The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1896-12-03
JOHNNY INTERVIEWED
Says He and Theresa Were
Both Licked Last Night
By Miss Grant.

When a reporter of "The News" called
at No. 80 Ocean avenue to see John Cliff
ford, woman 40 years old came to the
door. She wore a white apron, black
skirt, black cape and white cap.
Does John Clifford stop in this homer"
she was asked.
Yes, he is upstairs What do you
want to see him about?"
II would like TO see him in regard to
the story published in .aThe News
'sWill you come in and sit DOWN." she
asked, and she ushered a reporter into
small room on the side of the hail. Its
floor was bare. there were a number of
holy pictures hanging on the walls and
four chairs ornamented the corners.
If you sit down a moment, win go
upstairs for him.
The reporter sat down on one of the
chairs, buttoned his coat, and turned Up
mis- collar. for the room was very cold.
About five minutes later she returned
without the boy.
He will be down in five minutes she
said. John is a very bad boy. I sup
pose you have read the lies he told in
the police station?'
Eyes, / have read the statement he
made" was the reply
Not one word of it is true John is al
ways telling lies and will never stop.,
Do you take any means of stopping
him?' she was asked.
Yes, l often scold John about telling
lies, but that seems to do no good.
wonder what IS keeping him; he said he
wouldn't come down to see anybody"
AT this moment Johns footsteps were
heard on the stairs
Here he comes now" she said. and
walked out to meet him, shutting the door
after her- The reporter heard her tell him
something, but could not hear her words.
Tne door opened again and in walked
John with his head down, followed by the
woman, who proved to be Miss Grant.
John looked as though he had not a
friend in the world. He wore shirt
about two sizes too large fer him and a
pair of pants that only reached the tops
of a pair Of shoes three sizes too long and
two sizes too wide.
What kept you so long?" the reporter
asked him.
Il had to dress myself in the clothes of
the man that sleeps in the same room
with me, and who slaps me in the face at
night when make noise in nv sleep.
He said this and then began to cry.
Don't cry, dear" said Miss Grant. and
John looked up with surprised air at be-
ing addressed SO kindly
Have you been punished since you es-
caped?" asked the reporter
'Yes. Theresa Campoell and 1 were
punished last night he replied.
What were you punished for?"
Because Sister Rose said Theresa and
were always causing trouble, and every
time we cried she would hit us more" he
said, weeping.
What did Miss Grant use to whip you
with?"
II punish him with a very small stick"
interjected Miss Grant.
''Will you kindly Show me the stick ~
requested the reporter.
YES" she replied, and went out of the
room. "She will return without ii and
say she lost it." put in young Clifford. A
second after and Miss Grant returned
without the stick.
THE young pauper must have put it
away, for it is not where ] keep it, she
said
Il know where it is,'' said John.
IT is bad manners to leave the room
without consent she snapped.
Il will excuse him, 2 said the re-
porter.
Then go and get it," she said to
Johnny.
John went out and brought in stick
one inch thick and about nine inches
| long.
This is it, said John. ''and it cut
Theresa last night over the back
May John take off his jacket SO that 1
can see whether he has any marks on
his back or not?" requested the re-
porter.
No" quickly answered Miss Grant
May see Theresa Campbell?Y
What do you want to see her about?"
Il wish to find out whether she will
corroborate Johns statement or not
said the reporter
No; cannot allow you TO see her,