บท 6: Chapter 6 The Photograph
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Regrettably, the news regarding the movie's release came out in late January. However, it is now mid-November, well past the point where the news would be relevant and could be used to capitalize on its popularity.
Colin, on the other hand, was aware that after "City Lights," Chaplin had produced another silent film in the subsequent six years, which happened to be his final silent film called "Modern Times."
Additionally, Einstein was once again moved to tears after watching the movie.
Nonetheless, all of this occurred after 1936 and has no effect on the current difficulties encountered by the newspaper.
As Colin contemplated, his eyes skimmed over the newspaper articles about the movie before swiftly shifting to another topic.
"...In fact, these tramps are not starving; they eat better than before... In New York, a tramp has ten meals a day."
Then, a prominent headline on the newspaper's page captured his attention.
"Who would dare express such views in these times? Oh, it's Hoover..."
A trace of confusion crossed his mind, and upon clearly identifying the source of the news, he instantly understood.
Speaking of Hoover, he could arguably be considered the most unfortunate president in American history.
He assumed the presidency just before the Great Depression, and the public's dissatisfaction and anger during that time were directed toward Hoover. Consequently, for a long period, Hoover's name became synonymous with "poverty."
During the Great Depression, the makeshift and impoverished settlements constructed from tin cans, cardboard, and burlap sacks were referred to as "Hoovervilles." The sacks that unemployed individuals carried to collect scraps were known as "Hoover bags." In certain areas, impoverished farmers attached the front faces of dilapidated cars to emaciated mules, labeling them as "Hoovercarts." Park benches covered with old newspapers utilized by homeless people for sleeping were called "Hoover Blankets," and so forth.
From a historical perspective, Hoover's presidency could be regarded as ill-fated.
However, living in the midst of the Great Depression, Colin could somewhat comprehend why the people of that era harbored so much resentment and dissatisfaction towards Hoover.
Particularly when reading his responses to reporters' questions in the newspaper, even Colin couldn't help but furrow his brow.
Hoover's detachment from the masses during the Great Depression and his ineffective policy performance became the primary reasons for his subsequent failure in the presidential elections.
"Wait a minute, perhaps I can..."
Silently observing the newspaper article about Hoover, Colin's expression gradually transformed.
"Johnny."
Setting down the old newspaper, Colin immediately called out.
"Yes, Boss!"
Upon hearing his name, Johnny AKA Young John, positioned next to the typesetting machine, instinctively grabbed his camera and responded.
He hurriedly took three steps in two and stood in front of the desk, looking at Colin seated behind it. He unconsciously swallowed and nervously asked, "How can I assist you, boss?"
Tap-tap-tap...
Old John's hands swiftly moved across the keyboard in front of the typesetting machine, yet his gaze involuntarily shifted toward the desk.
"I hope you can lend a hand..."
Reaching into his pocket, he searched for a moment before retrieving a handful of slightly worn coins, which he slid in front of young John. Speaking softly, Colin provided him with a few instructions.
At the desk, young John listened to Colin's orders, looking puzzled for a moment before quickly pocketing the coins on the table. He mumbled a response.
"Got it, boss. I'll go right away."
Observing young John's departure from the newspaper office, old John, seated in front of the typesetting machine, had a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
Before he could voice his concerns, Colin, seated behind the desk, interjected, asking, "Old John, do you know how to get in touch with those newsboys?"
"Newsboys?"
Old John blinked his eyes behind his brass-rimmed glasses, pausing his hands on the keyboard. He replied, "Normally, the newspaper doesn't need to contact the newsboys directly. They come to buy newspapers themselves on the publication day of each week."
During that era, the relationship between newsboys and the newspaper office resembled that of producers and wholesalers.
The newsboys were not employees of the newspaper. On the contrary, they had to purchase bundles of newspapers from couriers or the newspaper office itself at a price of 70 cents per bundle. They would then sell the papers individually to passersby on the street for 2 cents per copy, earning a meager profit to support themselves.
This explained why the newsboys were concerned about the sales volume of The Messenger newspaper.
If the papers didn't sell, they would lose money, and some newsboys had to work late into the night just to make a living.
"Is there any other way to meet these newsboys immediately?"
Publication day of the week?
Considering the current circumstances, Colin couldn't fathom waiting until the weekend to publish the newspaper.
"Well... let me think..."
In response to Colin's query, old John hesitated briefly before replying, "I know a deliveryman who might have a way to locate those newsboys."
Colin nodded upon hearing this.
Just as they were conversing, the tightly shut door of the newspaper office swung open from the outside, and young John returned.
Already?
Old John displayed a surprised expression upon seeing young John back at the newspaper office.
From the time he left to the time he returned, it had only been a brief eleven or twelve minutes.
"Did you get it?"
Colin's face exhibited no surprise, but rather a composed expression as he inquired.
"I got it."
Nodding, young John raised the camera in his hand and spoke softly, "After taking the photos, I promptly delivered the 'cake' to that family, as you instructed, boss."
The "cake" mentioned by young John was not the conventional cake familiar to people in the future.
It was a "cake of nothingness," a special food invented during the Great Depression when traditional cake ingredients such as milk, eggs, and butter were scarce. They substituted water for milk, baking powder for eggs, and vegetable oil for butter. Mixing these three ingredients with flour, a small amount of sugar, and various spices resulted in this cheaply made food.
In terms of taste, this type of "cake" couldn't be expected to be particularly flavorful.
Its sole purpose was to alleviate hunger.
For the impoverished masses living during the Great Depression, satisfying their hunger was already of utmost importance. Whether it tasted good or not was simply not a concern for them.
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