Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-04-02
CHARGED WITH CRUELTY.


Policeman Samuel Wilson, who is the Off
Ger of the Humane Society in charge of
the branch of the work intended to pro-
tect children from inhuman parents and
others. complained in the Police Court to-
day that john Robinson, colored laborer.
was responsible for the alleged sufferings
of his daughter, Emma Robinson, who is
six years old. The Robinsons live on Ridge
street, and the husband is employed on
sewer work, while the wife is out in serv
ice. Emma is their only child. and instead
of sending her to school, she was left at
home alone during the day, and neighbors
charged that she had been left there day
after day without food or fire. Sometimes
she had bread, but no water, SO it was
shown by witnesses, and the child's appeal
from her prison was what attracted their
attention to the sad case. Robinson works
eight hours day. and all this time and
little more, the child has been left alone
In the room. Usually the doors were lock-
ed and the keys either taken away or left
outside. where Emma could not get them.
Her father was in the dock this morning
and two of his neghbors. Mrs. Lizzie
Grayson and Ella LomaX, appeared wit
nesses in the case. in the interest of the
child. Officer Wilson and Policeman Evans
were also witnesses in the case.
Mrs. LLmax. give me a drink of water"
called he child to this witness, one cold
lay.
Mrs. Lomax told the court that she re-
sponded 10 the girls appeal. On this oc-
casion she found piece Of bread in the
room.
Mrs. Grayson gave corroborative proof
and said that on one occasion Mrs. Robin
son whipped the child one morning because
the latter cried when she went out of the
house.
THE window sash was left out on one
occasion, said witness. Il bad heard him
threaten to kill her, and I supposed he in
tended to do so by freezing her.
Why aid you threaten to kill your
child?''
Il only did it to scare her and make her
behave herself" he answered lone time
she went in this lady's room and ate a
dozen eggs. That's more than l could eat
myself"
Wasn't that because you had failed to
feed herr
mo. sir: 1 always feed her. When
went out in the morning left bread, but
ter aud meat fer her 20 eat
w haf In the world are you thinking of
Dy leaving this child in the room alone?"
Judge Miller asked him.
II couldn't 10 anything else with her.
Yes, you could" the judge told him.
With you and your wife working you
sho,lld have boarded the child"
But haven't had work all the winter"
woman In the house Offered to care
fer the child if the parents would furnish
the fuel" said the policeman.
Robinson.
Where is the child?" the court wanted
to know.
Sne has been spirited away" answered
the officer. She was AT the house Sunday
put was taken away Monday morning about
) o'clock"
Il sent the child to her grandmother near
broad Run. Va" said the defendant.
Judge Miller wanted to know some thing
OF the appearance of the child, ami the
policeman said she is fat and healthy look
ing.
In disposing Of The case the fudge sal,
mat the object to be accomplished is the
proper protection Of the child This seems
to have been accomplished, for the grand
m I3,I evidently has some feeling for the
child. and will take good care of her.
Robinson was fined $40 or thirty DAYS.