I am thoroughly enjoying reading about the Hobo history in this country.  America is so rich with diverse people groups.  Just take a morning and delve into the different ‘tribes’ and cultures of this nation.

A site I’m currently perusing is Hobo.com.  I’ve been looking at the Code of Ethics for Hobos which was established back in 1894 in Chicago during an Annual Convention.  I’ve taken the liberty to post the entire code here.  I think we would do well to practice some of these during our daily lives:

1. Decide your own life, don’t let another person run or rule you.
2. When in town, always respect the local law and officials, and try to be a gentleman at all times.
3. Don’t take advantage of someone who is in a vulnerable situation, locals or other hobos.
4. Always try to find work, even if temporary, and always seek out jobs nobody wants.  By doing so you not only help a business along, but insure employment should you return to that town again.
5. When no employment is available, make your own work by using your added talents at crafts.
6. Do not allow yourself to become a stupid drunk and set a bad example for locals treatment of other hobos.
7. When jungling in town, respect handouts, do not wear them out, another hobo will be coming along who will need them as bad, if not worse than you.
8. Always respect nature, do not leave garbage where you are jungling.
9. If in a community jungle, always pitch in and help.
10. Try to stay clean, and boil up whenever possible.
11. When traveling, ride your train respectfully, take no personal chances, cause no problems with the operating crew or host railroad, act like an extra crew member.
12. Do not cause problems in a train yard.  Another hobo will be coming along who will need passage through that yard
13. Do not allow other hobos to molest children, expose to authorities all molesters, they are the worst garbage to infest any society
14. Help all runaway children, and try to induce them to return home
15. Help your fellow hobos whenever and wherever needed, you may need their help someday.
16. If present at a hobo court and you  have testimony, give it, whether for or against the accused, your voice counts!

Tomorrow I’ll be looking at Hobo jungling and just what that looked like.  Enjoy and remember “your voice counts!” use it wisely.