New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-09
VTNKING AT TR1NSGRESSION.
CASE IN WHICH THE LETTER OF THE LAW WAS
NOT OBSERVED.


NOT OBSERVED.
II was rnonotonous for young limbs sitting all day
on the low stool but the work was easy enough
Just Strengthening the big sheets Of cardboard as
they came from the press and seeing that they fell
square and into the deep box. When she got
tired OF one position she could move her little stool
around TO the other side. and lean over the 9th =
way. The hand was pleased with her occupa-
ton and the 50 50 a week that she carried home was
q boon to the family.
She had been at her task about six weeks, and
had become used to guiding the orange-coiorel
knavos and erminc-robod kings and queens into
their broad receptacle. when one day tail and
stately lady made her appearance, a visitor TO the
factory where visitors were infrequent The lady
looked the unceasing outpour Of printed card
board and at the active little hands that manipu-
lated It. She had stood and watched the other girls
at their various machines and she had such a
prepOssessing countenance that when she said, How
old are you, my dcar?' in a tone Of kind Interest.
Tina answered promptly and courteously, somewhat
pleased at the notice she excited.
In little while there was a storm about her
ears; she summoned to the foremans desk.
Here is the money due you" she was informed.
"and you need not any more You are under
are. We did not know It,
Poor little blonde-head, In a tunut Of feeling she
buttoned herself into her shabby Jacket and pre-
pared depart feeling that undcserved calamity
had overtaken her.
On her way out she encountered the bright faced
visitor and the of the factory. Something in
her appearance as she stood aside let them pass.
attracted the visitors attention.
you are going homer" she asked.
YES maam," in a voice almost naudible from
emotion.
"Dld you know you were under age?"
An undecided motion OF the head and the face
went down the arms, as II her grief was almost
more than she could bear. The lady looked per-
was no indccision in the this time. and
ther inquiry brought out the affirmation that she
not work.
Five
"2is yos or y3un 4ssr. .nAa 5 yS%?
as your father lving?"
"On Blackwelrs Island. His head IL bad Mother
The inspector hesitated no longer. She recoleced
a tine-worn adage, "Circumstences alter cases"
SLAMS she Haunted the sentiment.
Wait a minute she said to the child. laying a
% the Factory or you KEEP her the to se
is overlooked? IT Is ony matter Of six months;
known would not have asked her age. am really
I'VE viii pay no fine. madam" said the owner
eve did not know the girl was under age. Her
mother asked US to take her. and must have given a
time You see the work she IS doing; it Is monot-
orous but not hard, and not unhealthy. am told
that often on cold days there is no fire in her
mothers home. Here she il warm and comfortable.
|
goes or stays matters little to the factory For her
personally should say II best for her stay
"Oh do keep her" urged the Inspector land |
will go and her family and what can be
done II IL hard for delicate woman 10 take care
of FIVE children in New-York. | will consider II a
personal favor II you will keep her Exceptions
must be made"
"Go back TO your work." said the owner smiling
at the perturbed little face, and In moment the
Jacket was OF and Tina was back at her post guild
tablets as they poured out from the machine. Her
eyes were red. and she was thoughtful the rest OF
tho afternoon