Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-04-05
CRANKS, TRAMPs, AND BEATS
Some Of the Callers at the ONCE of SAM
tary Officer Frank.

Sanitary Officer Frank, Of the police depart
ment, occupies the back room on the second
floor at police headquarters. The room is
neatly fitted up and in it are kept railroad
guides and pamphlets containing information
interesting to many unfortunate persons who
call to request transportation to their homes
The presence of railroad plats and maps of the
country roads suggests to some Of the pauper
travellers who fail to obtain transportation that
by examining them they can get an idea Of the
roads over which they viii have TO walk. The
condition of the weather has great deal to do
with the selection Of a route. II the weather is
good the country roads are usually preferred.
because many short cuts across the country can
be made and lessen the distance by several
miles. IL, on the other hand. the weather is
bad and the turnpikes are not in good conii-
ton for pedestrianism, the railroad lines are
selected because the road beds are seldom
muddy.
"a LITTLE Off"
Many cranks who appear in the city are also
attracted to or are directed to this Office. This
class Of unfortunate persons often go there
because they are told that the object Of their
Authorization can be accomplished by so doing.
Persons who imagine that they have been
elected to Office are sent there to be sworn
In, while others who believe they are in danger
OF assassination go there for protection. The
sanitary officer is always kept busy looking
after these two classes of persons-cranks and
amps-making out hospital permits for one
ana furnishing railroad tickets or refusing
them to others
WAS IN THE RAILROAD SMASH Up.
This morning, when the Office was opened at
Soclock, there were several early visitors wait
ing to have their wants attended to. The first
applicant was young man giving his name as
WIN. Murphy. He said that he was plumber
by trade and was from Detroit He told the
sanitary officer that he had been working in the
east Tor several years, and few days ago he
started for this city seeking employment. lie
SAID that in company with another man he was
beating his way on the freight train that was
IN the smash-up near Rockville Wednesday
AFTERNOON. He was riding between the cars
when he heard the distress whistle blowing
knowing there was trouble of some kind ahead,
he started for the top of the car to apply the
brakes. lie saw the passenger train coming
and, seeing an accident was unavoidable
closed his eyes and said: Here it goes" He
fully expected TO be killed. His companion
jumped from the train Just as the collision oc-
CURED. The narrator said he was caught be-
tween the cars and his chest was badly crushed
He remained at the wreck until yesterday when
he came In on train. Last night he slept in
ponce station, and this morning he was suf-
fering so much pain that he went TO Providence
hospital for treatment There, he said. he met
with his usual bad luck. He was refused adj
mlttance without permit. aud that why
he called on the sanitary officer. He was given
the necessary permit
BOSTON MAN WHO WANTED FREE RIDE HOME.
The next caller was man about fifty years
old, who wanted transportation to Boston. He
was plasterer, he said. but was unable to do
much work, and wanted TO get to his home.
According to his stltement he came here from
Georgia about f., --eeks ago. and had lived
by doing odd jobs of plastering. He was
warmly dressed. having on two or three suits OF
clothes. He also wore a silk hat His story
failed to get him free ticket to Boston, and
he left.
AN Ex-soLDIER WHO DOESN'T READ THE PAPERS.
The next applicant was middle-aged man
who Claimed to have fought in defense Of his
country. He tas behind the times. for he rep
resented that Commissioner Black was to give
him favorable decision on his pension claim
| IN few days and he was then going to IL
Hampton soldiers home. His application was
taken under consideration.
AN OLD MAN SENT HALF WAY TO HIS HOME
Then came in an old man, neatly dressed
who wanted transportation to New York. He
wished to go there to be among his friends, be
said, as he did not expect to live much longer
| He said that he had been in California fol-
| forty years; that he had a severe attack OF
| pneumonia, and he was in hurry TO get home
| The sanitary officer suggested that he go to the
| hospital for few days before starting for New
| York; but he objected. as he was anxious "a
get among his friends. where he would be bet.
| ter cared for. He was sent as far as Phila-
| delphia.
Many others called, and those thought to be
worthy were assisted.