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Jacob A. Riis 1849–1914. The Battle with the Slum. 1902.

Page 376

which I found in session in No. 160, and of its very instructive constitution. I am going to print it here entire for the instruction of some good people who don’t understand. The boys got it all up themselves with the help of a copy of the United States Constitution and the famous “Stamp Act.”
CONSTITUTION OF THE JACKSON PLEASURE CLUB
EVENING RECREATION CENTRE P. S. NO. 160, NEW YORK CITY
 
  We the boys of the J. P. C. in order to form a perfect club, we establish justice insure domestic tranquillity provide for the common defence. We promote the general welfare and secure the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our descendants to establish the Constitution for the J. P. C.
  No boys can be members who are less than thirteen years and must be from the 7th Grammar on.
  No member can be President or Vice President unless 6 months in club.
  All officers will keep their term six months.
  The officers can not commit a law until it is passed by the members. If it is an important one it will be passed by votes. By this I mean that if 5/8; of the members pass it is passed if ½ is passed it is not passed.
  Several committees are appointed to look over these rules which seldom happen on the streets.
  If any member or officer is seen gambling, smoking or fighting a fine of 0.02 will be asked and must be paid the next meeting.