The morning call., 1893-11-24
BASELESS RUMORS
Accusations Against the
Armitage Orphanage.
Rev. Mr.. Cases Statements Were
Evidently Based on Incorrect
Information.

day, that rumors were being circu-
lated that the boys atthe Armi-
tage Orphanage. near San Mateo.
were being Ill fed. in fact starved. has
called out vigorous denial from those
who have the welfare Of the institution at
heart.
The first intimation of the existence of
these rumors was when Rev. William
Page Case, an unattached minister. stated
to the members of the Clerical Club. at
one of its weekly meetings. that his atten-
tion had been called to statement that the
boys at the orphanage we're ill fed. MIR.
Case instanced specific case of two boys
who had been brought to this city for that
reason. Mr.. Case was pressed for his
authority bat declined to give any names
or any Information further than that these
rumors had reached his ears. Naturally.
this charge against an institution In W hlch
every Episcopaiian takes the greatest in
teTrst caused a great sensation.
Rev. j. r. de Wolfe COwie, rector OF st.
Matthew's Church. San Mateo, who has
charge of the spiritual welfare of the or
phans. at on ce made vigorous denial.
A CALL reporter visited the orphanage
near San Mateo yesterday. 1t was just
abou: the time for the boys to return from
school A large number. over one hundred,
from the orphanage. Soon they came
troopiDg in, each one provided with gen.
erous sized receptacle for lunch, and all
looking the very picture of health.
As soon as their books were put away
the boys were given the freedom of the
yard. There they could be seen to better
advantage than before. Mr.. LIE Warne,
the SUPERINTENDENT, asked the reporter to
go among them and question them as to
how they we're treated, particularly on the
food question. Not one of the dozen or
more spoken to had the least complaint to
offer. their ruddy compilations and sturdy
frames gave ample evidence of the liber-
ality OF the diet given them.
The breakfast consists of mush and
milk, bread and coffee. and fruit in season.
Those who attend the school take their
lunches with them, and a very generous
supply is given them. The evening meal
at O'Clock consists of good, wholesome
meat, well cooked and seasoned, vege-
tables, usually two kinds, and dessert.
Everything is served in plenty, and plates
are reDlenished as often as needed. The
institution has six cows, insuring liberal
supply Of milk. Over $50 loaves of bread
are baked every other day, so that there is
no stint in any direction.
AT present there are 1863 boys in the
orphanage. The dormitories are little
crowded, but contemplated improvements
will soon relieve the pressure. On Sum-
days the boys attend st. Matthew's
Church in the village. and as they are free
to mix with the congregation for short
time after the services complaints of insult
fcient feeding would be hard to repress.
There are no visiting days at the orphan
age, the gates being open every day from
A. NJ. to p. NJ. Speaking in reference
To these charges, j. Z. Locke, gentleman
w no takes great interest in the orphan
age, says: Il have been visiting the orphan
age three or four times month for the
past two years and know that the place is
OF boys on Saturday and get them into
good condition for show purposes on Sum-
day, and every Sunday morning all the
boys, except the very small ones in the
kindergarten department, 60 into San Ma
teO to attend divine services. These same
bows all attend the public school, located
about four blocks dista ut from the orphan
age, and if any of the boys we're ill treated
or denied proper food the teachers would
ter to the local newspaper long ago."
Rev. Mr.. Case was seen at his residence
last night in reference to the assertions
made by him. 81 did not think the matter
would be given such publicity" replied
that worthy divine. 81 merely brought
the matter up before the Clerical Club that
its mem bers might know these stories were
aflOat and check their further progress.
was not at liberty to disclose the names of
Anybody acquainted with the orphansge
knows the charges are unfounded."
Bishop Nichols is absent from the CITY.
but will return next week, when he will be
requested to make an official investigation
of the charges. Bishop Nichols is ex-officio
president of the institution. and is fire.
Quent visitor to the orphaDage.