom a boy will appear against one of his
associates as a witness.
[Illustration: A BUNCH OF SELLERS.
_See Page 38_
]
A gentleman whose sympathy was with the work, brought a boy to the
president whom he accused of using language, “unbecoming a criminal.”
As witnesses he brought with him four newsboy companions.
Imagine the gentleman’s surprise to hear the boys say: “Mister, you’re
dreaming through a pipe. He didn’t swear.” The boys did not even show
signs of embarrassment but faced the charge with perfect ease. No
argument could get the boys to testify against their friend.
The gentleman left disgusted with newsboys.
“I will let you boys settle this among yourselves,” said the president.
They went upon the street, into the alley. Half an hour later the
newsboy accused of swearing returned. Timidly he approached the
president and said.
“I swore but I will never do it again, and I mean it, I am sorry.”
At the door the president saw four little faces peeping through the
window. They were watching their friend.
“Where is your badge?” asked the president.
“The boys took it from me, they’re out there,” he replied.
They were beckoned to come in.
“Did you do the right thing?” one of the boys asked the accused.
“Yes, didn’t I Mr. President?” he answered, looking for sympathy.
“Yes, boys, he is all right. I understand everything,” said the
president.
The badge was returned to the boy and they left the office talking and
laughing.