Rensselaer Democrat, Volume 1, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 April 1898 — PRINCE OF WALES, [ARTICLE]

PRINCE OF WALES,

Who Begs for a Living and Doe 9 It Smoothly. The Prince of Wales Is back at bis old haunts around 23d street. His royal appellation does not Indicate his station in life, for he Is a professional beggar, but bis nationality, for be Is extremely English. The title was bestowed upon him by his fellows in panhandle craft, of which he Is an eminent exponent His method is to approach a passerby, preferably one in evening dress, and say: “Beg y’ pardon, but I say, sir, could you tell me of an English organization In this city?” If the other refers him to the St. Geofge Society, he says: “Ah, but they don’t meet until next month,” giving the exact date. In case he is referred to the British Consul, he says he has been there, but could not see the Consul; then launches out a story of his misfortunes. It’s the usual thing. Son of a w'enltliy Manchester manufacturer: come here to see life and buy a stock farm; remittances failed to come; very hard up and no friends in town; would be glad of any pecuniary assistance, however trifling. Often he concludes by 6aying insinuatingly: 0 “You’re an English gentleman yourself, aren’t you, sir?” This Is his trump card, and with youthful citizens Is sometimes very successfully remunerative. The Prince of Wales is short, plump, neatly dressed, suave and mild of manner and rather nervous and jerky of speech. It is more than a year since his last previous campaign in this city.—New York Sun.