The Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1877-1885, 1882-09-05
The DAILY ARGUS.
A BABY MARKET.
The Traffic in Infants as Carried on IN New
York.


A childless man clipped the following
advertisement from newspaper OF yes
terday's date and called at the address
given:
L 3years and three months old; both blondes
5301e Broome. ST., over cigar store.
The crying of several infants upon the
second floor was audible outside the store.
The visitor entered the narrow hall and
climbed the stairs. At the sound of his
footsteps a pretty child of about 3 years
came out from room TO the right and ran
up to him, and another child of about the
the same age watched the visitor sus-
piciously from the door. Both were neatly
dressed. A middle aged woman, with a
rather kindly face, stepped into the hall,
and in response to brief inquiry led the
way into a small room to the left
The furniture here was neat, but scanty.
Two beds, with white counterpanes were
set against the wall On one bed TIVE
infants were lying. Both were awake and
one was kicking and worrying The
woman picked up the latter, and it at
once gaZed with quiet interest at the new
conner.
This is the three months old child men
toned in the advertisement, said the wo-
man.
"sThe other child is over on the east side
of town. Did you ever see a child three
months old who notices things as this baby
does2 See what a nice skin it has, and
feel its flesh. Nice and hard, isn't it? It's
healthy child, and has a good hold on
life"
81 want to know something about its
parentage."
Splendid parentage. But I'm only
taking care of the child. My sister has
stepped out after the lady who has it for
adoption. She is midwife. and will be
here soon"
The babe remaining upon the bed was
sharp featured, thin and puny. is that
child for adoption?" asked the visitor.
Yes l have charge of that child. Its
mother is a mere girl. She used to come
here to see it. but l understand the truth
has been suspected at her home, and she
would not dare come again. OF
course, if anybody adopts the child, she
will not know where it goes. It's great
worry caring for these children. / had
nine here a while ago. Three died during
the hot spell. | board them and care for
them. Sometimes the father pays a regu-
lar sum for it, and sometimes the mother.
Occasionally they stop payment, and |
must get payment for their board from the
people who adopt them"
You see that little fellow?" the woman
went on. pointing to a child which could
lust walk THAT child could not be had for
any money. His father pays his board,
and expects to marry soon and adopt the
child himself. Why. I've had child
less mothers, whose husbands were taken
out of town for long periods of business,
adopt children and deceive their husbands
with them. / knew of husband who dis
covered the deception, and it was a great
blow to him, but he was kind hearted, and
forgave the wife"
A middle-aged woman entered the room,
and announced that the midwife was in
disposed and dared not venture into the
rain She would see the gentleman the
next day.
Il cannot see her tomorrow" said the
visitor I have time to call at her rooms.
if they are near" The messenger went out
again. and soon returned, accompanied by
the midwife.
Il would not dare" said the latter, ''to
have people call at my rooms on this bust
ness. Neither the people who have the
children nor those who take them are able
to find me afterward 1t wouldn't do, you
know, and it would not do for them to
meet one another either This baby comes
of splendid stock. I can't tell you much
more about them but can refer you to
physician, and she gave physicians
name and address.
What are your termsY
you can pay me small sum of money,
whatever you please, and take the child.
am satisfied that you are a respectable
gentleman, and that's all | want to know
about YOU. I shall know nothing about the
child after it leaves me, and. of course, no
body else will"
Your wife will be pleased with it,
said one of the women, for it looks very
much like you"
Eyes, said the others" it has your eyes
exactly. Men York Sum-