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.