The tables presented a sight that even grown people considered, “one of the most attractive layouts ever seen in the city.”
Flowers, fruit of all kinds, with “a mountain of turkey” and candy “to burn,” greeted the boys. In just five minutes after the newsies were seated there was not an orange, an apple, a banana or a piece of candy in sight. All disappeared as if by magic. Ice cream and pie were first to receive attention. Turkey and chicken were later in demand. In half an hour the tables were cleared of everything that looked good to eat. Not only were the pockets of the boys filled with oranges and apples but their shirt-waists and pant-legs were bulged out with the things that pleased them most. Only six fights were recorded worthy of notice.
An entertainment followed the dinner. It was the kind and character they could understand and appreciate. Interesting and earnest talks by newspaper representatives, were sandwiched between acts. The object of the gathering was well defined by the members of the press. Their gentleman friend wanted the sellers and bootblacks to start a Newsboys’ Association. This was received with the usual noisy approval. He wanted an association which the boys themselves would run; make their own laws, elect from their own numbers the officers, and everything connected with the running of the association to be under their supervision. On that Christmas day one hundred and two boys were enrolled in the new association, and their gentleman friend elected president, with Jimmy as vice-president.
The president was requested “to get busy,” and, “prepare rules an’ such things as we can work by.”
After this meeting, Jimmy’s friend was known as “Mr. President.”
PART SECOND