Judge, 1901-07-27 · page 3 of 16
Judge — July 27, 1901 — page 3: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a humorous short story titled "Tenderloin vs. Bohemia; or, When Greek Meets Turk," by Hon. Frederick A. Wake. The narrative describes a dice game between a wealthy stranger and Greek gamblers in what appears to be 1890s New York's Tenderloin district (a vice-ridden neighborhood). The satire contrasts two social groups: the refined, upper-class "stranger" versus the street-smart Greek immigrants operating in the Tenderloin's gambling dens. The story plays on stereotypes—the "Greek" as cunning gambler, the well-dressed outsider as naïve prey. The dice game serves as a metaphor for class and ethnic conflict in urban America, with the wealthy man ultimately losing his clothes and dignity to street hustlers, despite his initial confidence and sophistication.
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Judge’s Funny Stories by Serious People, and Vice Versa. TENDERLOIN VS. BOHEMIA; OR, WHEN GREEK MEETS TURK. By the Hon, Frederick A. Ware, President of the Edenia Club, ete THE stranger boarded the car at Thir- ticth Street and carromed cheerfully ahead until he dropped into a seat opposite a'party of joyous spir- its who were bound for * Ma- ia's” for a nightcap and a song. It was twelve o'clock and Saturday night, and the stranger joined in the chorus of “Heart of My Heart,” which Frank Jawdin was leading, with great gusto, During a lull in the music the newcomer, abstracting a banknote from his pocket, rolled it up, and, putting it in his mouth, chewed it with much apparent relish. ‘This made a_ palpable hit, and as the car bowled down Sixth Avenue the Mariaites conjectured audibly as to whether the stranger was a doliar in or a dollar out, and the stranger was relating his family history when Twelfth Street was reached. Upon alighting from the car no one paid any particular attention to him, but he was unsteadily following in the footsteps of his new acquaint- ances, HON. FREDERICK A, WARE, Maria's was almost deserted, save for a con- vivial party who were dis- cussing the Bohemia Club and a bottle of Nebiol: Among them was Jack Stucker and a young Greek, a recent candidate for membership in the club which made this restaurant its head- quarters. Seating him- self at the table, the stranger, who was rapidly recovering from his simu- lated “jag,” was soon on friendly terms, and, pro- ducing some dice, the drinks followed in rapid succession. The following mono- logue, which came with wonderful rapidity from his lips, brought all the “* The Greek took up the box somewhat clumsily, and made his throw. aces were upturned.” denizens of the place to the table, where he was throwing dice to the lightning accompaniment of *C seven!” “Mamie needs a dress!" “1 want a‘ Baltimo,’" and “Speak to ‘em. dice! in endless variety and with never a pause for breath. “Craps” was the game, and the stranger lost heavily, while the Bohemians gazed and _ listened, hypnotized by his wonderful vocab- ulary and skill. The Greek looked on in silence. He was a handsome young chap who had inspired more than one jealous pang at the Sunday night dinners. He was little known, but he wanted to join the club. His interest in the dice- throwing increased as he saw the luck turn and his prospective friends lose back their winnings, new “A figure clad in a short over- coat, and not much else, paddled down Sixth Avenue.” the stranger rapidly accumulating all the literary cash in sight. All signs of con y had vanished, and it dawned upon the players that the stranger was a professional sharp who had invaded their retreat. One by one they joined the spectators, until the game paused for lack of victims. ‘The stranger was about twelve dollars ahead, but was evidently disappointed at his meager gains. “What's the matter with you people? are broke,” said he. blood in the house ?” “Till go you,” said the Greek, quietly. * Your overcoat is no good,” said the stranger, who could not conceal his surprise; but, renewing the attack, “I'll bet you my clothes against Tl lend you money if you Say, I'll bet my overcoat, Is there any sporting “ All right,” replied the Greek. ‘There was no retreat, and in a moment their coats, waistcoats and trousers lay on the table, the pockets having been emptied. A single blanket would have covered the little crowding group of spectators, whose sympathies were all with the Greek. * Now, this goes,” remarked the stranger. the winner to do what he pleases with the clothe: If he expected the Greek to weaken, he was mistaken. winter's night and stormy Poker dice, one throw, It was a cold nd with the possible complications and the strange surroundings, the spectacle of the Tenderloin rounder pitted against the foreign youth in a strange land, who only wanted to ai his friends on a midnight prowler, was almost as pathetic as ludicrous. The dice ‘The stranger His hand had cunning; but two sixes lay on the table. He was visibly nervous. The Greek took up the box somewhat clum- sily, and made his throw. As the dice finally settled, two aces were upturned. An involuntary cheer burst from all, save the stranger, “How much do you want for clothes?” nge rattled, threw. lost its my The money you have won from my was the Greek’s response. The stranger weighed the matter carefully. He even waited an hour for the inflexible Greek to change his mind, But et . as the last of the party of Bohemians stood on the comer awaiting their car, at the witching hour of 2a. m..a figure clad ina short overcoat, and not much else, emerged from Maria's, paddled down Sixth Avenue, and vanished in the outer darkn Oh, he ain't so wsirm,” said the Greek. “The next application for membership is that of Demetrius Chris- tabellos,” said the chairman. “It is moved and seconded that he be elected.” “ All those in favor of the motion will please say aye. ” Aye!” in roof-raising chorus. “ Opposed ?” Dead silence. comicbooks.com