“KID” BLINK ARRESTED

THE NEWSBOYS’ STRIKE REACHES A STAGE OF UNCERTAINTY—AID FROM NEWSDEALERS

The newsboys’ strike reached a stage last night where its exact status was difficult to determine. More “Evening World” and “Journals” were seen on the streets than at any time since the strike began, but the boys explained it was due to the fact that the two papers had distributed several thousand of the papers free of charge. The distribution of these papers caused something like a riot in Park Row and Frankfort-st. Boys who accepted them were set on my their more resolute companions, and soon the air was think with flying scraps. Not satisfied with the material at hand, the boys rushed into the counting room of one of the papers and secured a new consignment before they were recognized. The sweepers of the Street Cleaning Department were called out to clean up the street. The torn papers filled Frankfort-st. from Park Row to William-st. to a depth of six inches.

It was also said yesterday that an offer had been made to the boys to sell the papers at 55 cents a hundred, but that they had refused and would hold out until the price was reduced to 50 cents.

“Kid” Blink, who has been the head and front of the movement, was arrested last night and look up on a charge of disorderly conduct. A crowd of boys had gathered and were marching into William-st., when the officers swooped down on them and took Blink to the Oak-st. station. He was bailed out later, and came forth asserting that he would lead the strike with renewed bitterness.

There was less sympathy for him than might have been expected, as the idea prevailed yesterday that he had accepted a bribe from one or both papers to put an end to the strike. He appeared in Park Row yesterday morning in a new suit of clothes, something that was not withing the memory of the oldest living newsboy. He was also said to have displayed a large roll of bills. The same charge was made against several others, and the strikers now seem to have begun that wrangling among themselves which inevitably leads to destruction.

At a meeting of the Newsdealers and Stationers’ Association held at No. 19 Manhattan-st. last evening resolutions were adopted supporting the boys in their strike.

A meeting of the West Side Newsdealers was held at No. 475 Ninth-ave. last evening. Benjamin Ackerman presided. Resolutions were adopted sympathizing with the boys and resolving not to handle the two papers until the demands of the boys were met, and also resolving to advise their customers not to buy the papers.

Chief Devery last night sent out a long communication to the precinct commanders, saying he was informed that the newspaper delivery wagons of “The Evening World” and “The Evening Journal” are being constantly interfered with. The Chief announces his intention to hold the captains personally responsible for any further depredations of this sort, and commands their instant suppression.

Source: “‘Kid’ Blink Arrested.” New-York Daily Tribune, 28 July 1899, p. 2.