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.
A BUNCH OF SELLERS.
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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.