My readers will learn with surprise, probably, of the hard life
led by these children, and the inhuman treatment which they
receive from the speculators who buy them from their parents in
Italy. It is not without reason that Mr. De Casale speaks of
them as the "White Slaves" of New York. I may add, in passing,
that they are quite distinct from the Italian bootblacks and
newsboys who are to be found in Chatham Street and the vicinity
of the City Hall Park. These last are the children of resident
Italians of the poorer class, and are much better off than the
musicians. It is from their ranks that the Italian school,
before referred to, draws its pupils.
If the story of "Phil the Fiddler," in revealing for the first
time to the American public the hardships and ill treatment of
these wandering musicians shall excite an active sympathy in
their behalf, the author will feel abundantly repaid for his
labors.
NEW YORK, APRIL 2, 1872.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER
I. PHIL THE FIDDLER
II. PHIL AND HIS PROTECTOR
III. GIACOMO
IV. AN INVITATION TO SUPPER
V. ON THE FERRY BOAT
VI. THE BARROOM
VII.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25