The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-01-14
SHE APPLIED FOR AID
The Unusually Sad Case of Mrs.
Maggie Levitie.
POVERTY AND DESERTI0N
The County VIII Take Care of Her and
Her Child-The Case of Mrs Bridget
Magin Considered-OtherA APP
plications Are Made.

An unusually sad case of poverty. de-
sertion and want came to the notice of
the county auditor yesterday when
Mrs. Maggie Levitie applied to him for
aid. The woman was accompanied by
5-year-oid girl, and said that they
had nothing to eat and no place to
shelter them. To make her condition
worse she said she was about to become
a mother again. Her husband, who is
a grocery clerk, and who has been in
the employ of various firms in the city
for several years deserted her, al
though he is still in Butte. The wom-
an, however, said that he had been out
of employment for about five months.
Mrs. Levitie and her little girl man
aged to get along with the ala OF
friends. but lately her condition be-
came such that she could no longer
work: her friends could not afford to
support her; her rent became long past
due. and she was compelled to get out
of her rooms. Her last resort was an
appeal to the county and the overseer
of the poor, after hearing her story.
sent her and the child out TO the poor
house, where the woman Will have the
care and attention of Matron Melon
aid and the county physician.
The commissioners yesterday declared
that there were too many instances OF
men refusing to support their Families,
make an example of one of that class,
and with that determination they is
sued q warrant for the arrest of Jerry
Harrington and gave ii into the hands
of the sheriff to be served. Harrlng-
tons wife appeared before the board
the day previous, and told how she had
been compelled to support her big,
worthless husband. as We'll as herself
and seven children The commission
ers issued a subpoena for Harrington
to appear yesterday morning and show
cause why he does not support his
family. Harrington regarded the sub
poena with contempt and did not obey
it. Before adjourning last evening the
commissioners exercised their authority
and issued u warrant for Harringtons
arrest for contempt of the boards order
and he will go TO jail for II. Under the
law the commissioners not only have
the power to prosecute men for refus-
ing to support their families, but have
authority to punish for contempt. and
Harrington will be the first victim.
Another woman who applied for as
sistance yesterday was Bridget Magill,
whose troubles with her husband were
related in the Standard few days ago.
About q week ago she brought SUIT Ior
divorce, and in her complaint alleged
that her husband, William Magill, had
driven her and her three children from
home. and that he HAD beaten and
otherwise abused her. When she APP
piled for assistance yesterday she said
she had no fuel and nothing to eat i'll
the house for herself and children Mrs.
Magill had received some aid before,
but was not on the permanent pauper
list The auditor will investigate ner
case, and she will probably be given
aid
The number of applicants for assist
ance are increasing daily. young
man appeared before the board of
commissioners yesterday and asked
them for a job.
II never could get any work in
Butte" he said. THE first question a
man is asked anywhere is Where were
you born?
The man said if the commissioners
couldn't give him employment ne would
have to leave town, and as they had no
work to give out he will PROBABLY have
to move on.