The evening times., 1896-07-30

destitute widow named Freeman, with
five children to support, residing for the
present in a single basement room, midst
unwhoiesome surroundings, at No. 424
Fifth street northwest, tells story OF a
rruitless struggle against misfortune that
should appeal ut once to the bene violence
OF the Washington public.
Since the family moved into their pres
ent quarters, a week ago. they have been
without means, have often been without
a morsei OF food, and this morning break
tasted on dry bread alone. Mrs. Free
man was In good circumstances prior to
the death OF her husband, little over
u year ago.
Her manners are lady-like. and she told
OF her trials In modest manner. The chill
dren also give every evidence OF careful
training. She Is anxious to obtain en-
pioyment for herself and eldest laughter,
aged fifteen years, and assures callers OF her
ability to maintain her family Ii she can
be afforded the opportunity. ,1 -rf5
HOUsEHOLDFURNITU SOLD.
Her youngest child, bright little boy,
one year old. has been Ill., Though some
what better now. the child needs attention
which the brave mothers lack OF means
forbids
The family necessities for more than a
mouth have been met by sales ofthc house,
hold furniture. The last article disposed
OF was a gasoline stove, and UPON the pro-
ceeds, with occasional contributions, Mrs.
Freeman and her little ones have subsist-
ed for a week,
credit, and when she is without money
she Is without food. 1t Is a fact beyond
dispute that the children have not had a
square meal for days
The children sleep on the floor. The
cramped apartment affords no room for
beds. 1t is so small, indeed, that a part of
the meager supply of household goods are
stored in the hallway.
Mrs. Freeman is not an applicant for
charity. She wants employment Her
idea is 10 get her daughter into service
and to obtain for herself the care Of some
office building. which she could easily
attend to and still leave time to IocS
after her ailiDg babe.
ANXIOUS TO SECURE WORK.
1t is bright, interesting little family
she has about her, and her sorrow over
the sad circumstances that now surround
her and her children, contrusted with what
they were formerly accustomed to, lacks
nothing OF sincerity from enforced suppress
siou.
The Times brings this case 10 the atten-
ton Of the public with the assurance from
Mrs. Freeman that she can furnish the hest
of references. Its publicity is regretted by
her, for her ohi!dren's sake. 1t should lie
stated that her daughter is evidently CON-
petent to render efficient help in a small
family or in a store where the aid OF girls
is required.
FAMILY Is DESTITUTE.
W. o. Gladman came into The Times
office this morning and told a pitiful tale
of destitutioh; how he, his wife and three
small children had been living for the past
week on dollar, which was given a:m by
a charitable friend. and now. to Complete
his misery, notice had been served ON him
That IL 81, his months rent. is not paid by
Saturday, hts family will be turned out in
tue street by an obdurate landlord
A reporter was detailed to accompany
him to bis home, and found his story
true In every particular. The family is
street northeast. Everything about the
house, although wearing an appearance
OF poverty, was scrupulously clean, show
Ing througbeut the attention of a care
ful housewife. The clothes of the chill
dren, though patched, were neat aud
clean. and the children themselves were
much more presentable than most OF their
playmates.
BOTH WILLING TO WORK.
Mr. Giauman mas been working until four
weeks ago as Q laborer under Mr.. Saxton,
the contractor. But work fell away, and
Tor the rast month he could not get an op
portunity to earn penny. He has been
in the regular army. and was discharged
after three years for disability. He has
lDDlied for a pep SION but III has MT boa,,