The evening times., 1896-10-31

There was a pathetic scene in the po-
lice court this forenoon when william
Croft, former steel worker OF Steelton,
Pa, was sentenced TO serve two months
in Jail, in default of $50 fine, for
violating the humane law in allowing his
blind boy, Willie, fifteen years Of age,
and his brother, Amos, two years younger,
to go about the streets and sing for
money.
nroIr was arrested by Humane Society
OFFICER Samuel Wilson, and appeared IN
the prisoners dock, while the blind boy
was led into court by his brother.
1t was in testimony that Willie, the
sightless lad, was taken about from place
to place by Amos. While Willie was sing
ing touching hymns and popular songs, his
brother passed the hat around and made a
collection.
When the boys Were taken into custody
yesterday afternoon in front OF the Loan
and Trust Company's building, Ninth and
+ streets, Willie had gone across the street
to get a quantity of small coins changed
into greenbacks.
SUNG ON THE STREETS.
Detective Rhodes testified that the boys
made a business OF street-singing. He
had seen them at this practice at the
Frederick Fair.
William Croft, the father. on the wit
ness stand, testified that he had been
worker in the steel mills at SteeltOn,
but there were many discharges of the
workmen lately, and he was one Of the
victims. At present he is y canyassrnan
and Ia abOrer with dog circus, which Is ex-
hibiting here.
lie uenIed sending the ysoUtto sing and
beg, but acknu wledged that he received the
money from them at night, someties as
much as S4 or S'5 as the result OF one days
work.
We have a good home In Pennsylv
said the father, land our cellar and out
houses are stored with apples, cabbages,
potatoes and turnips for the winter. We
Awe full and plenty too eat
You receive from these boys the money
they collect?" said Judge Miller.
Yes, sir; but make good use of 1t"
Yes. you send that unfortunate blind
boy and his brother out on the streets to
beg, while You wisely remain in the back
ground Tue charitable people Of Washing
ton don't know that your storehouscs are
filled with turnips, cabbage, potatoes and
apples They think these boys are destitute
and give them money through sympathy.
Should they see such a stalw art man as you
standing by receiving the collections they
would not be fooled any longer. 1t is a
shame"
The father ackno wledged that his sons
had sung AT the frederick fair and else where.
- lou cannot 90 Iildt sort OF JtllfE III tills
town,I am happy to say added the judge,
severely.
Croft said he would take the boys to their
home on Monday.
THE HUMANE LAW.
THE object of this humane law re-
Sumed his honor, lis 10 prevent children like
these from being brought up under the de-
moralizing influences OF the life of street
beggars. They have a good home You
acknowledge this. 1t is bad enough to have
really destitute and suffering little ones
go abroad and beg. You viii have TO pa
fine OF $50, as an incentive to take these
children to their homes and keep them there.
This penalty viii be repeated every time
they are caught begging"
Il have no money To pay the fine" said
the father. as he stepped bTck into the
prisoners pen.
The youngest boy, Amos, upon seeing
his parent about to be locked up, COM
Inenced CRYING piteouly, and, taking his
blind brother by the hand led him to the
Judge, where they made a touching and
fearful appeal for their papa's release.
Judge Miller in kindly tones told them
the life they Were leading would make
them va gabondS or worse, and said he was
compelled to fine their father in order TO
make him take them home and care for
them.
The boys We're led weeping from the
court and Croft was taken downstairs to
the cages.