Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 25 October 1895 — Ingenious Beggars. [ARTICLE]

Ingenious Beggars.

Th* beggars of Paris are up to business. For instance, they have regular “Directory of Benefactor*”— in two editions—a small one at three franca and a large one for six francs. Tliase give the names of persons known to be benevolent, also their religion and political faith; also tbe hour at which they may be found at home, Ac. The "religious racket” Is very remunerative, it seems, An old ragpicker nt Clichy lately confessed that last winter her child was baptized twelve times in Protestant churches and ten times in Catholic ones; each time the mother received one franc and a new dress. When epidemics are raging the beggar asks for contributions on the plea that his or her offspring is down with diphtheria, croup, Ac., and many people respond in order to get rid of what they believe to be a dangerous person.