Evening star., 1896-09-19
o N & 40 E5;ssS TIE P
O al
Florence Jordan Reaches t@ Police Court
Dock. 81 =
'-|-F7 z19t :
Lectured by Judge kimGa1l and Re-
leased on Her PFofhdse to
10 It.
Reform. ,on

Of stealing q bicycle, was arrested last
evening by Policeman Fathers near 18th
and e streets and locked upt on a charge
Of vagrancy.
Florence Is the young girl who, although
but nineteen years Of age, and Of a most
respectable family, has already gained an
experience lii shame and vice which is
gradually but surely effacing the beauty
and gentleness which youth and motherly
care have given her. While she was
locked up on the charge of theft many
persons interested themselves in her, and
Upon that charge being withdrawn and the
girls sanity being sustained. 1t was hoped
and believed that she had been taught
lesson which would not only be remem-
bered. but would also lead her to pursue a
different course Of life. Under the per-
suasion and entreatie7 of those who had
interested themselves in the unfortunate
girl her defiant Indifference gave way, and,
in tears. she acknowledged her shame and
promised to reform and forsake her old
life. But today, when arraigned In court,
her manner was not that OF even q woman
desiring to reform.
For Instead Of moistened downcast eyes,
Instead Of burning bushes, laughter and
Indifference marked her appearance. In
deed. so bold and shamefully defiant was
her manner that Judge Kinball, when a
continuance of the case for few minutes
was asked. directed that she be removed
from the crowded and expectant court
room. When the case was finally called.
the girl smilingly walked to seat beside
her counsel. gaily winking to several
friends in the room.
The Arrest,
Policeman Flathers, who arrested her,
stated that about Z o'clock last evening he
saw the girl with several men in a dining
room on Z street near 18th. He called her
out, and told her that she must keep off
the streets. Thereupon, said the officer the
girl cursed him in the most profane and in
decent language, declaring that he could
not arrest her. She refused to walk to the
statlon, and was carried there In the pa
tro, wagon, being also very profane there
Mr. Jonn ONef1. who appeared for the
girl, inquired, when the policeman said her
reputation Is that of common street
Walker, who gave her that reputation
why. several men," replied the officer.
Name them." directed the attorney.
don't care to. for the men don't wish
to be known in the matter"
III you wish to know their Names" re-
marked Judge Kimball, Il will compel the
officer to name them.
No: won't press the matter" said the
attorney.
Lieutenant Amiss of the first precinct
| stated that the girl had condemned herself
In conversations he had with her as being a
girl of evil life and told of her past life
| explaining that she had only been arrested
| to keep her off the streets. nj
Prosecuting Attorney Richardson ac-
knoWledged that he was at q. boss to know
just what to do in the case 1t seemed to
him that the unfortunate liri is upon the
threshold of a downward career.
We'll, 1t seems to me-" said Judge Kim
| ball. that she has stepped across the
threshold, and Is already iR.the house."
That may be true" said Mr.. Richardson
| but 1t seems that the police have for some
reason or other failed to bring into court
| those people who are best informed in the
| matter of her life. l hardly care to ask
| therefore, for conviction. and yet do no
| like to discuss the case" u
Judge kimbnIrs Remarks. Ell"
| The only witness called on behalf of the
| girl was Bailif Hooe OF the Police, Court
| who stated that he j as kHgwn her from
| baby hood, and explained that until q veal
| ago there was no better girl living. Mr.
| O'NeiI did not put the girl CD the, Stand
although the judge intimated that he woult
| like to hear what she had to say. Il never
| act as {. reformer." explained Mr.. O'Netl
| rot caring to advise any one as to the life
| to De led"
| Judge Kimball remarked that he was sor.
ry to hear counsel say that, for he haC
hoped the girl would promise to lead a diff.
| ferent life. 1.-The GIRL the Judge said
| does not appreciate her position. for sh'
came into court smiling and laughing, anG
| seemed so careless and Indifferent that
had her removed from the court room.
| I'VE have many sad cases in this court,
| the judge continued, but think this Is the
| saddest I have ever seen. l would be glaC
| to help her in any way / could, and can
not understand the position of her counse
in the case"
The Case Dismisscd.
Her counsel" explained Mr.. ONeil
will do all he can to help her." and ther
Mr.. ONeil directed the girl to stand u1
and tell the judge what she intended
doing.
Il irtend," said Florence, cencealing wit.
some effort desire to laugh, Ito turn ovel
a new leaf and be a good girl hereafter"
Il am very glad to hear you say that,
remarked the judge, "for my only desir,
in this case is to help you. and in Saying
that speak not SO much as judge as dt
as your friend. You are not without othe
good friends, who will flock to your as
sistance If you really try to do better
You are breaking your mothers heart ant
that Of your sister, and unless you reform
destruction and that alone awaits you
Now, am going to dismiss the case in tn,
hope that you will keep your promise t,
lead a different and better life. But, re
me ember, that II you are brought her
| again similar promise will not save you
Now, go and be good girl, Florence" ant
the judges eyes were moist as he spoke
But laughing and dry were those of tn
girl as she Haunted out Of the court room
and the general remark was that soon sh
will be back again.