In a Chicago chapel one night last week gathered 75 frazzled vagrants for the funeral of Harry Batter, 46, professional hobo, who had died trying to stoke a fire with gasoline. To Dr. Ben Reitman, president of Chicago's Hobo College, Batter had left his money, and directions to master the ceremonies. Announced Dr. Reitman: "Everybody eat, drink, and be merry—that's what Harry ordered. Harry was a sponger . . . and no good, but he had a fine heart." Services opened with the singing of "Hallelujah, I'm a Bum." Vagrants got drunk,...
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