Who was Louis Ballatt?

Answer 1

Louis Ballatt, commonly known as "Kid Blink" was a Manhattan newsie who was engaged in the Newsboys' Strike of 1899. He was described as an "undersized newsie," with an eye patch over his left eye. It is unknown that he sported the patch for pride, or if he truly did lack a left eye. Thus, the nickname "Kid Blink." Kid Blink, along with Dave Simons, was elected leader of the newsies during the strike. Often, his words were reported in newspapers throughout New York: "Friens and feller workers. Dis is a time which tries de hearts of men. Dis is de time when we'se got to stick together like glue. . . . We know wot we wants and we'll git it even if we is blind." However, it was rumored that Kid became a scab (a replacement, often bribed, in which he worked during the strike against the strikers') after being bribed $400. The rumors were solidified as he was spotted with new clothes - it is still unknown whether or not he betrayed his fellow newsies. Still, the uncertainty did not stop the enraged newsies from forming a mob and chasing Kid Blink down a street, where he was later arrested for leading a mob. This was false, of course. Kid was sent to jail, but was bailed out by his mother, who paid $5 for the bail.