SOCIETY OF BEGGARS.

Ohinemuri Gazette, Volume XXII, Issue 2784, 1 May 1911, Page 3

SOCIETY OF BEGGARS.

ESTABLISHED THROUGHOUT

THE WORLD

A curious account of the wealthy or-

ganisation ot 15,000 Jerusalem beggars is given in the " Jerusalem Truth," a weekly published in England.

These beggars, it is said, " thrive and

wax fat upon systematic imposture practised upon the benevolent and simple-minded of every country on the face of the globe." They " have made begging a fine art—a science—a perfect study; they constantly invent new stratagems, novel contrivances, and ingenious tricks to-ensnare the credulous into their traps." Their transactions, we are told, " are conducted upon strict business lines, with well - appointed offices, double book-keeping, copying-

presses, and type-writers."

The organisation, says the " Jerusalem Truth," employs well-paid agents, who travel all over the world collecting the names of all who are likely to extend their sympathies to the poor and suffering of. the Holy City. Millions of addresses are thus received, with minute descriptions of the nature of each individual, so that petitions may be drawn up to touch the right chord in the compassionate soul of the recipient.