Reading Comprehension-5

Newsies Strike New York                     Week 2 Day 5

            Today, people can buy a newspaper from a machine or at a newsstand. But back in the 1800s, newsboys, or “newsies,” were the principal sellers of newspapers. Newsies sold their newspapers, or “papes,” on New York’s streets. Newsies bought their newspapers from the companies that printed them. The newsboys then made their money by selling the newspapers to customers.

            For two weeks in 1899, however, the newsies went on strike, refusing to sell papers. Boys from 5 to 15 years old united to make two newspaper companies reduce the price that they charged newsies for the newspapers. Striking newsboys held rallies, gave speeches, and chose leaders. One rally drew more than 7,000 striking newsies. Newsboys who continued to sell papers were harassed by the strikers. Some strikers threw the newspapers away, and others threatened to hurt the newsboys who wouldn't stop selling newspapers.

            What started the strike? During the Spanish-American War, people were eager to read the news, so the Journal and Evening World raised the price that they charged for their newspapers. Newsies had to pay ten cents more for the papers. A dime made a difference to kids who earned less than a dollar each day. Most newsies lived on the streets. Others used they earnings to help their struggling families. When the war ended, newsies expected newspaper companies to reduce their prices, but that did not happen.

            Although the cost of papers to newsies never dropped, the strike was considered a success. The two offending newspaper companies agreed to buy back all unsold papers, and eventually this strike helped bring about child labor laws in the United States.

Strategy Practice: Think about: What does the newsies’ strike of 1899 remind you of today?

Skill Practice: Fill in the bubble next to the correct answer for each question.