SS Curfew

a bell rung every evening as a signal to the people to extinguish all fires and retire to rest. Derived from the French “couvre-feu, cover fire,” it was introduced into England by William the Conqueror, and was regarded by the English as a badge of servitude. The original time for ringing it was 8 o’clock P. M., but in a few places in England and France the custom is still kept up of ringing a bell at 9 o’clock Pp. M., and the old name is still retained, Curfew Laws, in the United States, laws intended to keep young _— off the streets after a certain our at night. While an ordinance of this kind has been in force in Salem, Ma ., ever since the days of the Puritans, it is only of late years that other cities #ave seen its advisability and adopted the same measure. The law, in general, provides that persons under’ 15 years of age shall not be on the streets at night after 9 o’clock in summer, and 8 in winter, without the written consent of their parents or guardians.