The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1898-08-24

The hearing in the matter of the ap-
plica,ton of Mrs. Nettie B. Warner for
the release of her sister Cora NJ. Errick-
son, from the custody of the Board of
Children's Guardians and for appoint
ment OF a guardian for her, came up yes
terday before Justice Bradley, sitting in
Equity Court No. l.
After hearing argument in the matter,
Just &c Bradley granted the petition, and
al the request of Miss Erickson appoint
ed r. p A.stead her guardian.
In passing on the case the court stated
that il was not the intention to criticise
in any way the acts of the Board of Chill
dren's Guardians, the members OF which,
together with its agents. he believed TO
be competent and intelligent workers in
the interests of those who were placed
under their care. He thought, however,
that the act of Congress creating the
board and also the commitment by which
the person in question was turned over TO
the board were defective
The act, he said, fixes no limit to the
time of guardianship, while it is gener-
ally believed that il expires at the age
Ol iHEulA-Ole years.
The commitment of the Police Court,
he said, was also defective, inasmuch as
it does not specify any stated length of
time for which the person is TO remain in
the custody Of the board.
The circumstances connected with the
case have already been published in de-
tail and in brief are: About three years
ago Cora NJ. Erickson was, upon the
order Of one Of the judges of the Police
Court, placed in Ghe custody OF the
Board Of Children's Guardians She was
sent by the agent of the board 10 Vir-
gina and placed in charge of Mrs James
S. Carter. where she remained until Sep
tember. 1897. when she was brought back
and sent 10 the George Maulsby Home,
known IS the '.News5oys' Home"
While at both these places Cora Errick-
son alleges she was treated badly and
not allowed the privileges TO which the
inmates are entitled She also states that
she earned $50 in Virginia and 50 at the
Newsboys' Home, which is still held from
her. Some time ago Cora ran away from
the home and sought refuge with her sis
ter. Mrs. Warner.
The Board of Children's Guardians was
represented before Justice Bradley by
Mr.. ]. z. Miller, a member of the board.
Mr.. Miller denied the power of the court
10 take cognizance of the matter and ap-
point g guardian for the petitioner The
board claims legal guardianship over the
girl by authority of the commitment of
the Police Court. So far as the money.
aggregating $50 the board acknowledges
having possession of it and states it is
on deposit in the Washington Loan and
Trust Company.
The board denies emphaticalIy that the
girl was ever overworked, either in Vir-
ginia, at Carriers, or at the Newsboys'
Home. Nor would the board, its agent
stated, resist the surrender of guardian
ship over Cora Erickson, TO competent
person, provided it would not be claimed
or done on the ground that the Board of
Guardians had failed 10 fulfill its duty
TO the petitioner.
In support Of the position Mr.. Miller
took, in reference TO the treatment of
Cora, while at the Newsboys' Home. he
read affidayits from the superintendent,
Miss Wilson, and letters from the girl
herself 10 Miss Wilson, speaking of her
Kindness especially, referring 10 her taxi
ing the inmates of the home 10 witness
names of baseball.
When this statement was made Justice
Bradley asked if ladies, too, were fond of
the game of baseball.
MI ]. ]. Weed, who appeared in behalf
of Cora Erickson, commented at length
on the treatment she has received at the
hands of the Board of Children's Guar
dams, which he termed ''nondescript'
board. and also TO the work she was
compelled TO do while al the Maulsby
Home, which work, he said, properly be-
longed to the duties of black nanny
Mr.. Weed also read the affidavit of
Mrs Vorina Morgan, formerly Vorina
Bruner, who was an inmate of the News
boys Home with Cora Erickson. She
stated that when Cora first went there
she was confined for two days and then
set TO scrubbing the floors. while some
Cne watched her TO see that she did not
speak TO anyone