Jasper County Democrat, Volume 1, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 October 1898 — PROFITS FOR THE TATTOOER. [ARTICLE]

PROFITS FOR THE TATTOOER.

War Haa Brought Extra Business for the Artist on Skis. The war boomed at least one Bowery Industry, says a New York correspondent. It brought grist to the mills of the “professors” who use the Japanese needle on the human skin. One of the best known tattooers has a “studio” In Chatham square, another expert can be found under the skylight of a Bowery saloon. There is no better profession for a young man to adopt, according to the leading professor, than that of tattooing, provided, of course, that the learner has a gift for the art. He modestly admits that it is a mighty poor year when he doesn’t earn $5,000 or $6,000. For the benefit of those who know nothing of tattooing, it may be said that the prices vary from 25 cents to S4O. You can get an anchor and three stars for 30 cents, but a Japanese dragon costs S4O. “In Memory of Mother,” “The Sailor’s Return” and “Hope” come at about $3 apiece, and are very popular. “The Sinking Ship” has a certain vogue among the despondent, but “Hoisting the Flag,’ 1 which represents a sailor turning the glorious stars and stripes loose in a gale of wind, is deservedly the most popular design. It figures on ftie bosoms of most American seamen. Of late, however, pictures of the Maine, the portraits of the naval heroes, eagles and flags have had the call. The professor is himself a walking art gallery. He proudly exhibits “The Crucifixion,” a battle scene and several other works of his beloved tutor. One of the earliest photographs of Lillian Russell, taken when she was about 17 years old, has been tattoed on the arms of thousands of American citizens, and it is not a very attractive photograph at that. Experts say. the tattoo mark is one .of the best aids the police have in catching criminals. One Bowery artist makes a specialty of “covering old w-ork” and administers cocaine when it is desired, though he says the needle doesn’t hurt.