The Washington times., 1894-08-05
FREEMANS ALLEY; A VHITECHAPEL In MINIATURE
WashInetons Worst sum Section Visited by Times Man
a offlcer-Human Bats that Seldom See the Light.

house Is large two-story brick building
known as the "Flats" This house probably
bears nearer resemblance to the closely
crowded, diseass-stricken tenement houses of
New York than any other building in the
city. Tho rooms here are considered by the
residents to be among the most desirable in
the alley and bring from q to S8 month
rent. These rooms, none of which are over
ten feet square, are regular sweat-boxes there
being no means of obtaining ventilation and
they are usually occupied by from four to
eight persons, who when the reporter passed
by, were lying around on the floors and half
broken down beds in an entirely nude condi-
ton. Such sight can hardly be imagined.
FAMILY TIES uNHEEpEp.
Half drunken men and women are occupy
ing beds together while children, most OF
them the offspring Of unlawful intercourse,
lie on the bare floor crying for food or some
much-needed attention which they will never
obtain. They are more likely to get kicks,
blows, and If necessary to quiet them, they
will be knocked 1nsensible by their father,
mother, or her paramour, as the case may be-
In one OF the rooms OF the flats the most
fendish crime ever perpetrated in this city
was committed. 1t was the murder of baby
by its parents, In the most revolving manner
possible. Oscar Willis, who has lately been
sent to the penitentiary by Detective Barnes
for highway robbery, and his alleged wife,
Rhoda Willis, became involved in a row,
during the course of which Oscar picked up
the child from the bed and threw it at his
wife. The child was rendered unconscious
by the blow. but not satisfied with her hus-
bands hellish deed Rhoda picked up the
child and threw it at him 1t missed the
mark, though, and instead of hurting Willis
the child's head struck the wall and fractured
the skull. 1t died instantly. Both Willis and
his wife were arrested, but two of the wit
nesses in the case perjursd themselves and
the prisoners were discharged by the coron-
er's jury.
After leaving the fats the reporter, gu ided
by Laurenson, passed back Of the houses to
the woodshed in the rear, here a sight
more disgusting than any previously wit
messed greets the eye.
Stretched out at full length on the ground
lie drunken men and women devoid of cloth
ing, who have come here to escape the heat of
their houses. Laurenson touched one of
them with his club. The man turns over and
Rrunts; then looking up he sees the blue coat
OF the policeman and look of hate creep
over his face and he Rrowls out in a whining
voice Il amt done nothin' Mr.. Laurenson. I"
The officer says "all right" and passes
slong.
OFFICER LAURENsoS's HARD FIGHT.
This look Of hate which every one in the
alley wears when q policeman puts in his ap-
pearance bodies no good, and some day, un-
less Congress gives the much-needed extra
policemen, some officer of the law will be
overcome and killed. Many and long are
these fights between a policeman and the
negroes when the former attempts an arrest
The most recent of these was about two weeks
ago, when Laurenson arrested q man and
was surrounded by a wild mob, who attempted
to take bis prisoner from him. Laurenson
was successful IN resisting them, and man
aged to get q message TO the station-houss.
The patrol wagon was at once dispatched o
his assistance When it arrived Laursnson
had his man down on the ground between his
legs, and with his revolver in one hand and
his club in the other, was holding the crowd
at bay.
During the fight Laurensons left thumb
was nearly bitten of his back and shoulders
we're terribly bruised, and his coat and hat
were torn into shreds. Sixteen of his assail-
ants were afterward located and arrested by
him.
The arrangement of the alley is peculiarly
adapted for thieves. there being several other
escapes besides the three main entrances al
ready mentioned. Boards have also been re-
moved from the fences OF the back yards OF
the houses to facilitate the criminals IN elud-
ing the police.
The entrances. blind doors and panels make
the alley regular mystic maze of which the
residents know every curve and corner.
Leaving the woodsheds the reporter and
Laurenson passed out OF the alley and as the
lights disappeared from view the sound OF
singing and shouting, which had ceased so
when the policeman appeared, were
once more resumed.