BEGGARS AND SUPERSTITION.

Franklin Times, Volume 9, Issue 616, 15 March 1921, Page 2

BEGGARS AND SUPERSTITION.

Begging is a regular trade in many parts of the world. Some who practise it may almost be said to make it an art, or a profession. A good mendicant, like a good salesman, studies his customers, discovers their weak points, if he can, and trades upon them. A French writer, who has given much attention to the subject, describes at some length the skilful methods by which such people—who get their living by “pauper culture”—play upon the superstitions of their victims. There is a common notion that giving alms brings good fortune. “Go to the Sorbonne,” says a French author- “on the days of examination for tiie bachelor’s degree. See the •collegians, each with his dictionary under his arm,'on his way to make the famous Latin version, on the success of which all his future depends. A cloud of beggars settles down upon them. “‘A sou, monsieur, a morsel of bread. It will bring you happiness-' “The candidate hurries on. “‘You will be blackballed, monsieur,’ the beggar continues. “The sinister prediction always takes effect; the collegian pulls out his purse, and the beggar turns away chuckling.” The same thing is seen at the Hotel de Ville on the days of examination for a certificate of ability for teaching; and where there are not examinations going on, there may be races; and thither go the beggars; for gamesters and sporting men are famous fox being superstitious.