The record-union., 1895-02-08
RESCUED FROM A LIFE OF SHAME.
The Salvation Army Sends Girl to
Its Home.
Myrtle Reese's Sad Recital-Left an
Orphan, She Falls Into the
Maelstrom of Sin.

One of the saddest of the many leaves
from life's history that are daily read in
the Police Court was that which told the
story yesterday OF Myrtle Reese, young
girl accused of vagrancy.
The girl who is some II years of age,
was early deprived of the restraining in
fiuences of parental authority by the
death of her father and mother. She was
adopted by worthy couple who resided
in Portland, Or, and from earliest in
fancy had her every possible wish graft
fed, for the reason that she was 6. mother
less child.
When she reached the age of 16 years
her adopted parents also went over to the
great majority, and Myrtle was received
into the home of an aunt, who resided in
the city Of Oakland. Here the same
mistaken kindness was accorded her.
steps easily strayed from the path
of virtue. The downward path was
rapidly travelled, and within one short
year she tasted the bitter dregs of lies
cup by being taken before the Police
Court charged with being the consort of
creatures Of the lowest grade of hu
manltv.
There was such an absolutely forsakeD,
appealing expression in her pretty brown
eyes, as she stood up in court TO answer
the charge of being vagrant, and such a
total lack of that braZen demeanor that
80 characterizes the more hardened Of
fallen women, that the sympathies Of
Justice Davis and City Attorney Brown
were enlisted i'll her behalf, and after
learning the history of her life they con-
cluded that she had been more sinnned
against than SHINING.
Then the question arose as to what dis
posal could be made of the girl that
would afford her a chance to regain hex
position in the world, which she SO ear
nestly professed to be her desire.
Eastern cities have their refugees, Mag
dalen Asylums and homes for fallen
women, but, unfortunately, our city,
with all its benevolent institutions, has
no place where poor girl can be abso-
Iutely excluded from the emptations of
everyday life and the evil designs of the
unprincipled scoundrels who prey upon
and derive their means of existence from
unfortunate women.
The matter was brought to the notice of
a RECORD UNION reporter, who immedi-
ately suggested that the facts in the case
be laid before the officers of the Salvation
Army. This was agreed upon, and he
obtained an Interview with Mrs. Captain
Taylor and related the girls sad history.
MIS-. lay lOE Salu. L JDank YOU heart
lily for bringing me information of this
case. We are constantly in search of op-
portunities to alleviate the sut1erings of
mankind, and lend hand to the fallen.
We will gladly assume the care OF the
girl and remove her to our Rescue Home,
situated at Bulia Station, near Oakland.
where she will be carefully cared for.
'Of course, you understand our funds
for travelling expenses are limited, and
we must depend upon those Interested in
this matter for assistance"
The girl was informed of what had been
done and was seemingly delighted to en-
ter the home. The matter was then
brought to the attention of Mayor
Steinman, who kindly provided trans.
portation for Captain Taylor and her
charge to Oakland. all other expenses be-
ing provided for by the parties who had
become interesteC in her case.
SHE MAY NOT GO.
At late hour last night it was said that
the girl was showing signs of weakening.
and it was feared she would to-day refuse
to go to the Rescue Home. 1t seems the
debased creature with whom she had
been living had in some way brought
evil influences to bear on her again, and
it is feared she Will reconsider her good