CHOOL EFFICIENCY MONOGRAPH NEWSBOY SERVICE REED UC-NRLF NEWSBOY SERVICE SCHOOL EFFICIENCY MONOGRAPHS Methods of Training Special Classes The Public and Its School Hafyonrp Standards in English An Experiment in the Fun- damentals Bee* Newsboy Service SCHOOL EFFICIENCY MJ1W_GRAJ* E S NEWSBOY SERVICE A STUDY IN EDUCATIONAL AND VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE BY ANNA Y. REED, PH.D. With an Introduction by GEORGE ELLIOTT HOWARD, Professor of Political Science and Sociology in the University of Nebraska YONKERS-ON-HUDSON, NEW YORK WORLD BOOK COMPANY 1917 - \x WORLD BOOK COMPANY tf HE -HOUSE OF APPLIED KNOWLEDGE Established, 1905, by Caspar W. Hodgson YONKERS-ON-HUDSON, NEW YORK 2126 PRAIRIE AVENUE, CHICAGO Publishers of the following professional works : School Efficiency Series, edited by Paul H. Hanus, complete in thirteen volumes; Edu- cational Survey Series, three volumes already issued and others projected; School Efficiency Monographs, four numbers now ready, others in active preparation Copyright, 1917, by World Book Company All rights reserved To MY FAITHFUL COLLABORATORS THE NEWSBOYS, THE NEWSPAPERS AND THE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS OF SEATTLE 393155 PREFATORY NOTE THE United States has entered definitely upon the policy of federal aid for vocational education. Even at a time of vast military expenditures, Congress has seen the wisdom of providing vocational training for the citizens of a world that is to be "made safe for democracy." With the passage of the Smith-Hughes Act in February of this year, the nation has resolved to do its part in seeing that American boys and girls have that maximum of opportunity for successful living which is the first duty of a free state. The $7,000,000 eventually to be made available as an annual appropriation from the federal government will mean the expenditure of many times this amount by the various states and by local communities. There will be 48 states, instead of 9, with state systems of vocational education, and every community, whether city or country, will be thinking, as never before, in terms of useful human service. The vocational education law provides specifically for investigation of occupational conditions in relation to education. One of the first duties of the federal board will be to learn what studies have already been made and what further investigations are needed. A significant example of the kind of study necessary is afforded in the report by Mrs. Reed for Seattle, published in this vol- ume. There have been other studies of school and em- ployment, especially for Eastern cities, and the street trades have come in for their share of attention. But in no study prior to Mrs. Reed's has there been presented, in so thoroughgoing and understandable a fashion, the special problem of newsboy employment in relation to [vii] PREFATORY NOTE the work of the public schools. The ramifications of this problem as affecting child labor, general education, vocational training, and vocational guidance will be a revelation to many. As the work under the Smith- Hughes Act develops, more and more consideration will be given to this and similar problems concerning juvenile entrants into industry; and Mrs. Reed's study of the news distribution field will be found particularly helpful to states and communities confronted with the duty of translating, for their localities, federal and state ap- propriations into the most effective provision for the vocational education of youth. W. CARSON RYAN, JR. Editor, United States Bureau of Education [viii] AUTHOR'S PREFACE I. REASONS FOB SELECTION OF SUBJECT VARIOUS influences caused the selection of this sub- ject for the first occupational study in Seattle: 1 (1) Large numbers of schoolboys secure their first vocational training in newsboy service. Business standards and moral principles formed during the years of immaturity are of vital interest to the educator. A questionnaire, in June, 1915, re- vealed the fact that there were approximately 4000 pupils attending the Seattle public schools who were employed out of school hours as wage earners. 1008 of this number were newsboys, and 811 were girls engaged in some form of domestic service. The numbers engaged in these two occupations was an influencing factor in our selection of The Newsboy in the Public Schools for our first occupational study and Domestic Service and the Public Schools for the second. Time has permitted us to complete but the one subject. (2) Many occupational studies have already been pub- lished by vocational departments. The factory, the department store, various lines of office work, and the trades have been popular subjects for investigation and have been pretty thoroughly exploited. On the whole, the work has been well done and we have considerable carefully edited material along these lines which is available for 1 Several vocational studies have been made for the purpose of voca- tional guidance, but none has been scientifically made and none has been published. Cfc-3 AUTHOR'S PREFACE educational purposes. Moreover, with minor modifications to meet local conditions, the re- quirements for entering constant l occupations and the opportunities which they offer for success and promotion are common to such occupations in all sections of the country. Why useless repe- tition? Was it not better for Seattle to utilize the contributions of other cities and center her efforts on something in a newer field? The News- boy and the Domestic Assistant offered rich and unexplored fields. The temptation to enter was most alluring. (3) The interests of vocational students, up to the pres- ent time, have been concentrated almost entirely on occupations entered after the period of school life. Too long we have ignored the fact that our best opportunity for combining educational and vocational guidance was to be found, not beyond the period of school influence, but rather in con- nection with employments in which pupils engage while they are still in school. Frequently wage- earning pupils are gradually alienated from the schools, become discontented and drop out, not because of preference for work and not because of any real dissatisfaction with school, but be- cause we, as educators, fail to understand the many-sided interests and the elements, aside from education, which appeal to our pupils. 2 1 Used with reference to occupations which are common to all localities. 2 A New York editor recently expressed the desire of pupils to do something aside from study and play in the following words: "In the morning hours, when the soul of childhood lies almost bare in the clear, AUTHOR'S PREFACE We appear to lack sympathy, when in reality we merely lack the type of knowledge which is necessary in order to understand each individual pupil. During three years of service in the voca- tional department my attention has many times been called to the fact that the point of view of the wage-earning pupil is not understood by the average teacher. The same fact is true with reference to wage earners in our evening schools. 1 Why seek for vocational opportunities without the schools when the very best of opportunities lies right at our door? (4) Educational systems are continually discussing the desirability of part-time and continuation schools. Are we forgetting that the basis for successful instruction in such schools must be definite knowl- edge as to types of work, demands of each type, its rewards and its influences? Are we overlook- ing the fact that before we can hope for successful continuation schools we must know how the dif- ferent employment influences act and react on the different educational influences? Would it not be logical to make a beginning of continuation work by studying these interactions with reference to the various occupations which are being carried on in connection with school work? No time or expectant eyes, from school-out till supper, from supper to bedtime something more than play is needed. Children feel this and wait and prowl about for material of a stouter weave, something fibered with the full life round about and impending; and, adventuring unguided, they get knowledge and scars." 1 This topic was discussed in our recent Vocational Guidance Report, submitted to the Board of Education July 1, 1916, and now in process of publication. [xi] AUTHOR'S PREFACE wage readjustment is necessary the character of newsboy service has solved one of the most difficult continuation-school problems why not begin at once? (5) An abundance of statistics has been tabulated and interpreted to prove the harmful effects of news- boy work and its deteriorating moral influences. Social workers of unquestioned standing have reinforced these conclusions with the weight of personal opinion. If such inferences be valid, then, in view of the fact that the large majority of newsboys in the cities of the United States are still under school influence, it becomes the duty of the educator to ascertain the elements of danger, to learn how to estimate them, and, if they cannot be removed, how to counteract them through educational influences. A large part of our newsboys are under the control of our Com- pulsory Education Law. 1 In no other occupation 1 There are three state laws which influence the newsboy problem in Washington: (1) The Compulsory Attendance Law requires all children under 15 years of age who have not completed the 8th grade to be in regular school attendance unless excused by the superintendent. This means that the school department has authority to decide which boys, under 15, who have not completed the 8th grade shall be permitted to sell papers during the school day. (Session Laws, 1909, Chapter 16.) (2) The Child Labor Laws require boys under 14 and girls under 16 to secure labor permits previous to employment in all lines except household and farm service. A strictly legal interpreta- tion of the term "employed" eliminates from labor supervision large numbers of newsboys who are independent merchants rather than employees. (Session Laws, 1907, Chapter 128.) (3) The Juvenile Court Law declares street trading by children under AUTHOR'S PREFACE has the educator so complete jurisdiction or so compelling an influence. To analyze its influences for good and for evil, to utilize the one and to counteract the other, is one of our immediate educational- vocational privileges. (6) There has been much interest in child labor, in Washington and throughout the country. We require labor permits for boys under 14 and girls under 16 as a prerequisite to employment in nearly every occupation. Boys under 18 are included in our minimum-wage rulings, which regulate the hours and wages of women and girls. It is somewhat of an anomaly that the laws of our state are silent with reference to the three occupations which employ the most and the youngest children and afford the greatest opportunities for long and late hours farm work, domestic service, and street trades. II. POINT OF VIEW Most of the material in print on the "newsboy" has been collected and interpreted from the point of view of the propagandist. Child labor and the evil influences of the city streets have been the controlling motives. The present study has no preconceived theories to support and no propaganda to further. We have chosen this subject because it is an occupation peculiarly adapted to juvenile labor; an occupation in which the hours of labor need no readjustment to the hours of school attendance; an occu- 12 years of age to be an element of delinquency or dependency, but it does not declare it to be illegal, nor does it provide for offi- cial interference unless formal complaint of dependency or delinquency be filed. (Laws of 1911, Chapter 56, Section I.) AUTHOR'S PREFACE pation in which, for better or for worse, large numbers of schoolboys are actually engaged. We have approached it in the spirit of the educator who seeks to know the interaction of two forces education and the newsboy service. We have tried to seek facts from every source, to interpret them from every point of view, and to sum- marize our findings according to accepted scientific methods. As we come more and more to regard educa- tion as a factor in the social economy of the time, I believe we shall come more and more to treat this and similar subjects as social-economic problems rather than as moral propaganda. It is from this point of view that we offer our conclusions to the public. In discussing the business policy of publishing houses, their methods of circulation and the influences of their employment on the character and future career of em- ployees, we have constantly kept in mind that local, daily, and foreign periodicals are commercial enterprises; their main purpose is identical to increase or to stabil- ize circulation. Where methods differ we have attrib- uted it to difference of opinion as to methods by which the objective is to be attained rather than to difference in objective itself. One circulation system may be more beneficial educationally than the other, but no efficient business manager will continue any system, no matter what the social return to employees, unless there be a definite return to the house in the shape of dividends. Whenever and wherever cooperative vocational-educa- tional schemes are in operation, we have a right to assume, and it is only fair to the ability of business houses to assume, that increase or stability in dividends is the prime object. Philanthropy, social service in various forms, or free vocational education may easily be ele- [xiv] AUTHOR'S PREFACE ments in such cooperation, but they are incorporated in business systems because of their commercial value rather than per se. The motive of business houses, however, is of secondary importance to educators, whose prime object is ever the same the well-being of the pupils involved. If the policy of any commercial enterprise actually contributes to the well-being of school attendants, it is the duty of educators to study its elements of juvenile service and to cooperate in using them for the best goods of their charges. III. DEFINITION OF NEWSBOY What is a "newsboy"? Does the term include delivery boys who cover regular routes or is it confined entirely to boys who sell on the streets? How long must a boy be engaged in either line of service before he is entitled to classification as a "newsboy"? Both questions are pertinent to any scientific conclu- sions regarding the character and influence of newsboy service and its interaction with the influence of the edu- cational system. The term "newsboys," as used in this study, comprises all schoolboys who are employed in the circulation of daily newspapers, whether as delivery boys known as "carriers," or as sales agents known as "sellers." It also comprises schoolboys who are agents for the Curtis publica- tions. In some elements "selling" and "carrying" do not differ radically; in other elements there is marked dissimilarity. No complete study can afford to omit either line of service, and no scientific study can afford to classify both under the same term without distinction as to requirements and influences. The same is true relative to Curtis service in comparison with daily service. When- [xv] AUTHOR'S PREFACE ever the term "newsboy" is used without qualification, it may be assumed to include daily sellers, daily carriers, and Curtis employees. As a rule, statistical tabulations have been made for each class of circulator, because, while differences and similarities might have been noted, many students of social-labor problems prefer to see the facts from which conclusions have been drawn and enjoy check- ing the writer's interpretation by their own. Opportunity to recheck for errors in interpretation and general conclu- sions is due any and all who may take the trouble to read vocational publications. All schoolboys engaged, at the tune of interview, in any of the three lines indicated above, are considered "newsboys" irrespective of the length of their service. When, however, influences involving length of service are under discussion, we have tried to indicate to what extent allowance must be made for variations due to period of employment. Too often mental, moral, and physical degeneracy is assumed to be the logical outgrowth of news- boy service, when more careful investigation of individual cases would have indicated that length of service had not been sufficient to account for such deficiencies. Several boys were interviewed who are employed by the circulation departments of our smaller papers. They have been omitted from tabulation. A considerable number of schoolboys is employed by daily newspapers in other than circulation work. Elevator operators, office boys, reporters, etc., are not included, as their occupation has none of the characteristics of news- boy service. Information received from district managers, whole- salers, solicitors, car distributers, and others connected with bona fide circulation has been used in our conclusions, [xvi] AUTHOR'S PREFACE but the number of such employees attending school was too few to tabulate. 1 IV. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND METHODS OF INVESTIGATION As has already been stated, returns on our employment questionnaire in June, 1915, influenced us to select the Newsboy and the Domestic Assistant for our first voca- tional-educational studies in Seattle. The general infor- mation which forms the basis for such investigations was secured alike for both subjects, but when it appeared impossible to complete both, the Newsboy was given the preference. The value of the facts upon which our conclusions regarding Newsboy service were to be based was depend- ent upon three things: (1) The ability and accuracy of the investigators; their fundamental knowledge of the newsboy problem in general; their ability to distinguish between the universal and the local phases of the problem; and their knowledge of, and ability to make practical use of, scientific methods in col- lecting and interpreting facts and in summarizing conclusions. (2) Selection of a period for securing data which would combine normal news circulation with normal school attendance. (3) Opportunity to prepare the results of the investi- gation for publication before the facts and con- clusions had become ancient history. 2 1 The number is given on page 15. 2 The long delay between collection of data and publication of con- clusions renders many otherwise valuable studies almost useless except xvii AUTHOR'S PREFACE We have done our best to meet the above requirements. Information secured in 986 personal interviews with newsboys, or ex-newsboys, who called at our office during the years 1914 and 1915 furnished the basis of our study. 1 Guided by the knowledge thus obtained, a series of prob- lems was selected and questions to aid in their solution were prepared for the convenience of the investigators during their interviews. 2 A personal interview varying in duration from fifteen minutes to one hour was held with each schoolboy who admitted that he was employed in news circulation. No pupil was permitted to fill out a questionnaire. 3 All records were made out personally by the interviewer, whose own opinion as to the boy's ideals, his honesty, initiative, personality, home influences, etc., were incorporated in the record. It was then passed on to the teacher, who filled out the school and character for historical purposes. Social conditions change rapidly. Research students who would contribute to constructive social work are forced by the very nature of their problems to minimize the time element. 1 Naturally we familiarized ourselves with the newsboy problem in other localities. No bibliography has been appended because publica- tions which have been of value are always cited in footnotes. There is much propaganda material which can easily be found by reference to any Public Library. 2 The entire range of topics is indicated in the summarized results. The schedule used will be found in Appendix I. It does not include all topics, as we never put strictly personal questions on the printed page. Also, as the study progressed, we added a number of topics not included in the original outline. 3 There are very few instances in which questionnaires filled out by pupils, or by teachers, supply reliable data for fact tabulation or afford a basis for scientific conclusions. This is especially true when social facts are under consideration. Moreover, both investigators made an especial effort to accomplish something of permanent educational value for each boy during the interview as well as to secure newsboy information. [ xviii 3 AUTHOR'S PREFACE record, criticized the impressions of the interviewer, and added anything which seemed to be of value in interpret- ing the individual correctly. In many buildings principals also reviewed the records and added personal information. Occasionally there was considerable difference of opinion, as is to be expected wherever the personal equation enters so strongly. Reasons for such disagreement were always noted. In the final analysis I have used my own best judgment, guided, of course, by all the elements which seemed to enter into difference of opinion. 1 With the exception of less than 100 pupils, who for various reasons were interviewed by others, all interviews were conducted by two investigators. 2 Conferences were held frequently, for the purpose of deciding upon new topics, new methods, changes in viewpoint, or in previous interpretation of data. Two periods of the school year appeared to combine equally well normal circulation and normal school attend- ance the late fall and the early spring. It was impos- sible to cover the interviews in the fall and prepare the material for immediate publication; hence it seemed advisable to wait until spring. The entire number of interviews, 1387, 3 was held in March, April, and May of 1916, and all grading and rechecking by teachers 1 I am most grateful to the Seattle teachers and principals for their valuable assistance in this study and should be glad to offer more than general recognition of their service were it possible. 2 Mrs. M. M. Crickmore, an educator of experience and a woman of exceptional ability in analyzing social problems, assisted me in con- ducting the interviews. I acknowledge my full obligation to her for most helpful cooperation and for many valuable suggestions. 3 The interviews from which data were secured for this publication do not include the 986 held previously for the purpose of securing local background. [xix ] AUTHOR'S PREFACE and principals was complete at the close of the school year. Statistical information which could be handled by clerical assistants was tabulated in June and July; much of it, however, required interpretation to accompany tab- ulation and has necessarily been done personally as the study progressed. Two additional months have been required to analyze and interpret the material and prepare it for publication. 1 Less than eight months has elapsed from the inception to the conclusion of the study. "Newsboys" are of both popular and scientific interest. We have tried to present our statistical tabulations and our authority for generalizations in such a way that we might interest the casual reader without overlooking the demands of the scientific student. The generous assistance which has been given by the four publishing companies 2 is accepted as it has been given in the interests of that mutual sympathy and understanding which must be developed between educa- tional and vocational life before either can attain its maximum individual success or render its greatest social service. Each circulation manager has reviewed the manu- script copy prior to publication. 1 Organization of material for logical presentation is in itself an impor- tant phase of research work. Tune and frequent re-reading of material often result in valuable suggestions for the organization and presentation of material. What we may have sacrificed on this side we hope may be counterbalanced by value due to proximity to facts. 2 The Post-Intelligencer, Star, and Times newspapers and the Curtis Publishing Company. [xx] CONTENTS PAGE PREFATORY NOTE vii AUTHOR'S PREFACE ix I. Reasons for Selection of Subject ix II. Point of View xiii III. Definition of Newsboy xv IV. Sources of Information and Methods of Investigation xvii INTRODUCTION xxv CHAPTER I. PUBLICATIONS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY AND THEIR CIRCULATION SYSTEMS 1 L Daily Newspapers 1 A. Sellers 2 B. Carriers 3 C. New Subscribers 6 II. Curtis Publications ' 8 A. System of Distribution 8 B. Vocational Plan 9 CHAPTER II. NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION OF NEWSBOYS 12 I. Number of Newsboys in Seattle 12 II. Distribution of Newsboys in Seattle Schools 14 CHAPTER III. EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF THE NEWSBOY PROBLEM 18 I. Age and Grade Distribution of Newsboys 19 II. Educational Status of Newsboys 26 A. Comparison with Newsboys in Other Cities 33 B. Comparison with Other School Wage Earners 37 C. Comparison with Total School Registration 42 III. Attendance Records of Newsboys 49 IV. Educational Rank of Newsboys in Class 60 V. Character Qualities of Newsboys as Revealed in School Life 62 VI. Educational Ideals of Newsboys 65 CHAPTER IV. THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF THE NEWSBOY PROBLEM. . . 69 I. Nationality 70 II. Home Conditions 76 III. Parental Condition and Occupation of Fathers 78 IV. Social Relations Outside the Home 79 [xxi ] CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER V. THE ECONOMIC ASPECT OP THE NEWSBOY PROBLEM 82 I. Economic Pressure 82 A. Size of Families 83 B. Newsboy Earnings 85 C. Use of Newboy Eat nings 89 D. Boys Doing Other Work 89 II. Social Economy of Newsboy Service 90 CHAPTER VI. THE PHYSICAL ASPECT OF NEWSBOY SERVICE 92 CHAPTER VII. THE MORAL ASPECT OF NEWSBOY SERVICE 98 I. Parental School Records 100 II. Personal Observation 101 III. Personal Interviews 102 A. Gambling 102 B. Smoking 105 C. Profanity 106 D. Drinking 108 E. Begging 109 F. Dishonesty 109 IV. Boys' Estimate of the Moral Influence Ill CHAPTER VIII. THE VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF NEWSBOY SERVICE . 116 I. Character Development in Its Relation to Newsboy Service 117 A. Perseverance 118 B. Thrift 121 II. Business Knowledge and Principles in their Relation to Newsboy Service 125 A. Selecting a Location 126 B. Selling Corners 127 C. Leasing Corners 128 D. Employing Salesmen 129 E. Wholesaling and Retailing 130 F. Credit and Collections 131 G. Soliciting 133 H. Profit and Loss 133 /. Business Ethics 135 III. Supervision of Newsboys 136 IV. Newsboy Service as a Blind Alley Occupation 139 V. Vocational Aspect of Curtis Sales 141 [ xxii ] CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER IX. THE AVOCATIONAL ASPECT OP NEWSBOY SERVICE . . 148 CONCLUSIONS 153 APPENDIXES 159 I. Newsboy Schedule 160 II. Occupations of Schoolboys. 1916 162 III. Examples of Schoolboy Employment 162 IV. Irregular Attendance in Connection with Other Newsboy Influences 164 V. Long and Late Hours in Connection with Other Newsboy Influences 165 VI. Comparative Cases from General Employment Illustrating Hours of Service in Relation to Remuneration 166 VII. Nativity and Nationality of Other School Wage Earners . 167 VIII. Typical Examples of Turkish Newsboys 168 INDEX . 169 C xx "* INTRODUCTION SOMEWHAT tardily the American people have become aware that the traditional aims, methods, and sub- jects of public education are not satisfying the needs of modern social life. Ideals born before the opening of our industrial age have dominated the schools primary, secondary, and higher. Recently, notably during the last decade, a new ideal has arisen, the ideal of education for social service. For the old conception of learning for its own sake is giving way to the conception of knowledge for human use. This is the soul of the new education, the spirit of the new humanism which is demanding nothing less than the reconstruction of education from bottom to top, so that consciously, more deliberately than now, its aim shall be to train and equip human beings for the actual- ities of human life. Already throughout the land a many-sided movement for the socialization of education is under way. The central problem of the movement is vocational training and guidance. It is a hard problem, whose wise solution must depend upon an expert survey of the facts for each vocation. One by one such collections of facts are being provided. Among the vocations most closely related to education are the street trades followed by children. Perhaps the most discussed and least understood of these trades is that of the newsboy. Hence the importance of Mrs. Reed's intensive study of Newsboy Service, a social- economic contribution of great value. It is a very thorough, detailed, and accurate survey of a neglected field. Many a reader of the book, like myself, will be surprised by the truths so painstakingly revealed. For the first time he will gain a definite idea of the relative [xxv] INTRODUCTION importance of the newsboy's vocation; of the very inter- esting organization of his business; and of the real nature of the economic, social, and moral questions involved in it. The author has demonstrated the value of the scien- tific statistical method in determining the truth. Re- garding an important calling pursued by many thousands of American schoolboys, she has enabled teachers to sub- stitute facts for mere tradition or prejudice; and she has proved the supreme need of vocational guidance as an essential factor in public education. Not only has Mrs. Reed produced a model investigation in social statistics, but, at the same time, she has written a book which in every part fixes the attention and chal- lenges the sympathy of the reader. In various ways it is a helpful contribution to the literature of practical soci- ology; for instance, in accenting the influence of home con- ditions on child welfare. It will be of great service to all who are interested in the vocational training of youth. GEORGE ELLIOTT HOWARD [xxvi] NEWSBOY SERVICE "I am weary of seeing this subject of education always treated as if 'education* only meant teaching children to write or to cipher or to repeat catechism. Real education the education which alone should be compulsory means nothing of the kind. It means teaching chil- dren to be clean, active, honest, and useful." JOHN RUSKIN [ xxviii NEWSBOY SERVICE CHAPTER ONE PUBLICATIONS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY AND THEIR CIRCULATION SYSTEMS I. DAILY NEWSPAPERS SEATTLE supports three large daily newspapers, all of which are included in this study. The Post-Intel- ligencer issues an early morning, a late evening, and a special Saturday night edition. 1 The Star issues four editions, covering the period from 10 A.M. to late after- noon. The Times publishes three regular afternoon edi- tions and a Saturday night special which goes on sale about nine o'clock. The Sunday editions of the Times and of the Post-Intelligencer go on sale in the early morn- ing hours. The Star issues no Sunday edition. Both the Times and the Post-Intelligencer are under local ownership and control. The Star belongs to the Scripps chain and is owned and controlled by outside capital. City circulation is effected by means of carriers who deliver to regular subscribers and by sellers who handle street sales. The proportion of total circulation accom- plished by each method varies somewhat for each paper, but, generally speaking, approximately 50 per cent of daily circulation is handled by each method, with a grow- ing tendency toward increase of street sales. The circulation department of each publication has its individual system of organization. These systems differ radically in some respects, while in others they are re- markably uniform. We shall discuss the different cir- 1 City editions only are included. [ i] NFWSBOY SERVICE culation systems in detail only in so far as the elements of difference influence directly or indirectly the problems under discussion. A. Sellers Downtown sellers, in their relation to the circulation department, are almost universally regarded as independ- ent merchants. In some respects this is true, in others untrue. The corner boys purchase their papers directly from wholesalers who maintain a regular delivery service to the corners, and they pay for their purchase according to definite agreement. They are not, however, sufficiently independent to decide, at all times, with absolute free- dom, how large their purchase shall be. Owing to the youth of sellers and to the tendency of many boys to be satisfied with comparatively small sales, a custom has grown up of allowing wholesalers to decide the number of sales for which each corner "is good," and then to force the boys to maintain sales and service standards. Some- times boys- are obliged to accept a larger number of papers than they desire, and sometimes they are forced to pay for more papers than they can sell. Provision for return of unsold copies is not uniform. It varies according to conditions and the character of the individual boy. Corner control, through concession rights, is the basis of the wholesaler's authority. When wholesalers depend upon commission for salary, one can readily see that privilege of control might be abused and be detrimental to the financial and educational interests of the boy. When wholesalers receive a fixed salary, they are fre- quently the fairest and best friend a boy has in standing between him and the circulation demands of the central office. [2] PUBLICATIONS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY Sellers in outlying districts deal with district agents who combine supervision of routes with sales supervision. The system is practically the same as for downtown sellers. B. Carriers Cash or surety bonds and signed contracts are required of all carriers. 1 Contracts obligate boys to perform their duties faithfully, to teach substitutes, 2 to secure new subscribers, to make collections, to keep accurate route books, and to notify agents prior to resignation. 3 Fines for neglect of duty and regulations regarding service and complaints are included in the contracts. District agents are an important element in the carrier system of all papers, but there is more or less variation in their relation both to the central office and to the car- riers who work under them. In general, they are sup- posed to see that boys receive and pay for their papers and render satisfactory service; size up local routes and see that boys make the most of them; look after complaints; hire and discharge boys; and check collections. They also deliver to, and collect from, corner boys, hire and discharge local sellers, and see that street sales are main- tained. Methods of remunerating carriers and the relation of wholesalers, or district agents, to the central office seem to be the controlling elements of difference in carrier systems. 1 A few boys deposit bank books. Cash bonds draw interest. 2 Substitutes receive no pay while learning. Many boys are glad to enter carrier service in this way. It takes from 2 to 7 days to learn a route. 3 Some agents hold back a certain part of the wage or profit in order to force boys to live up to this part of the contract. NEWSBOY SERVICE Post-Intelligencer routes are all owned by the paper. Carriers receive a definite wage for a definite service. Routes are sized up by district agents and are kept as nearly uniform in respect to territory covered and char- acter of route as is possible. Salaries are paid for deliv- ery service only and are also quite uniform. 1 Boys are required to collect on their own routes. They receive additional remuneration in the form of a percentage on collections. 2 They may not buy, sell, exchange, or divide their routes, and as the paper stands subscription loss, they may not drop customers unless so instructed. Dis- trict agents have authority over the efficiency of service rather than over the financial side of the carriers' work. Their relation to the central office has none of the dis- advantages common to middleman supervision. Routes demand early morning service. They are carried largely by high-school and university boys. A graded record system is maintained at the general office which has an excellent influence on the efficiency of carriers. Many boys mentioned the system during our interview and asked for advice in overcoming faults. Through the courtesy of the circulation manager we were permitted to compare the business estimates of several high-school boys with our educational estimates. Had we been able to secure similar grades for all the newsboys, it would have added most decidedly to the educational value of our conclusions. Star and Times carriers who cover downtown routes also deal directly with the central office, but on a profit rather than on a wage basis. They control their own routes and make or lose according to their ability as 1 Boys estimate 25 cents an hour. 5 per cent after the first $10. [4] PUBLICATIONS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY solicitors and collectors, and according to the character of the customers on their routes. Star carriers in the outlying districts are supervised by district agents, from whom they obtain their papers at the same rate as do downtown carriers and sellers. 1 Local policy conforms to downtown policy in practically every particular. District agents receive regular salaries. As there is no Sunday edition, as the dailies are light, the routes small, and the remuneration less than the average high-school boy expects, 2 service is rendered almost entirely by elementary-school boys. Times carriers in outlying districts work under a sys- tem which differs radically from the downtown carrier system. This difference is due to the difference in rela- tion between the central office and the district agents and the consequent difference in relation between the district agents and the local carriers. District agents are not salaried employees as is the case with agents for the other papers. They purchase concession rights within certain territory and the paper guarantees them full protection in such territory, with more or less freedom to control their local policy as seems best. 3 This system introduces the middleman element into the relation between agents and carriers and naturally reduces the income of the boys. 1 50 cents per 100. 2 Boys make as much or more on the daily, but the papers which publish Sunday editions offer a considerable additional inducement financially. 3 There is one very interesting group of routes in sold territory which belongs to private parties and which the agent has never been able to purchase. Many years ago a single route was established by a boy, 15 years of age, who delivered on horseback. As population increased he divided his route and is now a middleman himself, although his employees are all salaried. His income is good and he declines to sell out. [5] NEWSBOY SERVICE Boys may deliver on either salary or commission basis. In some districts they collect, in others the commission on collections is a part of the middleman's profit. When carriers collect they may stand the entire subscription loss or the agent may share it with them. The whole- sale price of Sunday papers is a half cent higher when purchased of district agents. The popularity of the sys- tem varies according to the character of the agents. A large part of the carriers employed by local agents attend the elementary school. Inasmuch as all of our dailies utilize some form of dis- trict agent and inasmuch as many newsboy studies which include this subject are most severe in their criticism of such agents, the location of their offices, the temptations afforded boys to fritter away their earnings while waiting for papers, etc., I feel that it would be unfair to our news- papers, and to the agents who represent them, were we to pass over this subject without expressing our appreciation of the type of men whom we found occupying these posi- tions in Seattle. Offices were universally satisfactory both as to location and conditions. We found no district agent who seemed to us undesirable as an associate for boys, and there was but one whom we felt was sacrificing the boys' financial interest to his own. The majority have studied juvenile ability and juvenile weakness as care- fully as have our educators, and their cooperation in developing the right standards and principles while boys are still under school jurisdiction would be most beneficial to the educational system. C. New Subscribers New subscribers may be secured through voluntary subscription, through carrier solicitation, or through regu- [6] PUBLICATIONS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY lar solicitors. It is most desirable that route boys take all possible responsibility for increasing subscriptions, and each paper tries to offer sufficiently attractive induce- ments to encourage them to do so. Liberal prize systems of all kinds, competitive and non-competitive, are offered. Some boys make little or no effort; others have made valuable additions to their salary in this way. Regular solicitors are inclined to secure many temporary sub- scribers, especially when desirable premiums are offered. Retaining such subscriptions is the carriers' duty, and it is often a most difficult task. Nearly all boys agree that professional solicitors serve a useful purpose in checking carrier efficiency and that papers undoubtedly secure some valuable hints from them. Each paper has its advantages and its disadvantages. The Post-Intelligencer and the downtown Times routes are the most popular, afford the highest remuneration, and offer the most advantages to older boys. The former guarantees a good, definite salary; the latter offers pos- sibilities of a considerably larger, indefinite reward. One requires abnormal rising and retiring hours but leaves a free afternoon for other duties or pleasures; the other permits normal rising and retiring hours but requires "early dismissal" and spoils the afternoon for any other purpose. Each has its own peculiar collection problems which carriers must estimate and learn to control as best they may. 1 The Star and the local Times are about equally remu- nerative and are very desirable for elementary-school boys. There are no excessively early hours, but few "early dis- missals," and there is no occasion to be on the downtown 1 Customers would doubtless pay subscriptions more promptly were it generally known that a schoolboy loss is involved. m NEWSBOY SERVICE streets or around downtown newspaper offices. As a rule, district-agent supervision is a desirable element. Forcing extras and the middleman system are the only com- plaints. The boys' point of view on these two subjects will be referred to later. II. CURTIS PUBLICATIONS The Curtis Publishing Company maintains a district agency in Seattle. 239 schoolboys are engaged, directly or indirectly, by this agency in what is known throughout the country as "P-J-G service," or the circulation of the Saturday Evening Post, Ladies' Home Journal y and the Country Gentleman. A. System of Distribution The system of distribution comprises yearly subscrip- tion sales, weekly customer sales, and street sales. Papers distributed by all methods are sent from the home office so that customers receive them with uniform regularity on the same day throughout the entire country. This is jus- tice to both classes of subscribers as well as to local sales boys and it is a vital factor in maintaining the right balance between yearly subscriptions and circulation sales which is an important element in the business policy of any paper. Boys who desire to enter P-J-G service apply to the district agent and are given an opportunity to try them- selves out. Distributers are supposed to call for their papers at the central or branch offices Wednesday or Thursday evening after school. They are under contract not to make deliveries until Thursday. Payment is made when papers are received. An exact account of all sales [8] PUBLICATIONS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY is required and full returns are allowed provided the entire copy be preserved. The city is not districted. Each boy is free to secure subscriptions or to make sales wherever he may have the opportunity. Nearly all Curtis boys combine selling and carrying; very few confine themselves to subscrip- tion sales. B. Vocational Plan The unique element in the Curtis system one which is not found in connection with the distribution of dailies is its vocational plan. The object of the plan is twofold : (1) On the business side to increase or stabilize circulation. (2) On the educational side (a) to supplement book education with practical business experience, (6) to aid in developing the fundamental character qualities which are important both per se and as business assets, (c) to combine education and business in such a way that progress in each may be continuous and that boys who win promotion in both may have a business introduction and recommendation as well as an educational diploma. The educational system by means of which this object is accomplished comprises clubs, educational-vocational literature, and personal guidance. (1) Four clubs offer a regular series of promotions: The Ten Club, League of Curtis Salesmen, Expert Salesmen, and Master Salesmen. Membership in the first is based on sales record only. In each of the others it is based on a combination of sales and educational requirements. Promotion from [9] NEWSBOY SERVICE each to the next higher is dependent upon steady increase in sales and in educational standards. Local educators are held responsible for reporting on educational progress; the district agent, on sales progress. Each boy who graduates from the full series is promised a position with some co- operating business house, an especial effort being made to guide the right boy into the right job. (2) Vocational-educational literature, which is an im- portant element in the system, consists of Our Boys, issued monthly to all P-J-G boys; the Forecast, issued weekly, containing sales hints for each publication; How to Sell 100 Copies Weekly, a textbook on which vocational examina- tions are based; The Counselor, issued monthly to parents and teachers; and just recently the vocational moving-picture film, Thomas Jeffer- son Morgan. 1 These publications are strictly for the purpose of vocational and educational progress. Stories are brief and usually well told, emphasis being placed on such topics as, How to meet and deal with other people, The value of politeness, courtesy, neatness, thrift, promptness, regularity, tact, perseverance, honesty in fact, all the funda- mental qualities which make for success are well brought out. Salesmanship versus peddling is constantly emphasized. Prize compositions on sales plans, favorite books, etc., are frequently contributed by boys. 1 Other vocational literature offered by the Curtis Publishing Com- pany includes, Salesmanship a Vocation for Boys, Schooling for Voca- tions, What Shall I Do with My Boy ? etc. [10] PUBLICATIONS INCLUDED IN THE STUDY (3) The sales life of each boy is on record at the home office and follow-up letters come promptly when negligence or inefficiency demands. Many inducements are offered by the Company for boys to enter and remain in the service: prizes, both competitive and non-competitive; definite rewards with each promotion, such as membership in Y.M.C.A. or Y.M.H.A.; investment begin- nings, voucher dividends, etc.; and vocational placement at the close of school life. In addition to district agents and the plan above, which requires a large force of educational workers, the home office employs a full corps of superintendents of agencies who visit each agent periodically, and it also calls sectional conventions at which sales policy is discussed. Theoretically we have an elaborate, carefully outlined, educational- vocational plan; financially a most expensive one. The actual return to the Company is undoubtedly commensurate with the investment or it will soon be dis- continued. Whether it is as large as it should be is another matter. The actual service to the boy is most intangible. What it actually does teach, the use the boy makes of it, and his sales record compared with the boy's who does not have it may be partially determined as our study progresses. The actual elements contributed to character and education through the people met, the experiences had, and the influences which guide is the part of the circulation policy which interests the educator. Later on we shall try to see how the elements contributed by the daily and the weekly agree or disagree in these respects. CHAPTER TWO NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION OF NEWSBOYS I. NUMBER OF NEWSBOYS IN SEATTLE IT is a very difficult matter to reach even approximate accuracy as to the number of newsboys in any city in the United States. Our sources of information on this subject comprise: (1) The federal census, (2) the school census, (3) records of license bureaus, (4) records of newspaper offices, and (5) private investigation. Newsboy statistics in the federal census are notoriously so inaccurate that even the children themselves realize their valueless character. The attention of the public has been called to the fact and causes of such inaccuracies too often to require repetition. It is sufficient to state that usually about one fourth of the number of newsboys in any city is the nearest approach to accuracy from this source. Our Seattle school census does not seek occupational information of any kind, nor have we any system of licensing newsboys. 1 Newspaper records are accurate for carriers employed directly by the individual paper or its authorized agents. No paper allows its regular carriers to handle a second paper, therefore it would be easy to get the exact number of carriers were it not for "sub-carriers" and "independ- ent carriers." Sub-carriers are employed by regular or independent carriers and are not responsible to the papers. Independent carriers purchase their papers from whole- 1 Cities which have license bureaus report only approximate accuracy in numbers, owing to the fact that many boys obtain licenses who do not use them. Many others use them irregularly. [12] NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION salers or sellers, solicit their own customers, and gradually increase the number until they have quite a large route. This is a common practice in the downtown section, especially among corner sellers, who frequently begin their day's work with carrier service on an independent route and then return to their corner for the rush-hour sales. It can easily be seen that this combination in one person, of independent carrier and corner seller, compli- cates the problem of separating accurately sellers and carriers. As a rule combinations of this type are tabulated under sellers, as the character of the work is more closely allied to selling than it is to carrying and by far the greater part of time is devoted to selling. Newspapers' records for sellers would afford even greater opportunity for inaccuracies. There are two main chances for error: (1) Most boys handle more than one paper. A Post-Intelligencer boy may sell that paper only on school- days, but on Saturday evening he may include the Times. An afternoon seller may handle the Star and Times only until Saturday night and then include the Post-Intelli- gencer. This system results in the overestimation of numbers. (2) Many boys who sell are employed by other boys on commission or on a regular salary and never come in contact with the papers in any way. This results in underestimation of numbers. None of our Seattle papers attempts to keep an accurate list of sellers, and it has been very difficult for us to distinguish absolutely between sellers who are independent merchants trading on their own responsibility, and street employees who sell for others, either on salary or on commission. We hope we have been able to do so sufficiently for such as may be interested to realize the variety of problems involved in news circulation and the labyrinth of business intricacies [13] NEWSBOY SERVICE which many very young boys are daily attempting to untangle. Private enumeration seems to have been our most authoritative source of information, although it is impos- sible to claim anything like absolute accuracy. Our census system was as follows : Each teacher in the public- school system was asked to secure the number and names of all pupils who were in any line of newspaper work. Each pupil was interviewed as soon as possible thereafter. Pupils who were absent when the teacher took the names were included if they were present during the days of interview. Pupils who were present when the list was made, but who were absent during the entire period of interviews, were omitted. Some were newsboys when the count was taken but had resigned before we got to the interview. These were omitted. To offset this loss in numbers we called for the names of any who might have begun work recently. Several were found. Constant change, absence, failure to acknowledge them- selves newsboys, coupled with failure of the teacher to know that they were such, are all contributing elements to inaccuracy. Our enumeration showed 1387 public- school newsboys. There is, of course, no duplication. In addition to this number we have, with the assistance of circulation managers, estimated that there are about 60 professional newsboys, 15 news girls, and approxi- mately 150 university and private-school newsboys. II. DISTRIBUTION OF NEWSBOYS IN THE SEATTLE SCHOOLS Allowing for the specified limitations as to accuracy, it would seem safe to conclude that there are approxi- mately 1700 newsboys in Seattle. This estimate comprises: [14] NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION (1) public-school boys, (2) university and private-school boys, (3) non-school persons, and (4) a few schoolgirls. 1 Our study includes public-school boys alone. The total number interviewed was 1387. Thirty of that number are omitted from tabulation: eleven because they were handling too many different publications and were selling or carrying as might seem more profitable at any given time; seven were employed by the smaller papers; two were district managers; two were wholesalers; two car distributers; two office shippers; three collectors; and one was a solicitor. Table I indicates the number of pupils to be included in our tabulations. It classifies them as sellers and carriers and distinguishes between elementary and high school attendants. TABLE I. NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION OP SEATTLE NEWSBOYS (1357) Sellers Carriers Total Dailies Curtis Gra To No. nd tal % No. % No. % No. % No. % High school 61 10 P-I. 73 T. 85 S. 20 33 178 239 21.4 25 10.4 264 19.3 Elementary school. . . . 517 90 P-I. 35 T. 156 S. 171 ... ... 214 ... 362 67 879 78.6 214 89.6 1093 1357 80.5 Totals. . . . 578 100 540 100 1118 100. 239 100. 99.8 1 The number of girls is very small and their work is entirely in the residence section. [15] NEWSBOY SERVICE Tabulation shows sellers and carriers to be about evenly divided, but the proportion of the total in the high school compared with that in the elementary school 239 or 21.4 per cent, versus 879 or 78.6 per cent. is interesting, as is also the high-school and elementary-school variation between sellers and carriers. 10 per cent, of sellers in the high school becomes 33 per cent, of carriers in the same school, while 90 per cent, of sellers in the elementary school decreases to 67 per cent, of carriers in the same school. 10.4 per cent, of the Curtis boys are in the high school and 89.6 per cent, in the elementary school. After making all due allowance for the difference between high-school and elementary-school enrollment, it would seem logical to infer that selling decreases in popularity as age and education increase, while carrying becomes more popular with age and educational advancement. 1 Reasons for this shifting of popularity are too obvious to require proof, although many boys freely explained their preference and its causes: (1) Consensus of opinion declared that small boys were the better street salesmen. The higher type of boy over 15 years of age says frankly that it is a mortification to stand on the street corner hawk- ing his wares, and none do so from choice. On the other hand the boy of ten will state with equal frankness that he "just loves to holler" or that selling gives him "a fine chance to holler." One boy about nine years of age, a good sales- man, told us that he always imagined he was 1 Male high-school enrollment 1916 12926 Newsboy high-school enrollment 1916 264 or 9 % Male elementary-school enrollment 1916 18,566 Newsboy elementary-school enrollment 1916 1093 or 5.3 % [16] NUMBER AND DISTRIBUTION playing a game while selling papers. He was a little black dog lying in wait for his victim. As the customer approached he darted at him and began to bark just as a dog did. He rarely lost a sale, had started a bank account, and was thor- oughly enjoying his work. Customers are almost universally inclined to favor the young newsboy. So generally is this recog- nized by older boys that many, who for one reason or another continue to sell, employ smaller boys to make all the real sales effort and confine themselves to watching the boxes or to serving customers who purchase voluntarily. (2) Older boys make more satisfactory carriers and usually have the preference. Two of the dailies publish papers which make a heavy load for the younger boys and an almost impossible load on Sunday. Collections are usually more easily made by the high-school boy, and the morning paper is probably more sure of prompt service by more mature boys. A large percentage of the elementary carriers handle the Star or the lighter routes in residence districts. (3) Street sales are often irregular and demand addi- tional time. Elementary-school boys can respond to the demand without educational loss where the high-school boy can seldom do so. The age at which school newsboys do the most success- ful street work is indicated later. [17] CHAPTER THREE EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF THE NEWSBOY PROBLEM IN attempting to draw conclusions regarding the con- nection between newsboy service and any circum- stances or conditions, the broadest possible viewpoint is essential to insure interpretations of any value. We have studied our material from a variety of aspects. For the sake of convenience we shall offer it to the reader under seven subdivisions: 1 Educational aspect Social aspect Economic aspect Physical aspect Moral aspect Vocational aspect Avocational aspect The educational aspect of the problem comprises six topics : I. Age and grade distribution of newsboys. II. Educational status of newsboys per se; in compari- son with educational status of newsboys in other cities; in comparison with boys engaged in other occupations, and in comparison with total school attendance. III. Attendance records of newsboys per se, and in comparison with total school enrollment. IV. Educational rank in class of newsboys per se, in comparison with boys employed in other lines, and in comparison with total school enrollment. 1 "Education" as a part of the social economy of the time might easily embrace all the other subdivisions. We ask the reader to consider our classification as convenient rather than as arbitrary. [18] EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM V V. Character qualities of newsboys as revealed in school life. VI. Personal educational ideals of newsboys. I. AGE AND GRADE DISTRIBUTION OF NEWSBOYS Age, grade, and educational progress are most impor- tant phases of any occupational study which includes school children. So much has been written on the retarda- tion of newsboys and the interest in retardation in gen- eral is so universal that we offer a number of comparative tables on this subject. Tables II and III give the age and grade of daily sellers and carriers by half years. Table IV gives the same information for Curtis employees. Research workers are not, as yet, offering semester tabulation along these lines, 1 therefore these tables are of little value for minute classification. They are offered in this form in the hope that as time goes on we shall approach more nearly to absolute accuracy in all of our educational statistics and that they may be of use later for comparative conclusions. Attention is called to the fact that the age and grade here tabulated are the age and grade at the date of inter- view March, April, or May, 1916. This means a more exact showing as to age and grade, but a higher per cent, of retardation than is found in our annual reports. 2 1 The Newsboys of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Bureau of Economy and Efficiency, 1911. Semester tabulation for 80 sellers, 10 to 14 years of age, is given. Seventy-four out of the 80 were retarded. 2 Would not annual reports be more accurate and of more value for comparative statistics were information of this class to be secured in February rather than in September and were the system to be uniform throughout the country? [19] NEWSBOY SERVICE EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM rH rH COfXTF^T^COOCO^COCOCO 1 II :::::::::::::-::---. co CO rH < _ _ _- _ - Z> O b- OS -H * j I-H # . S i ' i"* l : < * i>adooosorHFli ooool^-ico JOO ^ 05 rH OS 00 11 rH 00 1 O* i-i i-< 06 oo n rH 00 : ! 90 00 pH . bj t^ rH t- co I W I r^g [27] NEWSBOY SERVICE Applying the standards used in our previous publica- tion, 7th grade at 13 years normal, 6th grade or below at 13 retarded, and 8th grade or above at 13 advanced, we find our highest combination for age and grade among sellers to be 38 at 12 years in the 6th grade. This is strictly in accordance with normal standards. Among carriers the highest combination is 37 at 13 years in the 7th grade, which also conforms to normal standards. The highest Curtis combination is 20 at 13 years in the 8th grade, which according to the same test places it above normal requirements. Table IX classifies according to the same standard as normal, retarded, and advanced all newsboys except the 16 specials. Obviously it is unwise to attempt to classify too minutely the very young distributers, as we have no knowledge of their entering age. TABLE IX. SCHOOL STATUS OF NEWSBOYS. 1341 (ONE- YEAR BASIS) Normal Backward Advanced Totals Ages Sell. Carr. Cur. Sell. Carr. Cur. Sell. Carr. Cur. Sell. Carr. Cur. 6-7 1 7 8 3 4 9 10 4 8 8 6 2 i 2 15 6 6 24 14 8 9 8 7 8 3 1 13 11 15 24 19 23 10 22 5 12 7 4 1 22 11 15 51 20 28 11 27 19 12 22 8 6 21 17 23 70 44 41 12 38 29 16 42 18 4 20 21 20 100 68 40 13 28 37 16 48 24 5 18 21 22 94 82 43 14 30 33 13 45 26 9 13 11 11 88 70 33 15 12 20 5 38 32 7 15 24 2 55 76 14 16 5 19 1 18 20 2 10 2 25 49 3 17 4 12 1 8 21 1 1 6 13 39 2 18 1 13 5 14 6 27 Over 18 3 22 3 22 Totals 184 207 86 240 192 33 138 141 120 562 540 239 % 32.7 38.3 36 42.7 35.5 14 24.5 26.1 50 1341 32.7 per cent, of sellers, 38.3 per cent of carriers, and 36 per cent, of Curtis boys are normal; 42.7 per cent, of [28] EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM sellers, 35.5 per cent, of carriers, and 14 per cent, of Curtis boys are backward; 24.5 per cent, of sellers, 26.1 per cent, of carriers, and 50 per cent, of Curtis boys are in advance of the normal. Changing our method of standardization to conform to the two-year plan as indicated in Tables IV and VIII, and which, because it is so frequently used, we also employ in our comparative statistics, we offer in Table X a second classification for the same group. We now have 53.2 per cent, of sellers, 60 per cent, of car- riers, and 74 per cent, of Curtis boys in the normal group; 42.7 per cent, of sellers, 35.5 per cent of carriers, and 13 per cent, of Curtis boys backward; 4 per cent of sellers, 4.4 per cent, of carriers, and 12.9 per cent, of Curtis boys advanced. A higher percentage of normality is to be ex- pected, but it is rather unusual to find such increase en- tirely at the expense of the advanced pupils while the per- centage of backward pupils remains practically unchanged. Comparison of percentage of normal, backward, and advanced pupils grade by grade indicates exactly where variations in educational status occur. Interpreted in the light of these statistics, our former conclusions regarding the conformity of the largest newsboy groups to normal requirements means nothing more or less than that the groups selling at the ages and in the grades mentioned are sufficiently large to make a considerable contribution to total normality and at the same time permit a large percentage of retardation within their individual groups. Further analysis reveals the degree of retardation. This is frequently of greater educational significance than is total extent of retardation. Table XI indicates retardation by years for the daily- newsboy group. [29] NEWSBOY SERVICE S 6"*- S | .a [30] o 00 O t> TP .O 0000 OS CO co J> oo d d rn Uj5 0*000606 ic * 5 I-H 9*00 00 Q> a* a* . . I-H . O* rH CO 00 CO C> 00 * rH 5 W5 00 5 CO -* f-i CO * 5 00 00 .00 'fi i- 1 CO l> l> 00 l> 00 rH 0> (N < i> 06 06 oo 06 co' i> 06 OCH COt- -: .0 oo oo TjKNOOOO (V ^ .. OS 00 S CW OS CM CO* oo a J * CM -CO OS CM t- * t- co -oo ^ *> '. ' '. m '. ' *O !f.!-*[jf! 1 i 1 1 1 IS i il I a, & A A H H & [31] NEWSBOY SERVICE 357, or 41.3 per cent., of the elementary daily boys are retarded: 62.4 per cent, one year, 23.5 per cent, two years, 10.3 per cent, three years, and 3.3 per cent, four or more years. Increase or decrease in percentage of retardation with reference to age and grade shows the highest per- centage of retardation to be in the fifth grade and the largest number retarded to be in the sixth grade. 75, or 32.6 per cent., of high-school daily boys are re- tarded: 60 per cent, one year, 30.6 per cent, two years, 8 per cent, three years, and 1.3 per cent, four or more years. The highest percentage of retardation is found in the junior and senior years, the lowest in the freshman. 1 The largest number retarded is found in the sophomore year. Table XII shows the Curtis elementary retardation by years. High-school boys are omitted because there was but one retarded Curtis boy in the high-school group. TABLE XII. CURTIS RETARDATION BY YEARS. 214 ENROLLMENT, 32 RETARDED Igr. 2gr. 3gr. 4gr. 5gr. 6gr. 7gr. 8gr. =1 Age 6-7 7-8 8-9 9-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 OiOOOtOO ) 1 O O5 < O ^< & .... 11 3 3 .. . .,_|..^lrH?Oi-HOSOOpHi-l . . . . . r-l rH rH M .... ii 1 g oa 3 : . : : 1 1 f> K. : : : J^** ^^ * ^ ' : ' ' ' : o .... : o o II 1 13 -9 00 ::-::- :::::::: II .ITT W)^8 t 1 1 i 3 ^3 -Tj it -:::::::::::::::: ^ JJ J ^ pa < *i o l> 00 CO P OS O rH (V . jH, ^H rH rt \ 3 o H HH "t [39] NEWSBOY SERVICE the largest number of general workers is considerably higher than the corresponding figures for the newsboy group. The highest combinations for age and grade are normal or advanced for both groups. The reader is again reminded that the laws of Wash- ington forbid the employment of boys under 14 years of age in other than farm or household service without first securing labor certificates. 263 of the 964 boys are under 14 years of age. 62 elementary boys are shown to be employed in farm and household service, but as only two after school or Saturday labor certificates are in force, it is logical to assume that many of the number are ille- gally employed. 1 Table XVI classifies retardation by years and corre- sponds to Table XI for newsboys. 209 or 40.1 per cent of elementary boys in general employment are retarded in comparison with 41.3 per cent, of the newsboys. 69.3 per cent, are retarded one year, 22.4 per cent, two years, 6.2 per cent, three years, and 1.9 per cent, four or more years. One-year retarda- tion shows an increase over that of newsboys, but all other years show a decrease. The highest percentage of retardation, as with newsboys, is found in the fifth grade, while the largest number retarded changes from the sixth to the seventh grade. 123 or 27.9 per cent, of high-school workers are retarded in comparison with 32.6 per cent, of newsboys; 56 per cent, one year, 28.4 per cent, two years, 8.9 per cent, three years, and 6.5 per cent, four or more years. The lowest per- centage of retardation for both groups is in the freshman 1 Our recent Vocational Report called attention to a similar condi- tion in 1915-16 and suggested means of handling school boy and girl employment so that labor violations would be reduced to the minimum. [40] EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM 8 *S g 122;;; 3 1 1 8 S " S | 5 M a :. * * S I-H O< 00 *~ a V s s s S a o 2 S3" : S S 2 &io OS 1 a > : s a | "o { 2 1 1 2 S 2 ; ; ; 1 r*_a_*jjj 00 j <* r-4 C ? * S g fe 1 5 O> i-H rH W I-H 00 * S $ CO rH S 2 - - S i MJ 1-1 H S " * ^ 5 S g a 3 - : : 8 S & oo 2 ao rH * &' 00 I ^ n' t- s rH i-H n $3 ; n 9 3 s S 1 1^ 00 : ; I-H C^ ^ Q 60 2 g : - S ||S 5|S - - ; : I-H s| a 10 s s a - . . O 3 5 "3 en ^ 9 " s SJS ife ' N ; ; : i-H O og o> (S< O< rH rH i-H OS . . ... 1 || 00 rH lo JO I^J O | ICO rH ... rH |Q 00 IrH III ... H e 3 t- 00000^1 "8 ft| P | S S |S ::::::: 1 i fr ^ H fc g ^2 ^ i i-ld ^ i- g 1 1 1 i i i 1 1> i 6 00 i co 2 i I 2 ^1 _i ^i o S ^ I> O) oo I ! 1 Q fc 0) :::::-: 3 ft 6 S 15 i i ', : 1-1 co co o 1 E I s : : - : : ~ ~ ^ , a i s i 1 ,_, V O 80 00 M * i i w H I :::--::- 00 o .R 1 ft ; ; : : i-i * < r-i 00 ^ i fe 5a P V 2 S S 1-1 0* < 00 i-l co o 2 I s 2 ::::--: . 2 PH E :::::-: eo * V ,* Is i '. : "" GO i-i : : 1 g i 1 1 :--- : 2 1 1 1 1 l-H r-l CD CO 3 K^ la X 2^ X [58] 1 35533153 i EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM munity wisdom to permit boys under 12 to sell papers after midnight? Five do! Is it creditable to Seattle's social vision that approximately 100 of her future citizens 14 years of age and under are selling papers on her public streets when they should be in bed? The citizen of to- morrow is in the hands of the citizen of today. The responsibility is not all at the schoolhouse door. Edu- cational vision can supplement, but never supplant, community vision. The individual records of this group of boys give us our most significant facts regarding the lower extremes of newsboy service. Only 11 of the number appear in our tabulation for irregular attendance. These little fellows are neither tardy nor absent; they would not dare to be; but too many for the credit of our city have said: "I'm too tired to understand;" "Sometimes I think I'll go to sleep hollering;" "Couldn't you find me some day work so I could go to bed nights?" "I get so excited selling I can't sleep when I do get home." 89 out of the 119 are retarded, 93 are selling because of economic pressure, and 97 contribute all their earnings to the family budget. The overworked newsboy is the retarded boy in the making, no matter what his status may be today. Too often, also, he is the delinquent boy in the making. The problems of this group extend beyond the province of the school. The community must decide whether or not wages contributed to the family budget, under the conditions mentioned above, be wise or unwise social economy. 1 1 Appendix V gives a number of typical illustrations of newsboys who work at undesirable hours. It is evident that no connection can be proved between retardation and hours. There are many other contrib- [59] NEWSBOY SERVICE IV. EDUCATIONAL RANK OF NEWSBOYS IN CLASS Retardation, estimated on the age basis alone, is at best a poor method of determining the efficiency of school instruction or the ability of pupils to benefit by such instruction. Many boys who are retarded rank high scholastically. They are retarded for causes which in no way reflect discredit on either instructional efficiency or on individual ambition and ability. Present educational rank in class, combined with the reasons for variations from normal in both class rank and in position in the sys- tem, is the only method by which to attain accurate results. We have no facts by means of which to make this method effective. Our best substitute is comparison of academic rank in class for the newsboy group with the same facts for boys engaged in other occupations, and with the promotion statistics for the entire elementary school at the close of the last school year. Rank in class for newsboys was secured in April, May, and June, 1916; rank in class for boys in other employ- ments in September, 1916. Grades obtained late in the year indicate the result of a year of educational coopera- tion between pupil and teacher; those obtained at the opening of the year are apt to indicate the result of the first impression made by the pupil. Promotion statis- tics at the close of the year indicate the percentage of promotions and retentions among the number who con- tinued in school late enough in the year to obtain definite ratings. Our elimination statistics for last year l show a considerable number of "drop outs" to have been retarded uting causes. Appendix VI gives illustrations of the same facts relative to schoolboys in other employments. 1 Tabulated in our Vocational Guidance Report. [*3 EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM or failing to pass. It is logical to assume that quite a number of eliminated pupils would have been "reten- tions" on the registers at the close of the year. 1 In view of these facts, both the boys in other employments and the boys who were rated at the close of the year should show a rather better academic standing than the news- boys. There is an equal opportunity for the personal equation in each group, hence we do not need to take that into consideration. 2 TABLE XXVI. RANK IN CLASS. 1002 ELEMENTARY NEWSBOYS. 443 ELEMENTARY GENERAL WORKERS Rank Daily Totals Curtis Newsboy Grand Total General Workers Sell- ers Car- riers No. % No. % No. % No. % A B C Low 3 . .. 45 168 172 62 37 162 127 36 82 330 299 98 10.1 40.8 37 12 40 74 59 20 20.7 38.3 30.5 10.3 122 404 358 118 12.1 40.3 35.7 11.7 46 224 147 26 10.3 50.5 32.9 5.8 Totals . . 447 362 809 100 193 100 1002 100 443 100 1 Sometimes they drop out because they know they will be repeaters anyway and they will lose nothing educationally by going to work for the remainder of the year and the summer. I doubt not that some of these are to be found in the present 17.5 per cent, of retardation, although they may not have been in the 7.5 per cent, of retentions last June. 2 Rank in class was not asked for in the high school because of the difficulty of securing ratings except at the close of the semester. The very young are omitted. We have used 809 out of 879 elementary daily boys, 193 out of 214 Curtis boys, and 443 out of 520 general workers. 3 Pupils marked "Low" are those whose promotion is seriously in danger, and we assume that almost without exception they will be retentions. [61] NEWSBOY SERVICE 88 per cent, of our elementary newsboys were ranking high enough for regular promotion in the early summer; 94 per cent, of wage earners in general employments are ranking the same in September, 1916. Promotion statistics for June, 1916, do not distinguish between sexes, but, as an indication of the standing of newsboys in comparison with the total enrollment at the close of the year, we offer the following: 23,665, or 92.5 per cent., received promotions and 1910, or 7.5 per cent., were retained in their grades. In view of the fact that newsboy ratings are based on actual standing, while annual promotions always contain a certain percentage of pupils who are promoted on trial, or because of age, size, repetition of work, etc., the comparison seems fairly favorable for the newsboys. Comparison of retardation and retention statistics for each group shows a much closer relation between these two factors in the entire group than in either of the two wage-earning groups. Naturally the educator pauses to wonder if this is because more retarded boys work, or because working boys gradually become retarded boys. We have no facts to warrant conclusions other than that we have found nothing to prove that excessive retardation is due to newsboy service and that in class standing the newsboy is not far outdistanced by his non-employed mates. V. CHARACTER QUALITIES OF NEWSBOYS AS REVEALED IN SCHOOL LIFE Owing to the widespread movement in favor of voca- tional guidance in connection with educational systems, we are coming to realize that education includes the attaining of high rank in certain fundamental character [62] EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM qualities which are of vastly more importance for success in life than is mere academic rank. Employers have pointed the way for this more inclusive interpretation of education, and school systems are rapidly following their lead. For three years our vocational department has been studying the commercial value of these fundamental character qualities in comparison with the like value of academic qualifications. We are unable to summarize our own results as well as has the National Association of Corporation Schools in its recent Committee Report: 1 After all, it appears to be a fact that employers lay less stress on the educational qualifications of their employees than on char- acter, appearance, skill, personality, willingness to work, adapta- bility, and other similar assets. From this it would seem that the personnel of a teaching force, the type of mind, and the character of the people with whom the child is brought in daily contact is of even more importance than the method of instruc- tion or even than the subject to be studied. Teachers and pupils have become accustomed to using certain terms to designate certain elements of success: it is these terms which are included under this division. The personal equation is probably much more influential in character rating than it is in academic grading; how- ever, we believe that the tabulation of teachers' estimates on these points will be of value in deciding what type of boy is employed in news circulation in Seattle. Table XXVII contains this information. Employers gave us some assistance in this same type of estimate. We have found comparison of the educa- 1 Our methods of study are discussed in full in our Vocational Guid- ance Report. [63] NEWSBOY SERVICE [64] 2 > i 8 S 8 S 3 I 5 3 s | 1 I 2 i 1 ^ 5 I 9 S g " S SB S i 1 S rl OT ^ I 1 1 I! a 8 g a EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM tional and commercial basis most helpful. Personality and courtesy seem best understood by the teacher and agree more uniformly with business estimates. Alert- ness and initiative are least understood by the teacher and there is wide difference in the degree of each as esti- mated by teacher and by employer. 1 The public schools are often accused of killing initiative. Is it possible that we are doing just this thing, not intentionally, but because we do not recognize it when we see it and hence fail to make proper use of it for the development of the child? 2 Many teachers, in the initial stage of this study, were influenced by the universal prejudice as to newsboy serv- ice. It was not uncommon to find it assumed that all newsboys were deficient in this, that, or the other. When teachers came to grade their own boys in a closer, more impartial, and more sympathetic attitude, they found them "not so black as they had been painted." With facts at hand it is much easier to realize how little value there is to be placed on mere personal opinion. VI. EDUCATIONAL IDEALS OF NEWSBOYS While the previous tabulations are all of importance, the really vital problem, so far as the education of the individual is concerned, is what do the boys themselves think of their educational status? What do they think of the educational influence of newsboy employment in their own case? 1 This same difference in standards of estimate has been observed during our entire period of service in the vocational department. 2 We had a number of very interesting examples of the difference in interpretation of "initiative." On one record the teacher had written: "Better off out of the business, too much self-confidence now." She had graded the boy "low" in initiative. The circulation manager said: "One of the most resourceful boys we ever had." [65] NEWSBOY SERVICE All older elementary boys were given an opportunity to discuss seriously the meaning of education and its value. We found but two boys who were totally disin- terested and saw no object in compulsory attendance. One "sees nothing to it" and the other said, "School just doesn't appeal to me." One boy was indifferent. He was willing to attend, in fact preferred to, because other boys did and it would be lonely during school hours when he had "nothing else to do." In the majority of cases, when our questions were considered at all, they brought out thoughtful answers. These were especially interesting from the educator's point of view because practically all were looking toward a commercial return on their student efforts. The job was the goal of education. Not always the dollar in the job, sometimes it was the comparative ease and pleasure of brain work versus the physical demands of labor performed by the uneducated. Occasionally an alien boy was look- ing toward citizenship, but even then the practical motive was dominant. In the lower grades education was usually interpreted to mean the academic fundamentals. The beneficial influences of the service were accuracy and speed in arith- methical calculations, interest in reading the news, hav- ing a bank account, studying the war news, etc. In the upper grammar grades and in the high school, boys had a very comprehensive idea of what was comprised in edu- cation. Expressions similar to the following were common : "Contact with different classes of people teaches something not taught in school." "It broadens you by forcing you to adapt to all kinds of conditions." "School life is very narrow. You get broad selling papers." [66] EDUCATIONAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM "The schools only half educate, we have to get the other half ourselves." "The schools are good for culture, but they miss the point in business." "School is a canned way of bringing a boy in touch with life." One boy, 15 years of age, an orphan, has paid all his expenses by newspaper work. He says that the best educative factor in his life has been contact with the business men. Book learning has been a great help and the sale of papers has made such learning possible, but the various occupations in which his customers are en- gaged and the type of man who is successful is furnish- ing him fundamental knowledge on which to choose and build his own career. Several prominent men in Seattle stand ready to give this lad a business start any time he asks it. Boys who have grown up in the service do not think that the time required is an educational handicap, except in the case of high-school sellers. Most of the older boys agree that anything which takes 4 hours a day in addition to school work is a hindrance to satisfactory educational results. Newsboy service which did not exceed 2 to 3 hours was pronounced entirely in harmony with good scholastic standing, but if anything more were attempted, there was bound to be failure somewhere. A large part of the boys in both the grammar school and in the high school are educationally ambitious. 272 ele- mentary boys talked hopefully and confidently of their high-school course. 121 were also planning for college and expected to pay their own way. 41 were very anxious to go to high school, but were not sure that they would have the opportunity; 132 were pretty sure that the eighth grade would complete their school life; and 106 did not [67] NEWSBOY SERVICE expect to finish the grades. 5 of the latter inquired about our evening classes and asked our advice in regard to courses so "they would not be left out entirely." 16 boys did not feel that the high-school commercial course was desirable for boys and were planning for practical work in business colleges. The educational ambitions of the high-school boys are obvious. I offer a complete statement of the high-school courses chosen by the 239 high-school newsboys. Some who take the general course are expecting to enter college. TABLE XXVIII. HIGH-SCHOOL COURSES. 239 NEWSBOYS l College Pre- paratory Com- mercial General Industrial Arts Total Sellers 31 13 9 8 61 Carriers 80 29 41 28 178 Total 111 42 50 36 239 1 All elementary Curtis boys except 8 expect to go to high school. All high-school boys expect to go to college. [68] CHAPTER FOUR THE SOCIAL ASPECT OF THE NEWSBOY PROBLEM \ LTHOUGH employment managers and educators jL~V. may not always agree in their estimate as to the degree of accuracy, reliability, initiative, promptness, etc., possessed by the different boys, they do fully agree regarding the importance of each one of these character- istics as a factor in the education of the young. Where shall the foundation for a successful life career be laid? What is the most important agent in character development? Circulation managers, district agents, and whole- salers are unanimous in declaring that the strongest influence in a boy's life is home influence; that the quali- ties which make for success or failure are those which are early acquired in the home. One agent expressed it, "Mothers make a boy's route;" another, "The hardest boy to handle is the boy whose mother thinks he is per- fect and who is willing to cover up his shortcomings by deceit;" still another, "I pick my boys carefully for the qualities that make for success the greatest of these is a good home," and again, "The weak points lie in the parents rather than in the boys." Environment and choice of companions rank second, in their estimation, among the influences which tend to develop success or failure qualities. The social aspect of the newsboy problem centers around the home and the companion. Who are our school newsboys in their homes? What is the social and economic status of newsboy families in general? What is it in comparison with other family groups? What is the inter- NEWSBOY SERVICE action between this home influence and other social features of the newsboy problem and the occupational influence of newsboy service? Five topics seem to be especially pertinent to this phase of the subject: 1 Nationality of School Newsboys; Home Conditions; Parental Condition; Occupation of Father; and Social Relations outside of the Home. I. NATIONALITY Table XXIX gives the nativity and nationality of school newsboys. It tells us that 429, or 48.8 per cent., of the parents of daily elementary boys and 15.5 per cent, of the boys themselves are foreign born; that 96, or 40.1 per cent, of the parents of daily high-school newsboys and 5.8 per cent, of the boys themselves are foreign born. 2 It also tells us that in nationality of elementary sellers the North European countries exceed in numbers those of Southern Europe; in nativity the South European and the Slav exceed the North European. It is obvious that the Turkish Jew is a "seller." The Russian and the Polish Jew come second and the Italian third. These facts in themselves neither affirm nor deny the universally accepted statements relative to national tend- encies among newspaper sellers. Had we nativity and nationality statistics for our total school population, we should be enabled to decide much more definitely how far the percentage of South European sentering newsboy 1 As has been said before, it is impossible to make any logical divi- sion between the various aspects of this problem. The social and eco- nomic features of home life are closely allied, as are also the social and the avocational interest of boys. 2 Curtis boys are tabulated for nativity and nationality, but are not included in the percentages, as Curtis service does not appeal to foreign- born boys. [70] SOCIAL ASPECT OF PROBLEM " GO 00 .1 I O5 CO 1> 5 . GO 5 < < Oi O5 t- CO 1-5 oi eo r-5 oi ( co oi WJ CO Ot I i>i>i>oqcoooQcq O rH rH I-H -i CO CO CO W 5 <5> CO 8 5 3 rH CO x? 5 00 rH 1> CO GO CO 'f* [86] + : ECONOMIC ASPECT OF PROBLEM s I * GO CO rH 3 2 3 [87] NEWSBOY SERVICE TABLE XXXVI. MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, AND AVERAGE WAGE Elementary High School Curtis Sellers 1 Carriers Sellers Carriers High School Grades Average per month Average per hour . . Maximum wage per month $8.09 .18} 55 .20 $6.45 .145 30 .24 $15.45 .245 100 1.50 $17 .341 60 1 $4.63 .401 15 .88 $1.86| .23 12.88 .32 Minimum wage per month The average earnings of school newsboys, taken in con- nection with the above facts regarding the per capita cost of living, are prima facie evidence that such earnings may be a most important item in the family budget; i.e., if family conditions require, 60 per cent, of the newsboys can attend school and at the same time contribute sub- stantially toward their own support. Attention is called to the fact that the average wage per hour for elementary newsboys is slightly above the requirements of our minimum wage law. The high-school wage per hour is double the requirement. 2 1 Less 16 irregulars. 2 $6 per week for all boys under 18 years of age. Payment for part time is 12| cents per hour. In checking the newsboy wage, we find no uniformity between the wage and the time. The wage laws require absolute uniformity, irrespective of the difference in individual abilities. The following are illustrations of the difference in time consumed by different boys in accomplishing approximately the same task: High- school carriers, 212 hours for $50, 58 hours for $40, 90 hours for $24, and 86 hours for $60; high-school sellers, 112 hours for $30, 132 hours for $20, 148 hours for $22.40, 216 hours for $27, and 138 hours for $100. (This boy has owned his corner 10 years.) [88] ECONOMIC ASPECT OF PROBLEM C. Use of Newsboy Earnings Thus far we have only proved that newsboy earnings may be an important item in the family budget. How far are they an important item, either in whole or in part? 323 elementary daily boys and 38 elementary Curtis boys felt that it was necessary for them to contribute financially to the support of the home. 1 Continued dis- cussion, however, frequently revealed that the pupil's idea of necessity included the purchase of bicycles, tools, skates, etc. Our own conclusions, checked by all informa- tion at our command, are that the family budget claimed all the earnings of 189 daily elementary boys and 12 ele- mentary Curtis boys. 213 more elementary daily boys and 19 Curtis boys paid for their own clothing and incidental expenses; 426 daily and 107 Curtis boys saved a definite sum, or a definite percentage of their earnings, and also contributed regularly to their own support; 51 daily and 43 Curtis boys spent all they earned, largely for their own amusement and pleasures. D. Boys Doing Other Work Where economic pressure is a factor, it is often a suffi- cient factor to cause boys to engage in a second occu- pation. Forty elementary daily boys, 20 elementary Curtis boys, 20 high-school daily boys, and 5 high-school Curtis boys supplement their newsboy earnings by wages secured in other lines. The 60 elementary boys are all 1 High-school boys always have a definite object in view, and neces- sity of some kind is always the impelling motive, even though it be only incidental expenses or spending money. [89] NEWSBOY SERVICE included in the number whom we found contributing all their income to the home. 1 Charity aid of various kinds, including mothers' pen- sions, may or may not assist in determining the neces- sity of juvenile labor. Sometimes the assistance of the boy is just enough to keep the family above the line of necessity for public aid. 5 families included in our tab- ulation are receiving mothers* pensions, and 12 are on the lists of the Charity Organization Society. All the evidence secured on the economic aspect of this subject, both from our own and from other cities, would tend to confirm the statement that economic pressure in the home is not in the majority of cases a motive for newsboy service. 2 Whenever, however, it is the motive, the financial return on newsboy effort is sufficient to make a decided contribution to the family income. II. SOCIAL ECONOMY OF NEWSBOY SERVICE Economic pressure in the home, as relieved by newsboy service, has been considered entirely apart from the ulti- mate social returns resulting from such service. 1 The additional work done by newsboys is interesting because of its variety: 12 Curtis boys sell dailies; 15 high-school boys carrying morn- ing routes are employed, (1) Janitor of school, $3.50 per week, (2) Runs a jitney until 2 A.M., (3) Soda fountain to 11 P.M., (4) Theater usher, (5) Public Library, etc. Elementary boys do almost everything: (1) 13 years old, works at a theater evenings; (2) 9 years old, at a store on Saturday, 50 cents; (3) 13 years old, drug delivery, $3. Some of these younger boys work until 9 P.M., and 24 were illegally employed under our labor laws. The number engaged in other work indicates how necessary it is to know all the influencing elements before we praise or blame any specific element. 2 One third of the boys would seem to be a liberal estimate under economic pressure. Wholesalers estimate that about 40 per cent, of the boys find it necessary. [90] ECONOMIC ASPECT OF PROBLEM This is the second phase of the economic aspect of news- boy service. No discussion, at this point, is necessary. If in our final conclusions it is proved that newsboy serv- ice is detrimental to the mental, moral, or physical well- being of our future citizens, then it is indisputably most unwise social economy. On the other hand, whatever relief of economic pressure can be given by the members of the home without entailing individual injury and ulti- mate social detriment, is wise social economy and should not only be encouraged but insisted upon. To find out how much work and what kind of work is beneficial to the young is a modern educational problem. To encourage home responsibility and thrift is one phase of education, a most important phase both for the sake of the individual pupil and for the sake of the social interests of the community. [91] CHAPTER SIX THE PHYSICAL ASPECT OF NEWSBOY SERVICE THE physical well-being of industrial workers has long since ceased to be regarded as a strictly per- sonal matter. Legislative expression of society's interest in, and responsibility for, those who contribute to her industrial and commercial prosperity is increasing. The physical influence of any form of occupation or recreation indulged in by large numbers of boys under 14 years of age is of more vital importance to the future welfare of the community than is the same influence with respect to adult workers. What are the physical aspects of the newsboy problem? What do we know about the physical aspect of other juve- nile employments? What about the comparative harmful- ness and the relative merits of each occupation? We have made no concerted effort in the United States to analyze the physical aspects of any juvenile occupation; we know little about the types of pupils who enter any occupation; and we have no standards by which to meas- ure the various physical effects. 1 Vocational directors are coming to regard knowledge of the physical child and knowledge of the physical demands of each occupation as important adjuncts to vocational guidance. Undoubtedly, as time goes on, they will make this need felt in such a way that it cannot be ignored. In lieu of conclusions based upon scientific standards of measurement, we are forced to content ourselves with 1 The foremost European countries are decidedly in advance in this respect. Cincinnati seems to be making some promising experiments, and we may secure definite results from her investigations. [92] PHYSICAL ASPECT OF SERVICE conclusions based upon (1) the general health estimate of the teacher, (2) the boys' own opinions as to the phys- ical influence of the service, and (3) the apparent advan- tages and disadvantages summarized from statistical facts. Under "health," teachers graded each pupil according to their general estimate of the boy's physical abilities. When the cause of poor health was known, it was usually stated in the record. Physical handicaps such as deaf- ness, defective speech, etc., were also noted, 1 but no detailed or professional study was made of individual physical qualities in such a way that one could judge of the boy's physical adaptation to newsboy service or of the physical influence of that service on the boy. Of the 879 elementary daily boys, 39 were graded low in health, 131 were graded C, 413 B, and 269 A. It is useless to pass judgment on this general estimate of the health of our school newsboys, because we have no similar estimate for our school pupils in general. The majority, judged by the school standard, seem to have fairly good health. 2 Among elementary daily boys, 105 sellers and 83 carriers considered the service beneficial; 20 sellers and 1 5 boys were handicapped by defective speech, 8 by deafness, 4 by poor eyesight, and 14 were crippled. 65 daily boys and 37 Curtis boys had had then* adenoids and tonsils removed. 2 The superintendent of the John Worthy School in Chicago, in 1906, stated that newsboys who came to his institution were on an average below the ordinary standard of physical development (Spargo, Bitter Cry of the Children, page 184). The above statement might easily be an isolated fact and at the same time be of no value as indicating the physical type employed as newsboys or the physical influence of such service. Possibly the majority of physically inferior newsboys happened to be sent to the institution. Probably there were many elements aside from newsboy service which were responsible for physical inferiority. [93] NEWSBOY SERVICE 14 carriers considered it detrimental. Most of the younger boys had not given any thought to the ultimate physi- cal influence, although the temporary discomforts of wet clothing and empty stomachs were frequently mentioned. High-school boys of long experience regarded the carrier service as decidedly advantageous, as it afforded regular physical exercise in the open air. Wet clothing was not considered an objection, as boys were constantly exercis- ing, and, as one boy expressed it, "a high-school boy ought to know enough to change his clothes anyway." The physical danger of standing pn the corners in damp weather and the after effects in the shape of chronic colds, sore throats, rheumatism, etc., were fully understood. Carriers have an advantage over sellers in regularity of meals and in the minimum of temptation to purchase improper food while on duty. At the same time we did not find irregular meals as common among sellers as were regular meals at unsuitable hours. Moreover, the nutri- tive value of the food chosen was often open to question. Most boys get their dinner after they go home, which would be about seven o'clock; a few carry lunches from home and others eat at lunch counters. Fruit or other eatables are often obtained in exchange for papers. There was a type of boy who, a few months ago, used to get his dinners gratis from drunks. Such meals are said to have been excellent, and one little fellow regretted exceed- ingly that his opportunity for such treats was permanently lost. A few early morning newsboys eat nothing until eight o'clock, after several hours of outdoor exercise. One corner boy takes his breakfast with him, and a sec- ond boy goes home long enough to eat. 13 high-school sellers do not complete their sales until between 11 P.M. and 2.15 A.M. If the last car has gone, [94] PHYSICAL ASPECT OF SERVICE they walk home. This is undesirable, of course, but is not nearly as undesirable as was the former custom of sleep- ing on newspapers or taking rooms at cheap lodging houses. I say "former custom," because conditions have improved so greatly in this respect that the term " custom'* is no longer applicable. . The fact remains, however, that there still are more boys than we wish who do stay at the ten- cent lodging house and who are bound thereby to become more or less familiar with the standards of living which always accompany this type of lodging. Very few of these boys are in the high school. We had many interesting interviews in which personal physical advantages and disadvantages were brought out. These served to emphasize anew the importance of know- ing all the elements accompanying any definite results before deciding upon the relative importance of any. One boy felt that he had been helped to overcome stutter- ing by the constant calling of papers in the open air. A second boy was unconsciously irritating a well-developed case of spinal trouble by carrying too heavy a bundle. This boy should never have been permitted to enter the carrier service, and we at once secured part-time employ- ment for him in another line. A number of boys felt that the voice strain was detrimental, "but," one boy added, "I can holler as loud as the next kid." Several felt that they were losing out because of late hours and lack of sleep. When we came to investigate the cause of late hours, about half of the cases were not due to newsboy demands at all, but were due to other outside employ- ments or recreations. One boy, and there are many others of the same type, sold from three to six o'clock, earned a few cents, and spent it all for candy. Another boy who reached home about midnight always found a pot of black [95] NEWSBOY SERVICE coffee on the stove. A third made a regular midnight meal of pie and coffee. It was prepared and saved for him by his mother and was never purchased downtown. "Hopping cars" is a thing of the past in Seattle, but there still is, and doubtless always will be, more or less physical risk due to traffic conditions coupled with the natural carelessness of boys. Only 5 elementary Curtis and 19 elementary daily boys had had street accidents while engaged in newsboy work. Nearly all were connected with automobiles or street cars, but one or two dog bites and "a whack by a drunk" served for variety. The above incidents represent fairly well all the dis- advantages on the physical side which are usually attrib- uted to newsboy service. Without doubt, whenever and wherever irregular hours are accompanied by loss of sleep and irregular meals, or whenever long and undesirable hours are accompanied by excessive fatigue, physical detriment is bound to result whether the boy be in news service or in some other employment, or whether he be engaged purely in social pleasure. Whenever the char- acter of food is undesirable or food is too hastily eaten, the foundation may be being laid for various physical ailments. Exposure to inclement weather without proper after care to counteract or to minimize the physical risk is always dangerous. That such cases do obtain individ- ually in Seattle is indisputable, but we have no evidence to prove that these factors are a necessary or a general accompaniment to newsboy service and there is much evidence to the contrary. In 1901 the British Interdepartmental Committee decided that the physical effects of newsboy service were not injurious if service were not too long or if it were not [96] PHYSICAL ASPECT OF SERVICE rendered at undesirable hours. 1 In 1904 this statement was supported by facts secured from a study of 600 boys of school age, 87 of whom were newsboys. Results showed that 60 per cent, of boys employed 20 hours or less per week were fatigued; 70 per cent, of those who worked 20 to 30 hours and 91 per cent, of those working more than 30 hours. 2 Even the lowest standard is excessive, accord- ing to our standard, 3 and undoubtedly our conclusion would be radically different were our newsboys employed for the hours specified. 119 of our boys are working at undesirable hours, and 438 are working more than two hours per day. The same may be said relative to the selection of food. If pie and coffee or candy were necessary or common accompaniments of newsboy service, we might criticize the service. As it is, they seem to be special favorites among a very few boys. Why not educate the parents and pupils to the necessity of avoiding excesses of all kinds rather than blame the employment which certain boys happen to enter? 1 Report of Interdepartmental Committee on Employment of School Children. Great Britain, 1901. 2 Evidence submitted to the Departmental Committee in various years gives considerable information on the influence of employments. 3 Page 56. [97] CHAPTER SEVEN THE MOKAL ASPECT OF NEWSBOY SERVICE THE moral influence of newsboy service, in the broader meaning of the term, is by far the most important phase of our subject. 1 In many cities of the country, and by many students of social life, the news- boy has long been branded persona non grata wherever good character or high moral ideals are required. What is the truth regarding the moral influence of news- boy service? We are confronted at the outset with the fact that moral influence is usually intangible and may not be revealed for years. Moreover, were it tangible, we have no stand- ards by which to determine moral growth or by which to test moral deterioration; therefore we have become accustomed to admit, without proof, that such deteriora- tion invariably accompanies newsboy service. Probably the strongest support for such belief has been furnished by reformatory records, which always include a large number of ex-newsboys. This fact alone has often been accepted as prima facie evidence that selling newspapers is a morally dangerous occupation. In 1910 the National Child Labor Committee sought the opinions of juvenile-court judges and superintendents of boys' reformatories as to the character of newsboys and the moral influence of their work. Mr. Clopper gives us a summary of their replies in the following words: "... that newsboys are generally stupid and almost always morally defiled; . . . that the life leads to gam- 1 Immorality in the narrower sense has little immediate influence. We have no reason to suppose that there is either more or less than among any other similar number of boys. [98] MORAL ASPECT OF SERVICE bling, dishonesty, and spendthrift habits; that it is a dead- end occupation leading to nothing; that it abounds in evil temptations; that the boys are comparatively idle and see and hear the worst that is to be seen and heard on the streets.'* l Another writer tells us that 63 per cent, of the inmates of the House of Refuge in New York have been street traders, and the investigator concludes: ". . . if the majority of such have begun their so-called criminal careers, which end invariably in the state peni- tentiary, why do we permit children to trade on our streets?" 2 Mr. Scott Nearing says: "Whatever the cause, the effect on the newsboy is always the same. . . . The professional newsboy is the embryo criminal." 3 The federal inquiry, of 1911, into the connection be- tween delinquency and occupation or non-occupation was based upon the juvenile-court records of seven large cities. It included children 16 years of age and under and reported "that 58.6 per cent., or nearly three fifths, of all the work- ing delinquents up to 12 come from among the news- boys." 4 This may be true and still prove nothing, as it is well known that wage earners under 12 are not wanted in other occupations. 5 What we want to know, and what we must know before statistics of this class are of any real value, is: How many wage-earning boys are there? How many are newsboys? How many in each group are delin- quent and how many are non-delinquent? There is 1 Clopper, Child Labor in City Streets, page 131. 2 Watson, Elizabeth C., New York Newsboys and their Work. 1911. 3 Nearing, Scott, The Newsboy at Night in Philadelphia. Charities and Commons. February 2, 1906. 4 Women and Child Wage Earners, Vol. VIII, page 84. 6 In various places in the above report attention is called to lack of sufficient data for definite conclusions. The report as a whole indicates that scientific methods are understood and have been employed. [99] NEWSBOY SERVICE undoubtedly some justice in testing the influence of any occupation by the number of delinquents coming from it, but it must be by relative numbers and not by numbers per se. These are the facts which we had hoped to obtain for Seattle. We have the total number of wage-earning school- boys and the percentage in each occupation, but the King County Juvenile Court keeps no records which indicate how many delinquents are schoolboys, how many are wage earners, or what percentage of either group are news- boys. We cannot decide, therefore, the ratio between delinquent and non-delinquent wage earners, nor can we decide whether our newsboys are contributing more or less than their legitimate quota to such delinquency. If the citations on page 99 be a fair picture of the news- boy in other cities, are they also a fair presentation of the Seattle newsboy? Our sources of information for Seattle conditions are the records of our Parental School; direct observation of boys at work; personal interviews with boys, parents, and teachers regarding the influence of the work; and, most important of all, the observations of ex-newsboys who appreciated the educational importance of our undertak- ing and were glad to assist us in our efforts. I. PAKENTAL SCHOOL RECORDS At date of writing there are 93 boys in OUT Parental School. 53 have either sold or carried papers, 30 have sold on the downtown corners, and 18 were newsboys at the time of commitment. A personal interview has been held with each boy. 14 of the number felt that newsboy service had been a contributing element to their delinquency. In each instance delinquency consisted of theft or running away. [100] MORAL- ASPECT o S Superintendent Rand and one of his assistants, who is especially interested in the newsboy problem, conducted the interviews for us. After careful questioning, they decided that newsboy service was not responsible, except in comparatively few instances, for the cause of commit- ment; that only 7 out of 14 boys were actually able to prove connection between newsboy service and their delinquency. Length of service, home influence, natural tendencies, hours of selling, etc., were taken into consid- eration in reaching these conclusions. Statistics proved that many boys had been newsboys too short a period to permit the inference that newsboy service in itself was a very strong influence either for good or for evil. 1 Superintendent Rand does not consider the newsboy population of his institution mentally, morally, or phys- ically inferior to the boys who have never been employed, or to those who have been employed in other lines. II. PERSONAL OBSERVATION Personal observation of newsboys at work has been continuous for the past two years. Owing to the fact that I live at a downtown hotel in the very heart of the newsboy district, I have had exceptional opportunity for 1 1 week or less 2 boys 1 week to 1 month 4 boys 1 month to 4 months 4 boys 4 months to 6 months 10 boys 6 months to 9 months 6 boys 9 months to 1 year 4 boys 1 year to 2 years 9 boys 2 years to 3 years 4 boys 3 years to 4 years , 4 boys 4 years to 5 years 2 boys Not known 4 boys [101] NEWSBOY 'SERVICE such observation. In sections of the city where the pres- ence of a woman might excite suspicion I have had the assistance of men. The results of this personal observa- tion are regarded as furnishing confirmatory evidence rather than as affording the basis for fact statement. The corner on which each newsboy sold was noted in the record. In case we desired to verify our conclusions regarding gambling, profanity, etc., it was an easy matter to do so by means of personal observation. HI. PERSONAL INTERVIEWS In our personal interviews with boys we sought to obtain their ideas and their actual practices regarding gambling, smoking, betting, and profanity, and whether, on the whole, they felt they had been benefited or injured by the service. 1 The opinions of parents and of teachers served as a check on the boys' opinions. A. Gambling* There are three elements in newspaper selling which, when found in the right combination, do indisputably tend to encourage gambling extra time, loose money, and a certain type of association. The majority of school newsboys lack two of the most essential elements in this combination extra time and the association. It is universally known that newspaper offices and their con- tiguous alleys and courts are apt to shelter many older 1 It would be absurd, of course, to claim accuracy for our conclusions. They may legitimately be considered indicative, surely nothing more. 2 Betting was not found to be an item worth discussing with school newsboys. Our state and city laws are very strict regarding both gambling and betting. [102] MORAL ASPECT OF SERVICE men whom we usually call professional newsboys, but whom we might with equal justice call professional thieves or professional gamblers. Seattle has its share of this element, and it furnishes the association which invites gambling. 1 Whenever young boys with both time and money at their disposal are habitually thrown in contact with such char- acters, the results are apt to prove disastrous. This is probably no more true with respect to gambling than with respect to many other forms of vice and immorality. Fortunately for our school newsboys they do not have much extra time on their hands and they do not come in contact, to any great extent, with this undesirable in- fluence. Newsboys are obliged to be on their corners promptly in order to hold their customers and dispose of their papers. There is no time to spare between the hour of school closing and the time for beginning sales. More- over, boys purchase their papers from wholesalers who deliver them on the corner and they have no legitimate excuse for going to newspaper offices. A second opportunity for gambling, on a smaller scale and therefore possibly offering a greater temptation to the young, is during the dull periods on the corners. 1 Some papers have more of this element than others. We have no reason to suppose that it is regarded as desirable by any. All except our "infant" newsboys are perfectly familiar with the various dishonest and criminal practices of the gambling element. Some boys have experienced paying tribute to, or having their pockets picked by, this same element. Others have found it a school of crime in which they could learn the art of theft or purchase goods which they knew to have been acquired through the same art. Conditions in these respects are continually improving, and it is to be hoped that they will soon cease to be facts. One very young boy, after attempting to explain the situation, looked hopelessly at me and said: "I can't tell you how bad it is. I don't think any one as nice as you can understand." [103] NEWSBOY SERVICE Flipping nickels, matching pennies, and shooting craps are the most familiar forms. Many of the younger boys have tried it, most have lost, and nearly all the older boys admit that they got their experience early and sold their dice. Craps require incriminating paraphernalia and have declined in popularity as the police have become more watchful. Five or six boys confessed to having dice in their possession which they hoped to be able to sell soon. 1 The actual extent of the practice is difficult to estimate. Most of the older boys feel that the change in standards of moral community life have been quite marked during recent years and that the popularity and practice of gambling is steadily declining. One type of schoolboy holds himself decidedly above either the principle or the practice; another type, although he may try to conceal it, leaves the impression that he avoids it through fear of loss, not because of principle. There is always danger that the latter type may be unfortunate enough to yield to temptation, may win, and thus form the gambling habit. One boy suggested, and I followed his suggestions, that if we wanted to see boys gamble we would better watch the boys who had nothing else to do on their way to and from school. He had been accustomed to spend more or less of his play time in the same way until he commenced to sell papers. Since he had been earning his own money he had felt unwilling to risk the loss. 2 I am inclined to 1 Older boys who want to get rid of dice often tempt the younger boys in order to make their sale. In nearly every instance it was the beginning seller who was using dice. 2 There have been many instances in which boys will use their parents' money for gambling, moving pictures, or in some way, but the moment it is suggested that they use their own earnings in similar ways they "don't want to waste it." [104] MORAL ASPECT OF SERVICE believe that, were a census of all public-school boys to be taken, we should find the school newsboy contributing no more than his legitimate percentage to the practice. This statement neither indorses nor condones gambling; it merely emphasizes the fact that before we can deter- mine the evil influences due to newsboy service we must know to what extent the same influences are prevalent outside the service. B. Smoking Smoking offers an opportunity for discussion on both the moral and the physical side. All the elementary boys expressed their opinions quite freely on the subject, with the following results: TABLE XXXVII. SMOKING AMONG ELEMENTARY NEWSBOYS. 1093 Smoke Now Never Smoked Rarely or Quit Total No. % No. % No. % Sellers 30 11 22 5.7 3 10.2 338 220 192 65.3 60.7 89.7 149 131 28.8 35.9 517 362 214 Carriers Curtis Totals 63 5.7 750 68.6 280 25.5 1093 In so far as we can rely on these statistics, 1 they tell their own story. The boys who acknowledged smoking at the present time are undoubtedly the ones who are perfectly willing to have it known. Those who have quit or who smoke occasionally are in many cases the ones who 1 Large numbers of boys were personally acquainted with us through the vocational department and were quite ready to trust us with their secrets. Many boys remarked, "I would not want to know this, but I know the boys can trust you." [105] NEWSBOY SERVICE are attempting to conceal it from parents or others. Among those who have never smoked were many who never intend to smoke. On the other hand, a considerable number were very careful to say "not yet," and some ad- mitted that they were only waiting for a favorable oppor- tunity. The Boy Scout movement has had an excellent influence in curtailing the formation of this habit. Whatever the boys' ideas as to the moral, physical, and intellectual influence of the tobacco habit, all were agreed that as a business proposition it was bad policy. Smoking on duty means loss of customers, and profes- sional newsboys who own valuable corners will not permit their sub-sellers to smoke or swear while in their service. Many business men in Seattle are refusing to employ young tobacco users. Their position in this matter was a valuable asset to me in the vocational department. Inasmuch as the immediately tangible motive for absti- nence seems to be "business policy," might it not be well for teachers to introduce this as the functioning element in their instruction regarding the use of tobacco? l C. Profanity The following statistics indicate the use or disuse of profanity, based on the boys' statements but checked by our other sources of information. The veracity of a number of "noes" was questioned by principals and teachers whose opportunities to judge regarding the use of profanity are very much better than their opportunities 1 The reader's attention is called to the fact that the Curtis Publish- ing Company is refusing to accept cigarette advertising, and that one or two business houses have recently decided that clothing advertise- ments shall not be accompanied by the display of cigarettes. [106] MORAL ASPECT OF SERVICE to estimate the extent of either smoking or gambling. A number of the very young boys were not interviewed on this subject. Suggestive influence sometimes has a bad effect, and we were very careful not to imply that bad habits of any kind were expected in connection with our school- boys. A few boys whom we did interview had not yet learned the distinction between slang and profanity; 6 were on the border line where they could not be perfectly sure. TABLE XXXVIII. PROFANITY AMONG ELEMENTARY NEWSBOYS. 946 Not Used Used Occasionally When Mad Total No. % No. % No. % No. % Sellers 149 144 162 35.9 45.4 75.7 47 20 52 11.3 6.3 24.3 187 125 45. 39.4 32 28 7.9 8.8 415 317 214 Carriers Curtis Totals... 455 48 119 12.5 312 33 60 6.3 946 48 per cent, of the boys do not use profanity, 12.5 per cent, use it habitually, 33 per cent, occasionally, and 6.3 per cent, only under great provocation. The relative extent of the habit among sellers, carriers, and Curtis boys shows the same general variations as did the statis- tics on gambling. There were several amusing incidents in connection with cases when the investigators felt sure profanity was habitual, but the boys were insistent that it was not. In the course of conversation one such boy became very emphatic in his indignation over "forcing extras." At just the right point the investigator asked: "What can you do when makes you take them? " As quick as [107] NEWSBOY SERVICE lightning we got the boy's answer and at the same time confirmation for our suspicion. 1 Many boys expressed the opinion that no gentleman habitually used profanity, but the boy who did not use it under provocation was lacking in certain qualities which were essential to success. One boy never swore because he was never mad enough. He felt, however, that it was right and proper under certain conditions and would not hesitate to do it if the demand arose. While profanity is fairly common among newsboys, and while there were undoubtedly many boys who were more or less familiar with vulgar and obscene language, still the same is true of any other group of 1000 boys, and we found nothing in our study to prove that the language of newsboys differed radically from that of other boys. Street selling offers a good opportunity to acquire an undesirable vocabulary, but where one boy had a tend- ency to do so, and to feel like a man while so doing, a second boy felt that it was "not necessary to listen" and that boys must sometime learn to take the good and leave the bad. D. Drinking 2 Only 4 or 5 boys admitted the use of liquor. The main attraction of the saloon, however, was not liquor it was the free lunch, the generous tip, gratuitous or otherwise, the pleasant greeting, and the opportunity to secure money dishonestly from drunks. "Rolling drunks" used to be a common practice in Seattle. I have had one quite young 1 Securing the fact often depends entirely on the way the question is asked. Direct questions involve many chances of inaccuracy. 2 The state of Washington is "dry," but as the saloons were open until January 1, 1916, we discussed the topic with the boys. [108] MORAL ASPECT OF SERVICE boy under my supervision in the vocational department who was unfortunate enough while carrying on this prac- tice to kill his victim. Prior to the closing of the saloons there were a few school newsboys who used newspaper selling as a pretense for spotting and rolling drunks. The papers which they appeared to be selling were sometimes several days old. Drunken men were usually considered legitimate prey by the newsboys. One boy 10 years old regretted the closing of the saloons, as his free dinners were dependent on his ability to secure them from men too far gone to know what price they were paying. In reply to our query as to the honesty of allowing drunken men to spend their money without knowing how they were spending it, we were assured that "it was perfectly right and far better for the drunk to buy him a good steak than to buy liquor for himself." The association with drunken men and the temptation to engage in dishonest practices were decidedly bad for the newsboys. E. Begging Newsboy begging is not a common occurrence in Seattle. Even the Christmas stocking with, "Ain't you going to help a little newsboy?" is gradually disappearing. Last Christmas we had one little schoolboy who had never been a newsboy bedeck himself with a small white stock- ing and try to act the part. His principal sent him off the streets and attempted to make him understand the significance of his act. F. Dishonesty Although begging is not indulged in to any extent, there are other forms of soliciting public sympathy which [109] NEWSBOY SERVICE result in cash donations that are fully as objectionable, from the moral point of view, as begging. Most boys are honest, but when such is not the case it is comparatively easy to form the habit of dishonest dealing. Dishonesty in dealing with customers comprises offer- ing the last paper, no change, short changing, no supper, and various similar tricks. Delivering to regular custom- ers the left-over "bulldog" in place of the regular Sunday edition, or selling it on the corners for the Sunday edition, has been reported by a number of boys. Dishonesty with employers or fellow employees com- prises theft of papers, 1 falsification of records and receipts, the use of fictitious names in order to secure prizes, etc. It must not be assumed that dishonest practices are confined to boys. Customers have certain habits which are as badly in need of reform as are those of the boys. Theft of papers from corner stands or boxes is very common and involves no inconsiderable loss to sellers. Women are said to be the worst offenders. Carriers suffer the most from subscribers who leave the district or the city without settling their accounts. Nearly all the ordinary newsboy tricks are losing in popularity; more, I fear, because perpetration has ceased to be a success than because of any genuine change in ethical standards. The number of city residents who buy regularly on the streets is constantly increasing. 2 The 1 Not always by newsboys. Sunday papers are frequently stolen by schoolboys who are not newsboys. Last week a small boy 9 years old who was not a regular seller was found peddling papers which were stolen from the bundles, although he may not have taken them personally. He claimed to have purchased them from an unknown boy at the rate of 7 for 10 cents. 8 Long car rides are an influencing element. [110] MORAL ASPECT OF SERVICE nickel, willingly given for an occasional purchase, is refused for a daily purchase. Regular customers quickly detect the "no change" or the "short change" habit and transfer their patronage to more honorable salesmen. The advantage of permanent customers is well known. Boys do not hesitate long between the permanent cus- tomer who gives value received each day for his purchase and the transient trade which may occasionally bring more than the legitimate sales value, but which is no dependence in figuring profit and loss. Short changing ranks as an art among newsboys. Several have assured us that it takes lots of practice and "just any one can't put it across." IV. BOYS* ESTIMATE OF THE MORAL INFLUENCE The same element in the moral aspect of this problem which makes it difficult for us to establish standards for testing its influence also made it difficult to secure any definite expressions from the boys. Where gambling, smoking, etc., are concrete, tangible facts, moral influence is decidedly abstract and most of the younger boys had very vague ideas as to the real meaning of the term. Only 51 elementary boys expressed any definite opinion: 18 thought the influence was good, 33 thought it bad. Most of the older boys, and the ex-newsboys, thought that the sum total of the influence was harmful and men- tioned, in so stating, the concrete elements of vulgar and obscene language, smoking, gambling, and the tempta- tions to participate in various forms of immorality. The majority, had they any choice in the matter, would not allow younger brothers to sell. One boy, 14 years old, assured us that were he a father, he would think it over pretty carefully before he would let a little boy 8 years cm] NEWSBOY SERVICE old sell on the public streets. Boys who felt that the influence was beneficial supported their conclusions by such arguments as: "We must learn to choose between right and wrong sometime;" "We do not need to listen;" "We do not have to do it because others do;" "There is bad everywhere; why not meet and overcome it young?" etc. Practically all the boys recognized that night sales have an undesirable influence physically and intellec- tually as well as morally, and they also felt that the laws which prohibit boys under 12 from being on the street after night should be strictly enforced. The frequency with which this law is ignored can be seen by reference to Table XXV, which indicates the number of very young boys who are selling at undesirable hours. The Juvenile Police Department affirms its inability 1 to look after small sellers after night, and the regular officers on the beat pay no attention to them unless they violate the law in some other way. During our interviews quite a number of boys repeated conversations with police officers regarding their violation of the law in this respect, and a number of cases are included in the appendices where boys were warned against night sales. The diffi- culty is that there is no follow-up system. One boy who had been told to stop by the police was told by his father to continue. The Juvenile Court then ordered him to stop. He is still selling, and in reply to my question, "Why do you continue?" he said, "I should worry. No one else does." L , 14 years of age, was a great friend of mine and used to call at the vocational office every few weeks. Gradually I came to know all that he knew of street life and it was no small 1 There are but two officers. [112] MORAL ASPECT OF SERVICE amount. One day I asked him to tell me about his newsboy life. He described it in detail. His career began seven years ago, at seven years of age, when he was "the very best age to work the begging schemes." This stage was described in the most minute particulars, even as to the method of approaching differ- ent types of people. His Christmas stocking read, "Say, won't you help a kid to have a Christmas?" "There used to be good money in it, but it's all over now." He sold steadily until he was 10 years of age and was then sent to the Parental School because of his home life, which was most unfortunate. He stopped selling the day he went over and began again the day he came back. His methods of secur- ing money or meals from drunks, the various forms of vice learned from the older "bums" around newspaper offices, their levying of tribute on the little foreign boys, their theft from the pockets of the younger boys who often slept on the tables or on the newspapers while waiting for the morning editions, instruction in the art of stealing and the sale of stolen goods, were all made very realistic. Describing one of the older men, he said: " G gambles with scores of 'em halfway up the alley, back of a restaurant just a hole, but they call it a court. The cops can't see in and [with a knowing look] they don't want to see in, but once in a while they raid 'em. Then they run. Gee! I love to see 'em run and the cop runs too and calls out, 'I'll get you tomorrow;' but he never gets 'em. G never loses at gambling, and he always gets the pay because it's a law between 'em and no one would ever look at 'em again if they didn't pay up." In reply to my question, " Who are these bums? " he answered, "Just bums. They don't come from nowhere and they ain't goin' nowhere. They just are there and always been there. They're a bad lot awfully bad lot they fight and pick pockets and gamble and then they do everything they can to make little boys bad." This boy has carried both accident and life insurance for some NEWSBOY SERVICE years. He used to smoke, but since he has been to the Parental School and "seen how it spoiled your insides" he has given it up. He does not gamble and "nobody cares to bet," but he claims familiarity with all lines of profanity and obscene language, both of which he uses, "not in your office of course, but in the places where it belongs." He eats anything, anywhere, at any time when it is handy, and has slept in the cheap lodging house many times. He considers himself "a better scholar than the average news kid." This is one of the brightest boys that has ever been in our office. All unconsciously he made many sage remarks of peda- gogical value to the teaching corps, and it certainly was a val- uable lesson to me to see myself as an educator through the eyes of "a news kid." I have given this illustration, not because it is typical of newsboy life in Seattle, but because, as an extreme case, it offered a combination of nearly every immoral influence charged against the newsboy service. I have made reports on a number of correctional institutions where it has been necessary to be informed on all the vices and immoralities of the adult male criminal. I found some newsboys, very few I am glad to say, who were as well informed regarding such practices as was any adult in these penal institutions. This is, however, most unusual, and, while I would not wish to leave the impression that none of the grosser forms of immorality are understood or practiced by our newsboys, I do feel perfectly justified in asserting that the majority of our school newsboys hold themselves decidedly above even the suggestion of im- morality. Will we find less among any average group of 1387 boys? Evil influences are everywhere; they can be found, and found easily, especially by those who have a natural [114] MORAL ASPECT OF SERVICE tendency to seek such influences. Knowing that a large number of schoolboys are daily exposed to influences which they themselves rate as dangerous, and realizing that all will not be strong enough to withstand temptation, can we not, as teachers, make more of an effort to develop that type of individual character which will be its own best fortification against such influences? [115] CHAPTER EIGHT THE VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF NEWSBOY SERVICE WHAT is the vocational return on newsboy service? Or, in other words, does newsboy service foster business habits which are of educational value? Does vocational information secured in the performance of newsboy duties contribute to vocational education, and what is the value of such contribution? Many negative replies to these queries are already in print. 1 To my knowledge, none has offered any analyza- tion of the character of the vocational demands of news- boy service, and none has attempted to describe the class of business knowledge, or the type of business processes, with which newsboys must become familiar. 2 1 "One great evil which results from this life of street trading in childhood is the fact that it is fatal to industrial efficiency in after life." Margaret Alden, Child Life and Labour, 1908, page 118. "That it is a dead-end occupation leading to nothing." Quoted also on page 99. " . . . the great difficulty is that street trading leads nowhere. It is a blind alley that sooner or later leaves its followers helpless against the solid wall of skilled labor's competition. An occupation that fits a boy for nothing and is devoid of prospects, is a curse rather than a blessing in this day of specialization." Clopper, Child Labor in City Streets, 1912, page 73. The Newsboy of St. Louis, page 6, also mentions the fact that school- boy "experience in the blind-alley job of selling papers has unfitted them for the discipline of a regular occupation." 2 The Newsboys of Milwaukee, 1911, Alexander Fleisher, is the most scholarly publication on this subject with which I am familiar. Mr. Fleisher, in his conclusion, says: "There are no data regarding the effects that newspaper selling has actually produced in the lives of men who have been newsboys. One can only surmise the probable effects. . . . They have learned the handling but hardly the value of money. They are certainly better versed in the rules of business than the boys who enter [116] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE Unfortunately, we of the United States are a very gullible and a very unscientific people when it comes to distinguishing between mere statements and affirmations based on verified facts. Many social problems do not, as yet, permit definite affirmations, but we can at least require our students to analyze their problems in such a way that we may know upon what basis affirmations are made, where we are offered probability, and where possibility. We shall discuss this phase of our problem under two subdivisions: (1) The influence of newsboy service on the character qualities cited in Chapter Three as an essen- tial part of the education of the young; (2) The general business knowledge, and the general business principles, acquired in newsboy service. I. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT IN ITS RELATION TO NEWSBOY SERVICE Perseverance, accuracy, promptness, reliability, cour- tesy, and honesty are all desirable business assets. We have already seen to what extent, as estimated by their teachers, newsboys possess certain of these character with them into the legitimate business world. They can read faces and know many tricks of selling, learned through intense competition. . . . However, there are certain advantages to be gained from newspaper selling: the boy learns to handle money; he receives training in business; he is taught that the person who gives the best service quickest and most regular will win out in intense competition; he is trained to be wide awake and to attend to business. But though the harmful influ- ences have not yet produced very deplorable effects, those influences are at work; and as the city grows they are likely, unless arrested, to result in worse conditions. As for the advantages gotten from newspaper sell- ing, they are insignificant when weighed with the injuries inflicted upon the boy." [117] NEWSBOY SERVICE qualities. Our vocational-guidance experience has shown us that there is often considerable difference of opinion between teachers and employers as to the degree in which these qualities are possessed. We have also "found that if certain of these qualities, such as courtesy, promptness, accuracy, and reliability, be not present at least in a moderate degree, newsboys cannot retain their positions. These same facts will receive additional emphasis in this section and hence further details are unnecessary. A. Perseverance Teachers' estimates are based upon abstract knowl- edge; employers' upon concrete information. Let us now examine the quality of perseverance in the concrete and see what evidence we find to indicate that newsboy service is, or is not, assisting in its development. 1 Table XXII tells us that slightly over 50 per cent, of the 879 elementary daily boys have retained their news- paper work upwards of one year, 19.1 per cent, between one and two years, 13.5 per cent, between two and three years, 15.7 per cent, from three to five years, and 5.25 per cent, over five years. The other 50 per cent, have entered the service during the year and are retaining their 1 The qualities included in this study are selected from the list which is used in our vocational department. Perseverance is a separate topic in the complete list but has been considered as an accompaniment of ambition for the newsboy study. I have selected it for this especial phase of the study because the question of "sticking" is more completely under the control of the boys themselves than are accuracy, promptness, etc. The boy who is not prompt and accurate in news service will be dis- charged. He may be entirely satisfactory to his employer and be lack- ing in the perseverance necessary to force him to stick to his job. [118] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE positions at the date of interview. 1 The maximum length of service for both elementary sellers and carriers is 9 years, for high-school sellers 10 years, and for high-school carriers 14 years. The average length of seller service is 3.58 years; of carrier service 3.5 years for high-school boys and 2.22 years for the younger boys. These statis- tics include full newsboy service, as it was impossible to secure accurate data regarding the change from sales to carrier service. 65 out of 178 high-school carriers had been sellers before they obtained routes; hence the term seller or carrier merely indicates in which branch of the service they are employed at the present time. In reply to our question, "Are you satisfied with your work?" 728, or 82.8 per cent., of the elementary daily boys and 53.7 per cent, of the Curtis boys said, "Yes." High-school daily 2 boys were uniformly satisfied, many remarking that they did not see how they could get along without the work. 90 per cent, of all daily boys hoped to retain their positions indefinitely. 3 When boys were not satisfied they had well-defined, carefully con- sidered reasons. One group centered around the boys themselves lack of time or lack of interest in the work. A second group centered around the customer too many were careless about payment and caused financial loss. A third group was concerned with certain business practices of the newspapers which seemed unfair to the 1 A very small number of daily boys either left or entered the service during the period of our interviews. This is not true of Curtis boys. It has already been stated that 3 boys enter and 3 leave the service each week. About one in six remains in the service over 4 weeks. 8 Curtis boys again present a very different problem and cannot be considered in the same class as the daily boys. 8 70 out of the 80 boys interviewed in Milwaukee liked the work. Newsboys of Milwaukee, page 77. [119] NEWSBOY SERVICE boys forcing extras, refusing returns, and retaining middlemen, who were unanimously objected to by the boys. 1 In the three latter complaints boys realized fully that as a business proposition the "papers were often up against it." It was frequently necessary to "force" papers and to refuse returns in order to make boys realize their responsibility in maintaining and in increasing cir- culation; at the same time it was hard on boys who were already doing their best. In 1913-14, in Seattle Children in School and in Industry, we studied intensively 195 boys who had been out of school less than one year and 223 boys who had been out of school from one to five years. 90 boys in the first group had already changed positions, and only 39 of the second group were in the original line of work. 2 In this study we found 50 per cent, of dissatisfaction with both school life and vocational life, and no very satisfactory or carefully thought-out reasons were offered for either line of dissatisfaction. 3 Here are two very interesting groups of statistics. Why is the length of service of newsboys so much longer than length of service in other employments? Why is the percentage of satisfaction so much higher? Could these questions be answered, we should render a vital assistance to all parties concerned. We cannot answer them, however, unless we follow our school news- boys into other more permanent lines and see whether they are more or less inclined to drift than are boys who 1 There is but one such case in Seattle. 2 The fact that this was delivery or messenger service is peculiarly interesting in view of the legitimacy of considering that also a street trade. Why do boys stick longer in street trades? 3 Seattle Children in School and in Industry, pages 22, 43 f. [120] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE have not had the newsboy experience. Otherwise our statistics may be interpreted to mean that newsboys re- tain their positions because there are practically no other wage-earning opportunities which adjust so easily to school demands and at the same time offer equally good financial returns. What we really seek to know is does the fact that young boys stick to newsboy service longer than to other wage-earning occupations tend to foster habits of perseverance, or is their perseverance merely accidental without permanently beneficial results? B. Thrift A second character quality, essential as a fundamental factor in education and also essential to success in later business life, although it is not often required by employers except in so far as its lack reacts unfavorably on business efficiency, is THRIFT. Newsboys may be entirely satis- factory to circulation managers, but they may or may not be utilizing their vocational experience for the cultivation of this most desirable quality. We have seen that approximately one third of the elementary newsboys contribute their earnings to the support of the home; that a comparatively small number use their earnings entirely for personal pleasure without assuming any home responsibility and without deriving any apparent educational advantage from the financial side of their wage-earning experience. Our sympathy goes out to the young wage earner who is obliged to assume a financial burden too heavy for his years and ability, who knows the value of money only in terms of the necessities of life, and who loses thereby many of the pleasures which are the birthright of childhood. We [121] NEWSBOY SERVICE pity most sincerely the young boy who, in the formative period of youth, is permitted to shirk financial respon- sibility of all kinds, who learns to estimate the value of money only in terms of personal pleasure, and who misses thereby much of the education which is also the birthright of childhood. Fortunately, the majority of our school newsboys do not belong in either group. Over 50 per cent, are privileged to enjoy a well-balanced combination of cultural and practical returns on their wage-earning efforts. Knowl- edge of the value of money for furnishing the necessities of life is combined with knowledge of its purchasing power in terms of pleasure and luxury. The broadening vision of our civic community may, in time to come, find how best to relieve the boy who carries the heavy load of economic pressure. Certainly, in the years to come, we shall not excuse the parent and the edu- cator who entirely overlook thrift as an essential factor in the education of the young. All of our elementary newsboys except the 94 who are spending their entire earnings for personal pleasure are entitled to rank as "thrifty" boys. We have tangible evidence to prove this, both for the group of boys who are helping to maintain the home and for the group who are partially self-supporting. A third form of expressing thrift was found in connec- tion with the large number of bank accounts maintained by newsboys. Table XXXIX shows the number of boys in all lines of service who have accounts in their own names. It distinguishes between elementary and high-school boys. Where boys did not volunteer this information we made no effort to obtain it. [122] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE TABLE XXXIX. BANK ACCOUNTS. 1357 NEWSBOYS Elementary Total El. High School Total H. S. Gr. Total Sell. Carr. Cur. No. % Sell. Carr. Cur. No. % No. % Yes No Not say. Totals . 201 301 15 179 155 28 141 73 521 529 43 47.6 48.3 3,8 M 26 10 93 85 16 9 134 120 10 50.7 45.4 3.7 655 649 53 48.2 47.8 3.9 517 362 214 1093 ... 61 178 25 264 ... 1357 Approximately 50 per cent, of the boys have bank accounts. This is fairly good corroborative evidence of the accuracy of our conclusions on page 89, that about 50 per cent, were either contributing too generously to the home to maintain accounts or were spending all their earnings for pleasure. Not all boys told us where deposits were made, but 18 different banks were mentioned, with sums varying from $6 to $687. Most ran from $20 to $100, but several ex- ceeded $500.! In selecting banks, boys appear to have been largely influenced by three factors: (1) The advice of friends, (2) the use of the word "savings" in connec- tion with the name of the bank, and (3) the rate of inter- est. Boys are very proud of their bank books. Some carried them in their pockets and produced them the moment the subject was mentioned. Others offered to 1 High-school boys, as a ride, do not save as much as elementary boys. Not that they are less thrifty but because their high-school expenses are much heavier than are those of the elementary boys. Sev- eral boys have good accounts which were made during their elementary- school course and are not being encroached on. They earn sufficient for high-school expenses and are saving their earlier earnings for college needs. We found a number of cases where boys' parents had clothed them during their elementary work but refused to do so during their high-school course. [123] NEWSBOY SERVICE bring them the next day so that we might see what they looked like and how the accounts were kept. There is great strife among the elementary-school boys to outdo one another in increasing bank accounts. Two foreign boys of different nationalities have been strug- gling to outdo one another for some time. Formerly they sold on the same corner but when competition became too keen "for the good of the service" the sales manager transferred one to another corner. Separation only increased the spirit of rivalry. The point was reached where neither boy would tell the other the amount of his savings. Both boys told us their secrets. At the close of the interview with the second boy the interviewer felt that a large number of somewhat personal questions had been asked and hence said to the boy: "I've asked you a good many questions, maybe there is something you would like to ask me. Is there?" "You bet! How much has R. in the bank?" "Would you like me to tell R. how much you have in the bank?" "No." "Then do you think it would be fair for me to tell you how much he has when I know he does not want you to know?" "No, but I want to know awfully.'* Both boys had close to $500. Another interesting fact was noticed in connection with bank accounts. Many boys had a regular system of saving: either a percentage of earnings or a definite sum was regularly deposited. Occasionally earnings were deposited and tips or commissions spent. Whatever the plan, there was a tendency to distinguish sharply between money earned and money given. Tips were never regarded as of quite the same value as were bona fide earnings. Several boys refused movies and other attractions if [124] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE they had to spend ''my perfectly good money" but the same boys willingly spent their parents' money for the same purpose. This fact seemed suggestive to us in con- nection with the development of the thrift habit. Bank accounts were the commonest form of investment, but not the only form. 16 elementary boys were carry- ing life insurance, and 4 had real-estate investments. Considerable has been done to encourage newsboys to establish and maintain bank accounts. The Curtis Pub- lishing Company and one of our local newspapers have offered their circulators financial inducements to start bank accounts. For the past three years, also, one of our public-spirited citizens has offered a three-dollar bonus to each news seller who can show by bank book a regular monthly deposit of 25 cents or more for a period of one year. About 40 boys took advantage of this offer last year. II. BUSINESS KNOWLEDGE AND PRINCIPLES IN THEIR RELATION TO NEWSBOY SERVICE There are two definite lines of vocational information which should be secured by newsboys in the regular per- formance of their duties: (1) Information regarding vari- ous occupations engaged in by their customers and the type of man who is making a success or a failure in each; (2) the fundamental vocational knowledge or principles upon which all business systems are built. Some downtown sellers do secure the first type of infor- mation through personal observation. They discussed it freely with us and are considering it carefully with refer- ence to their own future careers. Many others would know how to observe the same facts more intelligently were a good course in vocational information to be incor- porated in our school curriculum. [125] NEWSBOY SERVICE Opportunities to secure the second type of informa- tion are omnipresent. Boys who sell papers are constantly in contact with one or more of the fundamental precepts upon which all business systems rest. From choosing a location down to the final estimate of profit and loss all the elements which make for occupational success or failure are involved in newsboy service. A. Selecting a Location Wisdom in selecting a location is frequently the begin- ning of successful business enterprises. Newsboys may not be able, any more than are other business men, to purchase just the corner upon which they would prefer to sell, or to obtain just the route which they feel promises best for the future, but they can and do learn very quickly to size up the relative value of corners and also to esti- mate the various influences which control corner or route values. Granted, however, that a boy can purchase where he sees fit, the risks involved are the same as are those involved in any other business. Value at the time of purchase is estimated according to the number of sales transacted on the corner. This, in turn, is dependent upon traffic conditions, the class of business carried on in adjacent buildings, the permanency of tenants in these buildings, etc. Subsequent to purchase, conditions over which the boys have no control may raise or lower the number of sales and therefore alter the value of the loca- tion. As illustrations, one boy's sales increased 50 per cent., due to re-routing one of the street-car lines, while a second boy, due to the same fact, lost materially. Another boy told us that his corner had depreciated 25 per cent., due to loss of tenants in what had formerly been one of the best office buildings. [126] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OP SERVICE The newsboy takes the same chance of gain and runs the same risk of loss, due to increase or decrease in location values, as does any other business man. News sellers may purchase x or rent their location, or they may be employees of other boys. News carriers may purchase routes or may be assigned to them by their owners. B. Selling Corners "Selling" or "owning" of street corners is one of the very interesting factors in the business management of news circulation. The expression often puzzles novitiates and is rarely understood by those who are uninitiated in the mysteries of newsboy service. How can street corners be bought and sold? Street corners are not bought and sold, but there is a system by which boys have a certain claim on corners and by which they are protected in their claim. 15 or 20 years ago, when there was comparatively little street selling, when few corners were of value, and when the number of newsboys was probably not more than 35, circulation managers and newsboys themselves fore- saw trouble over contests to hold the best sales locations. A newsboys' union was formed and it was decided to raffle off the different corners, each boy thereafter to have exclusive sales right on the corner thus secured. It was also agreed that no boy should sell on another boy's territory except as he bought a corresponding number of papers from the boy whose rights he had infringed. 2 1 Corners not already preempted may be obtained by "squatters'" right. 2 There is no newsboys' union at present, but the old by-laws are still observed. The rules mentioned above are quite common in other cities. [127] NEWSBOY SERVICE Some of the corners raffled off at that time have become very valuable. The highest purchase price known to me personally is $1100 for one of our best corners. This loca- tion nets a fine daily income and is not for sale at any price. Quite a number of school newsboys own corners. Several gave us the purchase price and the present esti- mated value. 1 Some had increased and others had de- creased in value. How can boys defend their corners against the en- croachments of other boys? They are protected by the newspapers. Concession to sell each publication is granted exclusively to the boy who claims the corner and who has paid for the sales privilege. This system is a great protection to the papers as well as to the boys. Moreover, it may be, and often is, very useful to whole- salers in forcing off corners the boys who they feel are not using their concession right for the best interests of the paper. This is spoken of among boys as "taking away their corners." Occasionally the practice is accom- panied by great injustice. C. Leasing Corners Many boys who own corners do not care to dispose of them nor do they care to maintain sales themselves. Many boys who desire to sell do not wish, or cannot afford, to purchase corners. This leads to a regular 1 31 boys paid from 50 cents to $115 for their corners. The largest estimated value at present is $400. One boy purchased a corner 3 years ago for $50. He hires all sales and supervises the corner himself, making $1 per day above all expenses. He has refused $85 for the corner and is expecting it to increase still more in value. [128] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE rental system sometimes on a long lease, sometimes just for certain days or for certain portions of a day. Frequently the same corner is rented by a number of different boys for different hours of the day. Schoolboys cannot always sell every day nor can they sell at all hours of the day. 1 Rental price depends on the estimated value of sales during the period for which the corner is leased. Usually boys do very well on rented territory. One boy who rents two corners for $2 per day is making good money. He counts on $9 every Saturday from one of the corners and sublets the other for 50 cents for Saturday night. A boy who does not attend school receives a commission to look after sales during the hours when he is in school. He expects to continue the arrangement just as long as he can lease the corner. Another boy pays $7.50 per week corner rent and says he can well afford to do so, as he makes a good profit. 2 D. Employing Salesmen When boys act as salesmen for other boys, they may receive a regular salary or may be employed on a com- 1 Of the 517 elementary sellers, 14 who own their own corners sell at all hours except when school is in session; 98 sell Sunday only; 42 sell Saturday only; 11 sell Saturday and Sunday; 32 sell school afternoons only; 15 sell school mornings only; 207 sell every day but Sunday; and 108 sell every weekday afternoon and Sunday mornings. The fact that many do not maintain Sunday sales is explained by the lighter Sunday sales downtown. Carrier work almost doubles in many districts on Sunday and extra help is employed for delivery. 2 Occasionally the wholesalers give a boy a corner provided he is willing "to work it up." The afternoon papers work together in main- taming corner standards and in selecting sellers. [129] NEWSBOY SERVICE mission basis. 1 Salaries vary considerably, as do also commissions. 25 per cent, of total or 50 per cent, of net profits is very common. Occasionally a really energetic employee is permitted to have whatever extra he may make after the rush hours 6 P.M. E. Wholesaling and Retailing Papers are purchased at wholesale either direct from the publishing house or through middlemen. Deliv- eries are made on the corner and the stock turnover is immediate; hence the wholesaler returns for cash pay- ment at the end of the day. Newsboy purchase at wholesale differs in certain im- portant respects from the usual business transaction involved in wholesaling. (1) The wholesaler rather than the purchaser decides the amount of the purchase. When there is difference of opinion as to number, it is always more, rather than less, than the purchaser desires. (2) Purchasers may not choose between dealing directly with the manufacturer or with middlemen. If there be a middleman in the district, the publishing house affords him the same protection in wholesale concession rights that it does the corner seller in retail concession rights. Some boys who have resented the middleman's price of 3| cents for the Sunday paper have attempted 1 Sometimes boys find it hard to decide whether to employ a sales- man or lease the corner. A very interesting Spanish Jew discussed at some length the advisability of "hiring out his corner." Of the 61 high-school sellers, 8 are employees, 35 sell for themselves, and 18 sell for themselves and at the same time employ assistants. Of the 517 elementary sellers, 187 are employees, 316 sell for themselves, and 14 both sell for themselves and work for others. [130] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE to purchase them downtown at the 3-cent rate and have been refused permission to do so because of the local middleman. In retailing on the routes, boys have two problems which the corner sellers do not meet. (1) One of the papers charges route boys 60 cents per hundred for dailies, while corner sellers pay 50 cents per hundred for the same paper. (2) Route boys buy dailies at the rate of 60 cents per hundred and retail at 25 cents per month; they buy Sundays at the rate of 3 or 3| cents and retail at 25 cents per month. They make less on the daily than the corner boys, and their Sunday profits depend largely on the number of Sundays in a month. 1 F. Credit and Collections Credit and collections must be understood by news- boys from two related points of view: in relation to the purchase of papers, involving their dealings with whole- salers; and in relation to final sales, involving their deal- ings with customers. Both route boys and corner boys are obliged to keep accurate accounts and to pay wholesalers promptly. They may not expect credit until they have established a business reputation which justifies confidence. Con- tracts, bonds, retention of salary percentage, and sale of corners are the various methods by which wholesalers protect themselves against collection loss and misplaced credit confidence. In dealing with the ultimate consumer, boys have a much more difficult problem and no really desirable 1 Boys are thinking of all these points, and many had very logical and very fair explanations to offer for the various business requirements. [131] NEWSBOY SERVICE method of protection. 1 Although high percentage of profit and daily turnover of stock are two characteris- tics of newsboy sales, the total profit is comparatively small, and loss due to credit and failure to collect must be carefully watched. This is the most serious business problem in connec- tion with carrier service, especially where total loss is borne by the carrier, and it is borne by the carrier in all cases where remuneration is on the profit basis. When a salary is paid, the boy loses his collection percentage, but not the total. Some boys are excellent collectors. A few are unusually good and because of their success have been able to secure additional employment as collectors with business firms. Knowledge of human nature and the way to meet and handle different types of people are recognized as essentials to success. Quite a number of boys are reading along these lines in connection with their collection efforts. We were somewhat surprised to find credit assuming such large proportions in connection with corner sales. Many customers, especially in certain residence dis- tricts, buy on the credit basis, and sometimes the boys have considerable trouble to collect. One bright little Russian boy explained the corner credit risk very mi- nutely and ended with, "You don't catch a Jewish boy trusting them unless he knows just what he's doing." When I asked how he knew what he was doing, he re- plied, "I have my own way." Too intuitive a way, I assumed, to be expressed, but the ability to analyze human nature was evidently there and later on will be a valuable asset. 1 They may require payment in advance, but they do not, because they know that to do so is poor business policy. [132] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE G. Soliciting Soliciting is even more difficult, in the estimation of the boys, than is collecting with this difference : if they fail in collecting, they lose on goods for which they have already paid; if they lose in soliciting, they merely fail to increase their business. Practically all newsboy contracts call for definite efforts in securing new subscribers. Some have a regu- lar system for solicitation, while others have little idea of how to proceed and know nothing of the principles involved. Boys who are good solicitors realize that house-to- house canvass is one of the most difficult forms of sales- manship and that whatever success they may attain in this line is a valuable business asset for the future. H. Profit and Loss Dailies are usually purchased at a rate which permits 100 per cent, gross profits. Net profits depend upon many factors, with all of which newsboys soon become familiar and soon learn to estimate. Overhead is not a serious item, but loss due to left-over goods, damaged goods, forced papers, credit, theft from boxes, etc., is no inconsiderable item when the balance sheet is figured. Boys are unable to protect themselves against certain forms of loss, but there is one most desirable form of protection with which every boy should provide himself a good list of permanent customers. Approximately 75 per cent, of our corner sales are made to regular cus- tomers. Permanent customers mean prompt, efficient, and reliable service on the part of the boys, a matter which is entirely under their own control. Wholesalers [133] NEWSBOY SERVICE consider it very important that regular boys be on their corners every day and give prompt and satisfactory serv- ice, as many purchasers go out of their way in order to patronize their regular seller. When necessary to supply substitutes for corner sellers, sales loss has sometimes run as high as 50 per cent. 1 It was impossible to secure any accurate figures on profit and loss. Accounts run for short periods and statistics are soon forgotten, but boys understand the principle, or where they do not, they are fast learning it. Three or four primary-grade boys were struggling with percentage problems at the time of interview. We were occasionally asked if we could explain such problems as the following: " You buy them 2 for 1 cent and the big boys say you make 100 per cent. What do they mean?" "Charlie says he makes 100 per cent, and I only make 85 per cent, because I don't sell all my papers. How can you tell how much you make?" "Is per cent, different from money? I make 20 cents and John says I make 95 per cent." One little lad, 10 years of age, came to the office twice subsequent to our interview in order to secure assistance in figuring his percentage loss. As I was passing his cor- ner recently, he called out that he had something to tell me. I crossed the street and learned that he now under- stood how to figure his own loss and found it very easy. It will be at least three or four years before he reaches percentage in the regular school curriculum, and then I doubt if he will be as anxious to understand it as he was when there was a definite motive back of his interest. 1 A retail loss which involves wholesale loss. [134] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE I. Business Ethics There are certain practices in connection with nearly every occupation regarding which there is more or less difference of opinion and which are, therefore, more or less difficult to classify. They cannot be branded "dis- honest," neither is the higher type of business man will- ing to permit classification of them under "fundamental principles of business." In the newsboy service practices of this class are illus- trated by the tip system, exchange of car transfers, etc. Being unwilling to classify them as either dishonest or as established business principles, we shall consider them under business ethics. 1. Tips. Tips are neither common nor excessive in Seattle and are much less of a factor in financial returns than was formerly the case. Some boys receive a little in this way every day, other boys receive nothing except on holidays. 66 elementary sellers 1 did not receive enough to affect their income materially; 98 received from one to two dollars a month; and the rest had never estimated what they had been given. 2 Closing the saloons has decreased income from this source, as has also the cafeteria habit, which always means an abundance of pennies in the average pocket. Public sentiment is undoubtedly against the system in connection with personal service of any kind. Many boys look with decided disfavor on the custom. This is especially true of Boy Scouts, and it would doubtless be better for all concerned were the practice to be entirely discontinued. 1 Route boys sometimes receive tips. 2 In 1911 Milwaukee boys were receiving about half their income from tips. Newsboys of Milwaukee, page 77. [135] NEWSBOY SERVICE Acceptance of tips cannot, of course, be considered dis- honest; but it is a comparatively short step from the legitimate tip to "no change" and "short change," and it is an open question ft patrons who permit boys to re- tain, even at their command, that which they do not earn are not contributing unconsciously to the formation of unethical business habits. Newsboys make 100 per cent, gross profits, their turnover is immediate, and their net profit much more than they will be likely to make in adult business life why allow them to begin their business career with false ideas of the average return on financial investments? 2. Exchange of Car Transfers. Curtis boys do not receive many tips. Their sale price is higher and is for even change. Quite a number of them, however, plan to save transportation expense by means of a regular system of transfer exchanges. To .some extent daily boys have the same system, but it is less universal, because less useful. Boys coming from different sections of the city to the central office receive transfers, usually on school tickets, to other sections. When the boys meet at the distribu- tion center, these transfers are exchanged for return transfers to their home district. Opinion among boys differs considerably as to whether this is good business, sharp practice, or actually dishonest. III. SUPERVISION OF NEWSBOYS It has often been stated that newsboys have no su- pervision. Indeed, lack of adult supervision has been considered one of the great contributory causes to unde- sir ability of the service. [136] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE Do newsboys, or do they not, work under adult super- vision? Facts presented have been sufficient to allow each reader to draw his own conclusions. If newsboys do not have supervision, personally I should like to know what kind of supervision boys in other occupations have. Every corner in Seattle is carefully supervised on the business side, and, as good business is rapidly coming to be coincident with good morals, it is being supervised more and more on the moral side. It is the duty of wholesalers and district managers to know the sales value of every corner and to see that business is trans- acted to the full limit. It is also their duty to note per- manent and accidental sales variation and to what extent the boys are responsible for the same. Boys must be on their corners regularly and promptly, or they lose their concessions; they must avoid all habits which tend to offend, or they will lose their customers; they must at- tend strictly to business, or, failing to make the most of their corner, they will lose it. Boys have much oppor- tunity for initiative, but they themselves feel pretty thoroughly supervised. It is not difficult to understand the reasons for this careful oversight if one pauses to realize that the success of the retailer involves success of both wholesaler and publisher. It is good business to give corner boys super- vision, and it is given. 1 Route boys, also, are under a regular supervisory 1 A heavy thundershower, an almost unheard-of occurrence in Seattle, came up recently just at the rush hour for news sales. Many boys became alarmed, left their papers on the corners, and ran. Sales loss and loss from damaged goods was serious. Of course the boys lost, but so also did the wholesalers. NEWSBOY SERVICE system, and each boy pays the penalty of his own shortcomings. Supervisors tell us that carelessness and negligence are not common. There are a good many complaints, but they involve comparatively few boys. These are disposed of after a short period of trial. Skips are paid for by the boy who does the "skipping." He is reached by telephone if possible and permitted to rectify his own error, otherwise messenger service at the rate of 10 to 15 or 25 cents is charged against him. The unsupervised boy in news service is the self-em- ployed boy, usually the very young boy who buys a few papers from a corner seller and hangs around two or three hours, accomplishing nothing financially and often cultivating detrimental habits. Wholesalers do not care for the services of boys under 12 years of age and would prefer such to be forbidden freedom of the streets for sales purposes. They confirm the state- ments of boys, that 13 and 14 are probably the best ages for schoolboy selling. 1 Young boys are very irre- sponsible and leave their corners on the lightest pre- text; older boys are apt to be sensitive regarding the publicity involved. 2 Undoubtedly it would be wise social economy to re- move this type of seller from the streets, or furnish some sort of street supervision. It is not the business of the wholesaler to furnish supervision, nor is he in any way responsible for such boys. Possibly the time may come when responsibility for licensing newsboys will be re- garded as a legitimate educational function and we shall 1 39 of the 49 best sellers, judged by financial returns, are boys between 12 and 14 years of age. 5 are Turkish Jews. 2 This does not apply to the adult professional newsboy. [138] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE have a closer cooperation between the vocational and educational progress of all of our younger boys. 1 IV. NEWSBOY SERVICE AS A BLIND-ALLEY OCCUPATION Having concluded that many of the fundamental business precepts which boys can and should learn as a part of their preparation for successful living are present in newsboy service, it would hardly be expected that the term "blind alley" would appeal to the writer in con- nection with such service. However, as we have many times been told, without qualifications, that it was a dead-end or a blind-alley occupation, we will not side- step the issue. What constitutes a blind-alley occupation? An occu- pation which begins and ends with the original line of work; an occupation which offers no educative elements, no future promotion, and from which there is no escape unless it be to less desirable forms of service. Are these the characteristics of newsboy service? Is there no future? Is there no way out? We can prove nothing by showing that we have many men in Seattle who have found their way from newsboy service to the most desirable occupations. We do not know how many such there are, nor do we know what other elements besides newsboy service may have been controlling factors. Going a step further, we may have more who have drifted downward from the service than have drifted upward. Our best evidence comes from the 1 When boys under 14 years of age are employed for wage, and many are, why does not our child-labor law require a labor permit? Readers who may be interested in the educational supervision of newsboys will find many valuable suggestions in the system in use in Milwaukee. [139] NEWSBOY SERVICE boys who are now finding their way out, combined with the fact that we know that the educative elements neces- sary to help a boy out are there, provided he knows enough to find them and knows how to use them. One schoolboy who was a newsboy when we began this study is now a district manager. A second boy, 19 years of age, has been in the service 7 years and is pre- paring for circulation manager in another city. A third boy has made an unusual success of collections and has been promised a permanent position in this line of the service as soon as he has completed his school course. No one would assume that there would be positions at the top for all the newsboys, even were all the news- boys capable of reaching the top. This is not true of any occupation, nor is it necessary for newsboys to re- main in the same occupation in order to permit rejection of the term "blind alley." News service is a juvenile occupation. Is it a stepping stone, for boys who render faithful service, to something better? C., 18 years of age, bought a corner many years ago for $37.50. He sold on it 4 years and during that time saved over $200 above expenses. He is now in one of the newspaper offices, where he expects to be permanently. M., 19 years of age, was obliged to remain out of school two years. He had been a newsboy a good many years, had bought his own clothes since he entered the 6th grade, and had also contributed to the support of the home. He had learned to meet people in news selling and during the two years' absence from school found it a great asset as a solicitor for newspapers. He still works as a collector and solicitor and expects to enter salesmanship. H., 15 years of age, lost his mother in 1908 and his father in 1912. He has been self-supporting since his father died. Has [140] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE an office corner and is trying to get all the information he can out of newsboy service, as there is already much which has helped him. He has the refusal of a permanent sales position. No occupation is a blind alley for such boys. To be sure, these are isolated cases, but if some boys find the way out, is it fair to call the alley blind? Would it not be more logical to say that we have some boys who are blind-alley boys? I am not ready to admit, radical as this may appear to some, that there is any such thing as a blind-alley occu- pation. There is always a future, provided there be ability to see it and perseverance to pursue it. The highest educational service that the schools can render the boy of today is assistance in the development of the character qualities which will show him how to find the light in any occupational alley which he may enter to- morrow. This is one of the prime functions of Voca- tional Guidance Departments. When they know their mission, accept it, and fulfill it, we shall have fewer blind- alley boys. V. VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF CURTIS SALES Nearly all the vocational elements connected with the circulation of daily news are found also in connection with P-J-G service. Curtis boys do not buy and sell corner privileges, but they do buy and sell routes, employ sub-sellers, and have an agreement among themselves that any boy who main- tains corner sales for two months has a right to the corner and shall not be molested by other boys. They buy at wholesale, sell at retail, solicit and collect, and are allowed full returns. [141] NEWSBOY SERVICE The city is not districted and no definite territory is assigned individual boys; hence a Curtis route means a list of customers, whereas a daily route means a list of customers within a given territory. This distinction in route systems is accountable for a competitive element in Curtis sales which is not found in daily sales com- petition among different salesmen, employed by the same house, to sell the same goods, in the same territory. Boys object to this form of competition, not because they are unwilling to contest for trade with other boys, but because they have no protection in retaining trade after successful competition. The quality of goods is identical, and boys know from experience that character of service alone will not retain their customers against the appeal of personal friendship. Too often, sales ex- perience, sales principles, and sales talks, acquired through the personal effort of one boy, only serve to show the prospect that the article offered is desirable no matter where or of whom it is purchased. Too often, the advertising is done by the boy who studies his sales suggestions, while the sale goes to encourage the "cunning little neigh- bor'* who is just beginning his efforts. Quite a number of our best Curtis salesmen, who at one time had excellent routes, have become completely discouraged and given up the work. This is not the only form in which Curtis boys meet undesirable competition. There is a growing tendency for daily newsboys to secure a few copies of Curtis maga- zines and offer them for sale with the dailies. To them, the Curtis sales are of minor importance, but they "may as well have the few cents, and full returns are allowed." They are not Curtis boys in the true meaning of the term, but they are spoiling the efforts of the Company [142] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE to have the term carry with it any significant meaning and they are spoiling Curtis boys' trade. The Boy Scouts, too, have quite unintentionally been permitted to spoil several regular Curtis routes. Each Scout troop has been allowed to sell a certain number of copies for the bene- fit of the Scout treasury. Scout boys appeal strongly to the public, and a number of Curtis boys have been bitterly disappointed to be told by regular customers that "here- after they wanted to encourage the Scout movement." l Another type of competition, not met by daily boys, is found in the difference in price of yearly subscription and delivery subscription or street sales. We have already mentioned the business necessity of maintaining the right balance between boy sales and subscription sales. Every publishing house, on business principles, prefers subscription sales. Daily subscription sales and daily boy sales offer the customer a uniform price. He may choose the method best suited to his convenience with- out financial consideration. Curtis boys offer customers a publication which, if purchased of them, costs $2.60 per year, while if purchased by paid subscription, costs only $1.50 per year. There is uniformity of time in both types of delivery. Many Curtis boys complain that "customers are getting wise to subscriptions." Curtis boys have much less supervision in maintaining and in increasing sales, but they have an expensive and a carefully thought-out course in salesmanship and a semi-professional club where sales problems are discussed. What is the financial return, to the Company, on this expensive system of vocational education? What does it mean to the boys in terms of education? 1 I understand that this method of sale has been discontinued since our interviews. [143] NEWSBOY SERVICE The financial return to any business system depends largely on its adaptation to the purpose it seeks to accom- plish. The educational return on any system depends largely on its adaptation to the needs and abilities of those whom it seeks to educate. Therefore, reply to our questions must be sought in analysis of the object of the house and of the needs and abilities of its boy employees. Certain facts relative to Curtis service are either self- evident, or have been revealed during the progress of this study: (1) The prime object of the methods of any publish- ing house is increase in circulation. (2) The secondary object of the Curtis Company is vocational education. (3) It is Curtis policy to accept as salesman every boy who applies no selective methods are employed. (4) Application is invited by means of one of the most attractive advertising systems in use in this country, a system which attracts the attention and appeals to the intelligence of professional workers and the higher type of parent; therefore (5) Most boy applicants come from homes which can, and do, afford better financial, social, and edu- cational advantages than do the homes of the average daily boy. Boys have a better mental background; are, as a group, less retarded and rank higher scholastically. They have fewer objectionable habits and more careful home supervision. On the other hand, they have less incentive to personal effort, and in case of dis- satisfaction positions are easily given up; there- fore [144] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE (6) The labor turnover is very high, as is also per- centage of dissatisfacton in comparison with daily boys. (7) 48 per cent, of the sellers are under 12 years of age, and 80 per cent, have been in the service one year or less. How can boys of that age, in less than one year, learn anything of the prin- ciples of salesmanship? (8) The labor turnover acquaints many homes with the Curtis publications. (9) The older boy finds it difficult to retain his position because, while the earnings per hour are good, he cannot put in enough hours to make it worth while, and he feels that the competitive elements mentioned above are not in harmony with the best sales principles and handicap him in using expert knowledge to the best advantage. After careful study of this subject my own personal conclusions are: (1) That if the Company reaps anything like com- mensurate return on its financial investment, it must come through the advertising features of the scheme and not through increased sales due to education of its salesmen. There is a circulation limit for even the highest- class publication. When this limit has been reached, and there are many facts in connection with sales circulation in Seattle which influence me to feel that this may be the case with two of the Curtis publications, the business problem of the circulation manager shifts from increase in sales to stability of sales. On this ground we [145] NEWSBOY SERVICE have financial justification for the absence of selective methods, for the youth of employees, and for the high labor turnover. (2) That the vocational-educational return is nothing like commensurate with the efforts or the ex- pense involved. Not because the type of voca- tional education offered is undesirable or the con- tent and methods of the course unsatisfactory, but because it is not adapted to the abilities and needs of the majority of Curtis salesmen. In the first place we have "to catch them" before we can train them, 1 and thus far only 52 out of 214 elementary boys have made themselves available for vocational training. The remainder do not read the literature and do not attend the club meetings. Boys are too young and too immature when they enter the service and drop out before they have developed the ability to grasp the fundamental principles. There are, of course, a few older boys who are acquiring judgment to decide which sales sug- gestions apply to their problems and which are practically untenable. The return to these boys in later life should be, and I believe will be, worthy both of the personal effort and of the effort of the Company. They will have both the practical sales experience and the science of sales- manship, combined with a sales recommendation from a high-class business house. 1 The Compulsory Education Law does this for the public schools. Perhaps we should have no better success than the Curtis Company were we competing on our own merits. [146] VOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE If the Curtis vocational plan is to be made more gen- erally useful, it seems to me that it must be through better local adaptation. If the educational features be desirable, it offers an opportunity to the local school sys- tem to begin its continuation-school efforts under the most favorable conditions possible. This should be done through the vocational department in cooperation with the Curtis district agent. The selective method which is the basis of all genuine vocational guidance would have to be introduced in some form, and the labor turnover, which tends to encourage drifting and discourage perseverance, would have to be reduced. I can readily see that some desirable educa- tional elements might conflict with the business policy of the home office, but I do not think any serious ob- stacles would arise; and whenever we have 239 boys within our public educational system who are already engaged in the same vocation, our opportunity for com- bining vocational and academic knowledge is right at our door. [147] CHAPTER NINE THE AVOCATIONAL ASPECT OF NEWSBOY SERVICE IS school newsboy service a vocation or an avocation? Some would classify it one way, others the other. If it be considered a vocation for the adult newsboy alone, one is tempted to ask what constitutes a vocation interest, knowledge, success, or length of service? Many schoolboys have been in the service for years, are vitally interested, and are very successful. Are they following a vocation? The Compulsory Education Law of our state declares that school attendance shall be the first business, and therefore the vocation, of a large majority of newsboys. But the statutes of no state have, as yet, shown the edu- cator how to enforce the law in actual practice. Attend- ance officers compel the body, but they cannot compel the mind. This is the function of the instructor, and it cannot come to pass until we motivate our school work so that it may be definitely purposive. It matters not what our theory may or may not be; it matters not what our Compulsory Education Law may or may not be; in actual practice, there is daily compe- tition between two forces to secure the first interest of our school newsboys. One is highly motivated, the other is not; one functions, the other does not; one demands and develops aggressive self-activity, the other does not. 1 For the good of the boy, which should be the vocation, which the avocation? 1 One teacher who graded her pupils very carefully wrote as follows on one of the records: "While is a poor student lacking in ini- tiative, ambition, and alertness, he seems to use all of these qualities in his work as newsboy, perhaps because the advantage or result of the latter is more tangible to him." [148] AVOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE So long as the above statements are true, so long as the real problems in life are found outside the school, so long as the school satisfies no need, solves no problems, and helps to reach no aim which the boy understands, just so long will news service tend to be the vocation and school work the avocation. There are many elementary boys for whom news service is a vocation and school work an avocation. This is not true of high-school boys. The boy who feels that news service furthers his ultimate aims better than does academic education will drop out at high-school age. The boy who remains indicates by so doing that he has grasped the more remote returns on education and that news service is an avocational use of his leisure. This difference in attitude of the elementary boy, to whom the present school motive is too indefinite to ap- peal, and of the high-school boy, who is able to grasp the broader motive of education and therefore considers the end worth attaining, suggests and emphasizes that the change needed in the elementary school is in the teaching process rather than in the ultimate aim of edu- cation. Material and method must be more immediately significant. Real problems and useful material must dominate the content of our elementary curriculum. Newsboy work is motivated, its material is immediately significant, its methods real problems. It demands and develops accuracy, promptness, personal responsibility, and aggressive self-activity. The real motive impelling newsboy service is the character of the work. It is motivated. Other avocational occupations among school newsboys which, to some extent, indicate their character and in- terests are club life, attendance at and choice of theaters [149] NEWSBOY SERVICE and moving pictures, and the selection of reading matter other than regular school assignments. Club life and the features which appeal most strongly to boys have already been discussed. A large number of boys know how to swim and are very fond of that form of recreation. 1 Table XL shows the average per capita percentage of weekly attendance at picture shows and theaters by grades. It also indicates what class of entertainment is most popular among boys in the different grades. 2 TABLE XL Grade Average WeekK Attend, per Boy No. Rarely Attend No. Never Attend No. Prefer Vaude- ville to Pictures No. Prefer Dramatic and Melo- dramatic Pictures No. Prefer Western, Indian, and Cowboy No. Prefer War No. Prefer Travel, News, and Edu- cational 8 .92 22 9 12 56 1 6 27 7 .77 22 7 17 34 19 6 33 6 .68 17 9 6 21 11 15 9 5 .65 14 7 5 17 10 14 2 4 .74 10 9 5 7 13 26 7 3 .62 10 9 6 9 15 2 2andl .44 5 7 1 9 3 1 .74 100 57 45 142 72 85 81 Table XLI indicates the prevalence of the reading habit among elementary boys and the number who have the benefit of adult supervision in selection of material. These statistics would be more valuable had we com- parative material for the entire school population. 1 54 out of 61 high-school sellers, 99 out of 214 elementary Curtis boys, and about one third of the remainder. 2 Not all boys expressed opinions on either theaters or reading. [150] AVOCATIONAL ASPECT OF SERVICE TABLE XLI Grade Using Library Card Reading Supervised by Teacher Reading Supervised by Parent Preference for Papers and Magazines Not Read- ing at All 8 7 6 5 4 3 2andl 117 110 55 45 18 17 6 14 8 3 11 13 7 4 5 13 13 8 3 2 27 26 4 2 8 1 16 15 17 10 32 21 27 368 56 48 68 138 A few boys were excessively fond of moving pictures, but the average attendance of less than once a week for eighth-grade boys and less than once in two weeks for the younger boys does not indicate that the average newsboy spends much time or money in that form of amusement. 1 The close comparison between the "travel, news, and education" pictures and the preference for reading papers and magazines would tend to support the inference that taste in pictures and in reading is apt to be similar. Nearly 60 per cent, of the elementary newsboys have public-library cards. Curiosity prompts us to wonder 1 A group of little foreign boys had never been to a theater or moving- picture show except , one of the least desirable for children in the city. Tickets to this house had been given them two or three times by their employer. These little fellows were pathetically anxious sometime to attend , a popular juvenile house. This future pleasure was a veritable dream, but the home demanded every penny. Mrs. Crick- more reported the incident to the manager of the coveted entertainment, who promptly arranged for their admission. [151] NEWSBOY SERVICE how large a percentage of total elementary enrollment can make as good a showing. High-school boys seem to be rather more fond of mov- ing pictures than are the grade-school boys, but they read very much less. Sunday and payday are the great theater days. [152] CONCLUSIONS groups of public-school boys have been dis- cussed: (1) The daily newsboy, (2) the Curtis newsboy, (3) the boy in general employment, and (4) the total male registration. Three of these groups, comprising approximately 13 per cent, of the total male registration, are pursuing their education and are, at the same time, engaged in wage- earning occupations. The fourth group comprises the three wage-earning groups and 87 per cent, of non-em- ployed pupils. 5.3 per cent, of the elementary male registration, and 9 per cent, of the high-school male registration, are engaged in news circulation. The re- mainder of the 13 per cent, wage earners is engaged in a variety of employments. Our study seems to have proved conclusively the fol- lowing general principles: (1) That more detailed information regarding news- boy pupils and full information regarding all school pupils is necessary before it is safe to draw definite conclusions regarding the con- nection between any given influences and news- boy service. (2) That the educational and vocational problems of the young cannot be successfully solved by deal- ing with pupils en masse. Each pupil has a definite and a specific individuality affording definite and specific problems. Group study is the line of least resistance, appears convincing, is interesting, is instructive, and within certain limits affords facts which warrant general con- clusions. CMS] NEWSBOY SERVICE The general results of this study are indicative of the type of boy found in the news service and of the vocational demands and experiences of the service. Study of individual cases proves that the same contributing influences do not always act and react in the same manner. What is apparently proved by one case, a second case is always at hand to contradict. Individual variations cannot uniformly be traced to the in- fluence of newsboy service. (3) Schoolroom education is only one phase of educa- tion. Other phases, possibly of more importance for the future welfare of the pupil and of society, are being acquired in newsboy service. The juvenile problem of the circulation de- partment is no less complex and no less perplex- ing than is the juvenile problem of the educa- tional department with these differences: (1) The circulation manager knows exactly what he is attempting to accomplish and has definite standards by which to measure his attainments. The educator is much less fortunate in this respect. (2) The circulation manager knows which influences act and react favorably on newsboy efficiency he "picks carefully from good homes and fires the failures." The educator may not do the same. (4) The field of education is broadening; new agencies are entering the field; the day is fast coming when the educator must choose between compe- tition and cooperation. Whatever his choice may be, failure is imminent unless he knows the character of the other agencies with which he [154] CONCLUSIONS would compete or cooperate. Prolonged and tireless effort in the field of research is the price of such knowledge. As educators, are we willing to pay the price and claim the leadership? The educational and vocational information revealed in this study which would seem suggestive to teachers is as follows: (1) 5.3 per cent, of elementary pupils are engaged voca- tionally or avocationally in an energizing occu- pation which offers excellent opportunity for educational and vocational guidance. The most successful and the most popular age for news selling is 13 and 14 years, or the years just prior to release from the influence of the Compulsory Education Law. Therefore, many newsboys are forced by law to place themselves in a position to respond to educational and vocational guid- ance, provided the material and method of such guidance be of sufficient interest to secure mental response. (2) Analysis of the various factors which are usually assumed to be vitally important contributors to the educational, social, and moral aspect of the newsboy problem indicates that education and occupation do not uniformly react either favor- ably or unfavorably on one another. The school newsboy as an educational, moral, and social type is an average boy. Variations from the average are, in some instances, due to influences connected with newsboy service; in other instances no such connection can be shown. [155] NEWSBOY SERVICE (3) Analysis of the various vocational elements com- prised in newsboy service indicates that this line of employment is not a blind alley, but has something of definite value to contribute to the vocational education of the young. Its voca- tional experiences afford a variety of informa- tion regarding the fundamental principles upon which business systems are built. (4) Analysis of the characteristics essential to success in newsboy service indicates that it demands the practice of certain qualities which are valuable assets per se. On the other hand, under certain conditions, it permits great liberty of choice be- tween "good" and "evil." Youth is the time to acquire right habits. Youth is also the time to acquire independent habits both of thought and of action. The greatest need of the adolescent youth of today is that type of educational and moral guidance which will show him how to think right, and how to act right, and how to do both instinctively, courageously, and independently. (5) Many boys, especially the 12 to 14 year old boys, are enthusiastically and vitally interested in newsboy service and the best solution of the problems which it presents. Any influences in schoolboy experiences which are capable of arousing and sustaining his in- terest are of pedagogical worth. Many minor influences impel newsboy service. Practical motives dominate all others. Earning money does not offer a sufficiently attractive motive. Unless there is some definite personal benefit [156] CONCLUSIONS which the boy understands, he shows no more interest than in future uncertain returns on education. One boy, forced to sell because of economic pressure, complained about the serv- ice "because there's nothing in it for me. I don't get any of the money, and I don't get my play time either." This boy had not yet realized that the wolf was at the door. Far different a second economic-pressure case in which every particle of interest was centered on news sales, "because whether we have any- thing to eat or not depends on what I sell." The same fact prevails with reference to smoking. Boys will not give it up because of an intangible moral or physical injury, but they will give it up when they see customers pass them by for the boy without the cigarette. Interpreted in terms of educational and vocational guidance, the facts which we have summarized mean: (1) That our public-school system has an opportunity to offer 13 per cent, of its charges the highest and most successful type of educational and vocational guidance guidance based on defi- nite vocational experiences. Moreover, it has an opportunity to use its knowledge of the differ- ent elements which enter into this vocational experience for the benefit of the 87 per cent, who have had no vocational experience and who are, therefore, dependent upon it for general vocational guidance, or the type of educa- tional guidance which prepares for vocational self-guidance. [157] NEWSBOY SERVICE (2) That our public-school system can and should familiarize itself on fact, not on theory, basis with the character of vocational experiences, or any other experiences, which interest pupils. That it should attempt to discover therein the elements which appeal to pupils and should be guided by this knowledge in the selection of academic material and methods. (3) That our public-school curriculum can, through the motivation of method and material, make definite contributions toward satisfying the needs of many actual and potential requirements of occupational life. Through constant efforts in this direction eventually it must be realized that no academic assignment is entitled to the interest, or even the attention, of pupils unless it offers something of permanent value unless it makes a definite contribution to future usefulness and success. [158] APPENDIXES APPENDIXES J l I w I I 1 1 1 ffl o Q [160] g I P b I I 1 & -g 8 & M 1 3 S b >> Si -S 4 3 1 -s H E APPENDIXES [161] APPENDIXES APPENDIX II OCCUPATIONS OF SCHOOLBOYS. SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 1916 Employment Grades High School Totals Bowling alley 3 3 Caddy 81 28 109 Chauffeur 2 2 Clerk . . 39 98 137 Collector 1 5 g Delivery 221 124 345 Elevator 2 2 Factory . . . 13 11 24 Farm or house 62 27 89 Janitor 16 23 39 Labor 2 6 8 Laundry 4 4 Library 10 10 Longshoreman 3 3 Music 1 3 4 Odd jobs 40 40 Office 18 42 60 Porters 2 2 Reporters 3 3 Shingle mill 3 6 9 Skilled trades 12 33 45 Teachers 2 2 Theater 4 12 16 Western Union operators . . . 2 2 Totals 520 444 964 APPENDIX in EXAMPLES OF SCHOOLBOY EMPLOYMENT 1. Age 13. Grade 8B. Native born of native parents. Washes bottles for dairy. 4 to 6 A.M. on school days and all day Saturday. $3.50 per week. Rank in class, B. 2. Age 12. Grade 4A. Native born of Italian parents. Works in a flower store. 3:30 to 9 P.M. school days. 8:30 A.M. to 9 P.M. Saturday and 8:30 A.M. to 1 P.M. Sunday. $15 per month. Rank in class, B. [162] APPENDIXES 3. Age 12. Grade 5A. Italian born of Italian parents. Works in factory. 4 to 6 P.M. school days and 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Saturday. $10 per month. Rank in class, B. 4. Age 12. Grade 5A. Native born of Russian parents. Sells soft drinks. 3:30 to 7 P.M. school days, 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. Saturday, and 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. Sunday. $1 per week. Rank in class, poor. 5. Age 10. Grade 5B. Native born of native parents. Carrying lunches. 25 minutes each day. $.25 per week. Rank in class, C. 6. Age 8. Grade 2. Native born of native parents. Folding in laundry. Saturday all day. $.25 per day. Rank in class, B. 7. Age 9. Grade 4B. Native born of native parents. Deliv- ery for grocery. 3 hours school days and all day Saturday. $1 per week. Rank in class, C. This boy is on call, but has con- siderable free time. 8. Age 10. Grade 3A. Native born of native parents. Deliv- ery for drug store. 3:30 to 6:30 P.M. on school days and 10 to 12 A.M. Saturday. $1 per week. Rank in class, A. 9. Age 13. Grade 7B. Native born of Scandinavian parents. Packing shingles. Friday 6 P.M. to 6 A.M. Saturday, and 1 to 5 P.M. Saturday. $.08 per M. Rank in class, B. 10. Age 13. Grade 7B. Native born of native parents. Janitor 4 to 5 P.M. school days and 11 to 12 A.M. Saturday. $10 per month. Rank in class, B. 11. Age 13. Grade 7A. Native born of native parents. Caddying. 4 hours Saturday and 7 hours Sunday. $.20 per hour. Rank in class, B. 12. Age 13. Grade 8B. Native born of native parents. Caddying. 3:30 to 7 P.M. school days, 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. on Sat- urday and Sunday. $.20 per hour. Rank in class, B. 13. Age 12. Grade 6B. Native born of Scandinavian parents. Mows lawns. 3 hours per week. $.25 each lawn. Rank in class, B. [163] APPENDIXES APPENDIX IV IRREGULAR ATTENDANCE IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER NEWSBOY INFLUENCES No. Days Abs. Rank Status Time Sold Hours Selling Other Influences 1 16 B Ret'd 2yr. Short hrs. Poor health 2 12 A Normal 3 mo. Sun. only 3 13 C Ret'd 2wk. Short hrs. Came from country 4 5 7 81 B C Ahead Normal 2yr. 4yr. Short hrs. Long hrs. Mother employed 6 7 12 15 C Low Ret'd Ret'd Syr. 6 mo. Long-late Father's shop weekdays Poor home influences 8 15 Low Ret'd 2yr. Sunday Poor home control 9 141 C Ret'd 3 mo. Short hrs. Illness 10 17 Low Ret'd 4yr. Short hrs. Mental defective. Court case 11 7 A Ahead 2wk. Long hrs. Skipped grade 12 10 C Normal 3 mo. Sunday 13 91 B Normal 2yr. Long hrs. Fine boy good home 14 44 C Ret'd 4yr. Long-late Poor home influence 15 10 A Normal 6 mo. Long hrs. Fine boy in every way 16 71 B Normal 7 mo. Long hrs. 17 91 A Ret'd 4 mo. Long hrs. Just in from country school 18 19 18 91 B C Ret'd Normal Syr. 4yr. Short hrs. Sunday Mother employed Poor home influence 20 101 A Normal Syr. Sunday 21 81 Low Ret'd 4yr. Sunday Habitual truant. Poor home 22 71 A Normal 4 mo. Long-late 23 6 A Normal 2yr. Short Mother employed 24 91 A Ret'd 2 mo. Short! Other employment 25 61 A Ahead Syr. Short A fine boy 26 27 6 71 A B Ret'd Ret'd 2yr. 1 mo. Long-late Sunday Father dead, home necessity 28 13 A Ret'd 1 mo. Sunday Lazy 29 9 A Ret'd 3 mo. Sunday Repeating a grade 30 171 C Ret'd Syr. Short Assists father in store 31 141 A Ret'd 2 mo. Short Assists father 32 8 B Ret'd 2yr. Short Illness 33 101 C Ret'd 4yr. Short A neglected boy 34 81 A Ret'd 2yr. Short Theater work evenings 35 6 C Ret'd 2 mo. Short No ambition 36 7 A Normal 1 mo. Sunday Doing other work 37 12 C Ret'd 1 mo. Long-late 38 39 22 25 Low C Ret'd Ret'd 1 wk. 2wk. Short hrs. Long hrs. Low general record. Illness No home restraint 40 41 23* B B Normal Ret'd Syr. 4yr. Sunday Long hrs. Doing other work Other work necessary 42 111 Low Ret'd 3 mo. Long-late Poor home influence 43 12 C Ret'd 2yr. Sunday Mother employed 44 45 ill C C Ret'd Ret'd 1 mo. 2yr. Short Sells A.M. Fine home. Nice boy Grocery 31 hrs. after school 46 15 A Ret'd Syr. Saturday Illness 47 14 B Ret'd 4yr. Short hrs. Always for illness. Fine boy 48 10 B Ret'd lyr. Sunday Poor home influence 49 50 8 81 B C Normal Ret'd 5yr. 5yr. Sunday Long-late Mother dead 51 301 C Ret'd 2wk. Long Entered late 52 7 Low Ret'd 5yr. Long-late Low mentally home influence 53 61 Low Ret'd 4 mo. Long-late Out 2 yrs. Poor home influence 54 71 B Normal 2yr. Short Skating rink evenings [164] APPENDIXES IRREGULAR ATTENDANCE IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER NEWSBOY INFLUENCES (Continued) No. Days Abs. Rank Status Time Sold Hours Selling Other Influences 55 16 Low Ret'd 4yr. i hr. da. Home influence bad 56 9 Low Ret'd 2wk. Ihr. Destitute home 67 7 B Ret'd 3 mo. Short Other work 58 59 15 10 B C Ret'd Normal 1 mo. Syr. Long Long Home conditions poor 60 8} A Normal lyr. Short 61 10 C Ret'd 2yr. Short Poor home influence 62 63 Low A Ret'd Ret'd 2 mo. 2yr. Sunday Short General record poor Other work. Father deserted 64 13 B Ret'd 1 wk. Ihr. Fine boy. Fine mother 65 66 25 IS C B Ret'd Ret'd 2yr. 2 mo. Long-late Sunday Illness 67 7 B Normal lyr. Sunday 68 12 C Ret'd 2 mo. Sunday Poor home saturated in tobacco 69 13 C Ret'd lyr. Short poor record Mother employed. Runs the streets 70 22 A Normal Syr. Sunday Operation 71 18 C Normal 2 mo. Sunday Fine boy APPENDIX V LONG AND LATE HOURS IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER NEWSBOY INFLUENCES 1. 12 yrs. 5B. American born. Rank, C. Low character grades. Sold 1| years. Sells 5f hours school days and 16 hours Saturday. $1.50 per day. Says hinders him educationally. 2. 17 yrs. 8 A. American born. Rank, low. Low character grades. Sold 4 years. Sells 13f hours on Saturday only. $1. Says hinders educationally. 8. 13 yrs. 3B. American born. Rank, B. High character grades. Sold 3 years. Sells 8f hours on school days and 14 hours on Saturday. $1.50 per day. Is too tired to study. Pays high corner rent. 4. 14 yrs. 8A. Russian born. Rank, A. High character grades. Sold 6 years. Sells 3 hours school days, 8 hours Sat- urday, 3 hours Sunday. $55 per month. Does not hinder educationally. Two brothers are paying way through college. 5. 12 yrs. 4A. American born. Rank, low. Always had [165] APPENDIXES poor health. Father out of work. Sold 1 week, 3 hours daily. $.15 per day. Eats half a pie for supper. 6. 11 yrs. 4A. Italian-American. Lowest in class. Perfect in attendance. Sold 5 years. Sells 5 hours school days, 10 hours Saturday. $.50 school days, $1.50 Saturday. An untidy, neglected boy. 7. 13 yrs. 7A. German-Jew. Rank, B. Sold 5 years. 2 hours A.M. and 3 hours P.M. schooldays, 7f hours A.M. and 6 hours P.M. Saturday. $.40 school days, $1.75 Saturday. Boy says he drinks, gambles, has been hi court, and contributes much information on vice and immorality in general. 8. 12 yrs. 6B. American. Rank, A. A fine boy. Sold 6 months. 1^ hours A.M. and 3 hours P.M. school days and Saturday and 2 hours Sunday. Wage of $1.50 per week. Very tired, afraid lose in school work, but family need his help. Father deserted. 9. 17 yrs. 5A. Turk. Rank, low. Been hi America 3 years. Sold 2| years. Sells 2 hours A.M., 3 hours P.M. school days and Saturday and 4 hours on Sunday. $3.30 per week. Paid $30 for his corner, and the three boys support the family and go to school. APPENDIX VI COMPARATIVE CASES FROM GENERAL EMPLOYMENT ILLUSTRAT- ING HOURS OP SERVICE IN RELATION TO REMUNERATION. HIGH-SCHOOL BOYS 1. Age 14. Caddy. 1 P.M. to 6 P.M. school days, all day Saturday and Sunday. $.20 per hour. 2. Age 16. Delivery. 1 P.M. to 6 P.M. school days, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Saturday. $4.50 per week. 8. Age 14. Delivery. 4 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. school days and 9:30 A.M. to 6 P.M. Saturday. $1 per week. 4. Age 14. Drug store worker. 12:30 to 5 P.M. school days, 10 A.M. to 10 P.M. Saturdays and every other Sunday. $3 per week. 5. Age 15. Store. 3 : 30 to 6 : 15 P.M. school days and 8 A.M. to 6:15 Saturdays. $2.50 per week. 6. Age 16. Soda fountain. 8| hours school days, 6 A.M. to 8 P.M. Saturdays and Sundays. $8 per week. [166] APPENDIXES 7. Age 16. Parents not in this country. Office work. 3:15 P.M. to 11:15 P.M. school days, 8 hours Saturday and Sunday. $6.50 per week. 8. Age 17. Delivery. 3 P.M. to 10 P.M. Friday and 8 A.M. to 12 P.M. Saturday. $5 per week. 9. Age 16. Soda fountain. 3:30 to 10:15 P.M. school days and 11 hours Saturday and Sunday. $5 per week. APPENDIX VII NATIVITY AND NATIONALITY OP OTHER SCHOOL WAGE EARNERS. 964 Nativity Elementary School High School Totals Parents Pupils Parents Pupils Parents Pupils Austria 4 1 1 3 1 1 1 19 5 18 2 1 22 1 i 7 3 19 1 8 5 30 i 293 2 "2 1 1 14 1 6 "2 1 i 2 "3 4 4 i 400 1 1 2 1 1 40 19 41 8 6 47 2 1 2 18 15 45 2 26 10 57 1 2 597 7 1 6 1 2 1 1 25 3 17 4 7 2 1 1 5 7 4 1 11 2 5 "2 852 4 6 Australia Bohemia Bulgaria Canada 21 14 23 6 5 25 1 1 1 11 12 26 1 18 5 27 1 1 304 5 1 6 11 2 11 4 5 1 1 3 7 1 1 7 2 1 i 452 3 6 Denmark England Finland France Germany Greece Holland Iceland Ireland .... Italy Norway .... Poland Russia Scotland Sweden Switzerland Turkey United States Wales Belgium Japan 520 520 444 444 964 964 [167] APPENDIXES APPENDIX TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF TURKISH NEWSBOYS 1. Age 15. Grade 5. In country 18 months. Sold 9 months. Family in Europe. Boy worked passage by selling bread and milk, and family will come later. Supports self and finds selling a help in learning English. 2. Age 13. Grade 4. In country 4 years. Father shoe- shiner. Sold %\ years. Paid $5 for his corner. Ranks B in class. Sells 3 hours school days, 14^ hours Saturday, and 6 hours Sunday. $6 per week. Unkempt. Doubtful home influence. 3. Age 12. Grade 5. In country 5 years. Sold 4 years. Paid $48 for corner. Rank, low in class. Mother does not speak English. Sells 4| hours school days and 7 hours Saturday. $5.50 per week. Money is this boy's only thought. 4. Age 12. Grade 4. In country 4^ years. Sold 3 years. Perfect attendance record. Rank, B. Sells on salary. 3 hours for $.50 school days and 12 hours for $1 on Saturday. Has bad eyesight, sickly, a pathetic figure of a little old man. Has been ordered to stop selling by the police, but does not do so. 5. Age 15. Grade 5. In country 3 years. Sold 3 years. Rank, C. Owns two downtown corners for which he paid respec- tively $34 and $200. Rents one for $2 per week and employs 2 extra sellers to assist him. Sells 6 hours school days, 14^ hours Saturdays. Makes $10 net per week. "Selling bad morally and physically, but best of anything for money and learning English." [168] INDEX INDEX Age, of newsboys, 20, 21, 24. and grade census, total regis- tration, 42, 43. comparative statistics on, 73. popular selling, 17, 25, 26. retardation of newsboys, 19- 23. successful selling, 16-17, 138, 155. Annual reports, accuracy of, 19. insufficient data in, 42. Attendance, regularity of newsboy, 49. comparative statistics on, 50- 51. regularity of total registra- tion, 49-50. St. Louis newsboys, 51. Author's point of view, xiii. Avocational aspect of service, 148-150. Bank accounts, 123. Begging, 109, 113. Blind-alley occupation, 139-140. Boy Scouts, influence of, 80, 81, 106. attitude toward tips, 135. number of, 80. British Interdepartmental Com- mittee, 96, 97. Business processes in newsboy service, 125-134. Carriers, contracts, 2. independent, 12. number of, 14, 15, 16. relation to circulation de- partment, 3, 4. relation to district agents, 3, 4. salaries, 4, 6. subcarriers, 12. Census, newsboys in Seattle, ix, 12-15. age and grade, 42, 43. employment, 37-39. federal newsboy, 12. Character development, in the home, 69. in the service, 117. responsibility of teachers for, 115. Character of service, xii, 149, 156. Character qualities, revealed in school, 62, 64, 65. commercial value of, 63, 117. developed in the home, 77. educational value of, 69. Child Labor Laws of Washington, xii, xiii, 40. Circulation systems, xiii, 1. Clubs, newsboys belonging to, 80. influence of, 80-81. type selected, 79-80. Collections, commission on, 4. by older boys, 17. loss in, 131-132. College, newsboys preparing for, 68. Commissions, on sales and col- lections, 4, 132. Compulsory Education Law, xii, 45,50. Concession rights, 2, 5, 128, 130. [171] INDEX Continuation schools, x. Corners, control of, 2. Curtis boys, 141. lease of, 129. rent of, 127. sale of, 127. value of, 126, 127, 128. Credit, 131, 132. Curtis boys, age of, 22, 145. American born, 70. attendance records, 49. bank accounts of, 123. character rank, 64. class rank, 27, 28, 29, 33, 61. competition among, 142. earnings of, 85, 87. earnings, use of, 89. home conditions, 78, 79. hours of service, 56. labor turnover, 52, 53, 145. number in January grades, 24, 25. number in school, 16. occupation of parents, 78. preparing for college, 68. profanity among, 107. reasons for youth of, 26, 45. retardation among, 22, 23, 32, 45. secondary occupations of, 89. size of families, 83. smoking among, 105. type of, 45, 144. Curtis Publishing Company, Se- attle agency, 8. cooperation with public schools, 10. competitive system, 142, 143. educational literature of, 10. [172] Curtis Publishing Co. (cont'd) placement system, 10, 11. prizes, 11. system of distribution, 8. vocational plan, 9. Curtis Vocational Plan, character of. 26. success of, 146. value of, 147. Customers, 17, 110, 132. District agents, character of, 6. duties of, 3. relation to carriers, 3, 4. salaries of, 5. Domestic Service, ix, xvii. Drinking, 109. Earnings, of newsboys, 85. minimum wage, 88. monthly average, 8688. use of, 85-88, 89. Economic pressure, as motive, 82, 90. federal test for, 83, 85. and size of family, 83-84. and earnings, 85-88, 89. and secondary occupations, 89-90. Education, changes needed in, 149. broadening field of, 154. Educational guidance, 76, 155-158. Educational problems in newsboy service, 91, 115, 147. Elementary pupils, number of newsboys, 15. type of service, 4, 7, 16, 17. Elimination, 45, 60, 61. INDEX Employed pupils, number in Seat- tle, ix. Employers, attitude toward use of tobacco, 106. character estimates of, 65. Evening schools, xi, 75. Federal, census of newsboys, 12. economic pressure test, 83, 85. report on delinquent news- boys, 99. "Forcing extras," 2, 8. Gambling, 102,104. High school, number of newsboys in, 15. type of service, 4, 7, 16, 17. Home, influence of, 54, 55, 57, 69, 76, 77. social life in, 76-79. Home conditions, 77-78. Hours employed, 55. relation to attendance and retardation, 56-57. undesirable, 57-59. Influence of newsboy service, 65- 68, 92-95, 98-114. Investigation, methods of, xvii. Investments, newsboys', 123, 124, 125. Italians, 70, 73, 74. Juvenile Court, opinions of judges, 98. King County, 100, 112. Law, 26. Juvenile Police Department, 112. Kansas City newsboys, 33-37. Labor turnover, newsboys', 52, 53, 145. general workers', 118-120. Length of service, influence of, 52- 55. License system, 12, 138. Meals, irregularity and character of, 94-97. Middleman, 4, 5, 8, 130. Minimum wage, requirements of, xiii. newsboy average and, 88. Moral influence, of service, 98-100. accepted opinions of, xii, 98, 99. boys' estimate of, 111-114. of dishonest practices, 110- 111. seen in Parental School, 100, 101. shown in interviews, 102. Motive for service, 82, 90, 149, 156, 157. Moving pictures, 151. National Association of Corpora- tion Schools, 63. National Child Labor Committee, 98. Nativity and nationality, of news- boys, 70-71, 73. of other workers, 72, 73. Newsboys, age retardation of, 19- 23. attendance records of, 49. comparative retardation, 33- 43. [173] INDEX Newsboys (cont'd) degree of retardation, 29-32. defined, xv-xvi. earnings of, 85-88. educational ideals of, 66, 67, 68. investments, 124, 125. labor turnover, 52, 53, 118- 120. license system, 12, 138. morals of, 98-115. national tendencies among, 70, 72. nationality of, 70, 71. number in Seattle, 12, 14. number in school, ix, 15. school status of, 24, 27, 28, 29. supervision of, 4, 5, 136-138. Newsboy service, an avocation, 148-149. a blind-alley occupation, 139. boys' estimate of, 111-114. character of, xii. compulsory education and, xii. continuation schools and, xii. dishonest practices in, 110- 111. moral influences of, 98-115. physical influence of, 92-97. social economy of, 90-91. theater attendance and, 149- 150. vocational information and, 116-125, 148, 149. Newspapers, in Seattle, 1. New York City newsboys, 33-36. Occupational studies, x. [174] Occupations, secondary, 89. during school life, x. of foreigners, 75. of parents, 78. Parental School, newsboys in, 101. Perseverance, 120. Physical influence of service, 92-95. Post-Intelligencer newspaper, 1, 4, 7,13. Primary grades, number of news- boys in, 24. Prizes, 7, 11. Profanity, 107-108. Professional newsboys, number of, 14. Profit and loss, 133-134. Promotion statistics, 60, 62. Reading among newsboys, 150. Reasons for newsboy study, ix-xiii. Retardation, among newsboys, 19. annual reports on, 19. causes of, 47, 49. comparative statistics, 19-23. degree of, 30-32. elimination and, 45, 61. influence of service on, 26, 46. of other earners, 40-41. of total registration, 44. scholastic rank and, 60. type of study needed on, 42. "Rolling drunks," 108. Route system, 3-6, 142. competitive Curtis, 143, 145. Russians, 70, 73, 74. St. Louis newsboys, 51. Saloons, 108, 109. INDEX School status, of Seattle newsboys, 61-612. of newsboys in other cities, 33. of other earners, 38H12, 61-62. of total registration, 42-45. School transfers, use of, 136. Sellers, number of, 13-15, 16. relation to circulation system, 2. "Short changing," 111. Size of families, 83-84. Smoking, commercial influence, 106. employers' attitude toward, 106. extent of habit, 105. Social economy of service, 91. Social life, in the home, 76-79. outside the home, 79-81. Soliciting, 133. Solicitors, 7. Sources of information, xviii. Star newspaper, 1, 5, 7, 13. Street trades, laws, 24, 26. number of newsboys in, 24. Subscriptions, 4, 6. Supervision of newsboys, by pa- pers, 4, 5, 136-138. by schools, 138. Teachers, inability to hold wage earners, x. responsibility for educational and vocational guidance, 155-158. responsibility for understand- ing newsboy service, xii, xv. Theaters, 149-150. Thrift, 121-122. Times newspaper, 1, 5, 7, 13. Tips, 124, 135, 136. Turkish Jews, 70, 73-76. Undesirable hours, 97. Vocational guidance, 62, 63, 76, 92. Vocational guidance and Curtis plan, 147. Vocational guidance departments, 141. Vocational information, 125, 126. Wage earners in Seattle schools, ix. Wholesalers, 2. Wholesaling, 130, 131. Y. M. C. A., influence of, 80. newsboys belonging to, 80. [175] NEW-WORLD LANGUAGE SERIES ALL SPANISH METHOD Metodo directo para aprender el espanol By GUILLERMO HALL Adjunct Professor of Spanish in the University of Texas 1 Teaches Spanish in Spanish. 2 Gives conversational command of the lan- guage. 3 Enables the student to make his way in any Spanish-speaking country. 4 Thoroughly practical vocabulary of about 4000 everyday words. 5 More than 300 illustrations which teach vocabulary. 6 Numerous and varied exercises. 7 Constant drill on verb forms. urrmririiiiii First Book: xxix + 280 pages $ price $1.00. Second Book: xxix + 307 pages } price $1.20. Combined Book: xxix + 309 pages } price $1.60 WORLD BOOK COMPANY YONKERS-ON-HUDSON, NEW YORK 2126 Prairie Avenue, Chicago Also Atlanta Dallas Manila INDIAN LIFE AND INDIAN LORE INDIAN DAYS OF THE LONG AGO BY EDWARD S. CURTIS Author oj "The North American Indian" Illustrated with photographs by the author and drawings by F. N. Wilson I N this book the author gives an intimate view of Indian life in the olden days, reveals the great diversity of language, dress, and habits among them, and shows how every important act of their lives was influenced by spiritual beliefs and practices. The book tells the story of Kukusim, an Indian lad who is eagerly awaiting the time when he shall be a warrior. It is full of mythical lore and thrilling adven- tures, culminating in the mountain vigil, when Kukusim hears the spirit voices which mark the passing of his childhood. School edition, $1.00. Gijt edition, $1.50. WORLD BOOK COMPANY, PUBLISHERS YONKERS-ON-HUDSON, NEW YORK INDIAN LIFE AND INDIAN LORE IN THE LAND OF THE HEAD-HUNTERS BY EDWARD S. CURTIS Author of "Indian Days of the Long Ago" Illustrated with thirty full-page photographs by the author [EODORE ROOSEVELT once said that Mr. Curtis has caught glimpses, such as few white men ever catch, into the strange spiritual and mental life of the Indians. In this book the author shares these glimpses with his readers. The story centers about Motana, the son of the great War Chief. The mountain vigil, the wooing and win- ning of Naida, the raid of Yaklus and his warriors, the rescue of the captured Naida, and the final victory, cel- ebrated by ceremonial dances, are all described. The action is rapid and the story is told in the direct, simple style of the true epic. School edition, $1.00. Gift edition, $1.50. WORLD BOOK COMPANY, PUBLISHERS YONKERS-ON-HUDSON, NEW YORK RETURN TO the circulation desk of any University of California Library or to the NORTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY Bldg. 400, Richmond Field Station University of California Richmond, CA 94804-4698 ALL BOOKS MAY BE RECALLED AFTER 7 DAYS 2-month loans may be renewed by calling (415)642-6233 1-year loans may be recharged by bringing books to NRLF Renewals and recharges may be made 4 days prior to due date DUE AS STAMPED BELOW JAN 10/1989 JAN 31989 Santa Cru* Jitney DEC Is laay AIM DISC NOV 2 1 JUN 9 2001 U.C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES 393155 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY