The morning times., 1895-09-22


The charges of cruelty and ill treatment
eliminates of the 6 6erman orphanAsylum, al
lcgedtnstancesof which have beenpublished
i'll The Times W ill be thoroughly investigated
by the board of directors of that Institution
on Monday night next at a meeting TO be
held at the office of Mr. Simon Wolf, on F
street northw est.
An investigation into the charges viii
also be made by Col. John Tracy, super
intendent of charities, his work in that di-
rection having been commenced yester-
day Col Tracy would not say what he
had discovered, nor otherwise anticipate
his report, He made visit to the institu-
ton yesterday afternoon.
In view of the statements made about Mr.
Ermofd The Times desired TO obtain his side
of the case and for that purpose applica-
ton was made yesterday to President
Charles Graft, OF the board of directors.
Mr.. Graft said that he thought that too
much publicity had already been given to
the affair, and ne did not think that 1t
would be proper TO have Mr.. Ermold speak
prior to his examination by the board.
There would be no objection after the in
vestigation to have printed W hat defense he
would make.
ERMoLD'S ABSOLUTE DENIAL.
1t was learned, however that Mr. ETmold
had already appeared before President
Graft and another member of the board of
directors and he " as asked what he had to
say about the allegations. Mr.. Ermold is
reported as denying in toto any ill treatment
or crueity-to the children.
The particular case which had been
printed at the time Mr.. Ermold was heard
from, was. the joe Turner complaint from
his mother in Georgetown. Mr.. Ermold,
on the contrary, said that little Joe was
quite favorite at the institution and was
so with himself As with all the chil-
dren who misbehave at times the little
fellow was repruved once about six weeks
ago. Mr.. Ermuld admitted that he
touched him but very lightly with his
hand and in such way that he could not
possibly have been hurt Corporal pun
ishnienr is prohibited 10y the rules of the
institution. and Mt Ermold conte nds
that he has obeyed the rule.
1t was learned also that Mrs Turner
took further steps in having the case
Wilson, agent of the humane society. She
informed him that her boy had been
cruelty beaten at the asylum. She repre-
sented that the child had a number of
bruises upon his person. and the agent
directed her to bring the child to him that
he might see the bruises
Mrs. Turner again called on Sunday,
bringing the boy with her. The society
agent discovered two small bruises Just
above the hips. The boys mother, it is
understood, admitted that there were no
witnesses to. the alleged whipping, and
Mr.. Wilson told her he did not believe it
was a case that could be established in
court; that the bruises were such as could
have been made in play. The mother said,
however, that she Hslieved the child was
hurt internally, as it panied him to stoop
over. She was then directed to consult a
physician and acquaint-the agent with the
result of the examination, which she
promised to do.
1t is stated, that Mrs. Turner did not
afterwards see the agent; he therefore sup
posed the matter had been dropped and
paid it no further attention.
DIVISION OF SENTIMENT.
MI w lisOu WIS pt COufSt WHILE " tdhC
up the case, but owing to the foregoing
circumstances. 1t is claimed, there was
no official investigation made byshim.
There seems to be pronounced division
of sentiment over the affair. and this the
board of directors will probably have to
meet Monday evening.
Ex-Secretary Springsguth stated yestef-
day in The Times that there were other
cases in which the alleg ationsof cruelty could
be sustained. Among these he mentioned
Mrs. Ida Gatewood, who complained Of i'll
treatment of her children. Mrs. Gatew ood
lived at 342 Pennsylvania avenue until
lately, but has moved and it W as not known
where she had gone" Mr. springsguth also
mentioned DR.. Kraft, who was once presi
dent of the institution. DR.. Kraft is now
In New York. but Mr. Springsguth said yes
terday that in all probability he would re
turn here before the investig alton was over.
He cited also, the case of Mrs. Kraemer, but
that lady is now in New York and also
her son. tho is stated to have been i'll treated
at the asylum. ..,.1 ,-,..5.
Young Perry Hoffman. however, wasI
In the Ho ia M tho ..sv, .,.<