Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-01-17

protection OF children and animals such laws
we're placed on the statute books Of the various
states mainly through the recognized efforts Of
men and women animated by the noble motive
Of bringing help to the helpless.
THE WASHINGTON SOCIETY.
Such an organization is the Washington
Humane Society. This year the society viii
celebrate its majority. One Of the gratifying
results Of the work which has been accom-
plished during this period is the change which
has taken place in public sentiment in regard
to the objects Of the organization. Today
there is on the statute books OF the District
laws which are inspired by the spirit of human
ity. What is more. through the agents Of the
society. together with the cooperation Of the
courts and the police. these laws are enforced
to an extent that is surprising. Perhaps the
most interesting feature of the work is that
The society has special agent. whose time is
devoted exclusively to investigating cases OF
brutal treatment or neglect of children. An
officer of the police force is detailed for that duty
aud for several years past Mr.. Chas. w. q Neill
has rendered efficient service. He had special
qualifications for this work, as all who know
him and have experienced the kindliness OF his
nature will testify. The poor little waits the
neglected and abused little ones so numerous in
a great city. found in Mr.. 0'Neill the love and
tenderness of father. Under the authority
of humane and wise law Mr.. 0'Neill was able
to take these children away from the surround
ings which were blighting their lives and to
place them where they would receive kindly
care. During the past year Mr.. O'Neill re-
signed and Mr. Samuel Wilson, also a member
Of the police force. WAS detailed in his place.
Mr.. Wilson has had numerous cases brought to
his attention.
INTERESTING CASES.
There are one or two which we're of more
than usual interest. One was the case of a
white woman charged in the Police Court with
vagrancy. As she had two small children with
her when arraigned Mr.. Wilson at once became
interested. He found upon investigation that
the woman and children were living in dis
reputable house Of the lowest character kept
by a colored woman. He found that the mother
was addicted to drinking. The judge released
the woman on her promise to reform and the
children were placed in charge Of Agent Wilson,
He sent them TO the Washington City Orphan
Asylum and the mother became an inmate
of the Hope ard Help Mission. Photographs
of the children taken at the time they were
found by the agent and after they had been in
the asylum for several months are in the
possession OF the society. II the society had
done nothing else during the year than to
bring the light of hope and JOY into the eyes of
the AFFECT, fOrlorn creatures, as shown by these
two photographs. il is certain the verdict would
be from every heart open to sentiments of pity
that the year work had been profitable one.
FOUR CHILDREN SAVED.
There was another case where the kind Offices
of Agent Wilson served to rescue four children
from pitiabie condition. The mother wac
arrested for keeping a disorderly house and
sentenced to a term in jail. Mr.. Wilson learned
that she had left children at home, and upon
investigation he found the little ones in a
dilapidated house. and from their surroundings
it was not difficult for him to reach the con-
clusion that it was not only a case OF destitu-
ton. but also one of depravity. The children
and the house were in an equally
filthy and neglected condition, the former
being without sufficient clothing and food.
The children were sent 10 the orphan asylum
where they have the chance to grow up to lives
of usefulness and responsibility The number
of cases of this and similar character is shown
by the statistics given in the annual report OF
Agent Wilson, where it is stated that during the
year ia children were taken from parents or
guardians and sent to asylums. reformatories
or other homes. During the past six years the
agent of the society has found homes fo- no
less than 5l4 children.
PROTECTION OF ANIMALS.
This work for children is done quietly and
seldom attracts public attention. But the
society interferes to prevent cruelty and neg
lect toward animals, and as such cases are gen
orally discovered on the public streets, the in
reference by the agent of the society in behalf
of the animal usually attracts a curious crowd.
There is, perhaps. more familiar figure in