Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 July 1893 — Gamins in Rome. [ARTICLE]

Gamins in Rome.

A correspondent of the New York Tribune says that the street boys of Rome have all the curiosity, shrewdness and impudence of street boys in general, together with some traits peculiar to themselves. They have a sharp eye for foreigners, and have developed no little skill in extracting coins from them. The Tribune’s letterwriter says: I got into a dispute with a cabman because he demanded a tip in addition to his regular fare. While we were talking a little fellow of 6 or 7 years stepped up and said, In a paternal, assuring tone: “Sixty centimes is enough, sir. The rascal is very impudent. Don’t give him any more.” In the same breath he asked me for a soldo for the service rendered. I handed him a coin, laughing at his grand uirs, and he received it with a condescending gesture. Then, as the driver reached for his whip, the boy made off, saying, "I’ll see you later.” I walked on, and presently another urchin was at my side. “Yes, signor, you are quite right, this is the road to the Vatican. Give me a soldo. ” I drove him off, but in a few minutes another came bounding up. “My lord! my lord!, you are losing your handkerchief. ” That was another soldo. Next a bootblack, hardly more than 5 years old, caught sight of the foreigner. “Your boots, sir! your boots!” he shouted. I tried to ignore him. He appealed to my self-respect. “But, my lord, such boots!” he exclaimed, as he trotted along at my side. “ODIomio! What nasty boots! O Santo Madre Dio! What boots! I really pity you, sir. Indeed! such boots! In fato! I am sorry for you. ” All this was uttered in a tone of profound moral c< nvictlon, as if he cherished for me the most disinterested feeling of regret and sympathy. But when the appeal failed, he dropped behind me a few stops and changed his tune. "Just look at that American! Cno can always tell an American by his dirty boots!” That was too much for me. Rather than bring disgrace uj on my native land I gave the little imp the job he was after.