Evening star., 1898-12-08
SUSPICION OF FOUL PLAY
Mysterious Absence Brom Home of Miss
Mary Baker.
Young Woman WeIR known in Wash
fngtOn-HeBs Mother Believes
She was Murdered.

Information has reached this city that
MISS Mary AlliniasBaker, who was former
~ employed in large business establish
meht mere, disappeared from her mother s
nome IN Baltimore about ten days ago, and
ieafs are expressed that she has been
Ioully uealt with. Some of those WHO were
acquainted with Miss Baker say she is
ABOUT eighteen years of age, quite good
looking, with large, expressive brown eyes
ana nSht brown hair, and that she possess
gu d. most exemplary character being q
member OF a Methodist Episoc pal church
ana actlVe worker in the Sunday school
and Epworth League
Inc story as related to a Star reporter
Is that Sunday last one week ago Miss
BAKER left the home of her widowed mother
IN the eastern part of Baltimore for the
purpose, she said of visiting a girl friend
who lived a few blocks away. Since that
ume she has not been seen by any of her
1rlendS, although every effort has been
mace by them to discover her whereabouts.
A day or two ago some human hair and
ploou were discovered in the yard of
mouse several blocks away from Mrs Ba-
her nome, and this has so wrought upon
the iatter's feelings that she insists her
aaushier mas been murdered, and it is
reason OF the terrible calamity which has
befalen her.
Victim of Persecution.
The news of the young woman's disap-
pearance has resulted in the discovery that
she is the victim of a strange persecution.
1t is stated that since Mrs Baker became a
widow 1t has been necessary for both
mother and daughter to work for their
livelihood. Miss Baker learned the trade
of dressmaker and came to Washington
She, however, decided to return to Balti-
more Few weeks ago, and little later
she met a man who persisted in forcing
his attentions upon her He haunted the
neighborhood of her home, followed her
about the streets and annoyed her in every
way.
On several occasions while in the COM
pany of friends, it is said, the man ac-
costed Miss Baker, and despite her efforts
to the contrary walked away with her,
holding her arm. Miss Bakers appeals to
her friends to remain with her failed to
overcome their fears at the boldness OF
her tormentor This incident and others OF
a similar character were reported TO Mrs.
Baker after her daughters disappearance,
with the explanation that she Miss Baker,
had said she was afraid to openly insult the
man for fear of losing her employment.
Result of Advertising.
One day this week Mrs. Baker inserted an
advertisement in g. Baltimore paper, which
was in substance a request to her daughter
to return home, and assuring her that the
law would protect her To this letter was
almost Immediately received by Mrs. Ba-
ker, which she cannot. she says, believe
her daughter wrote, in which Mrs. Baker
was told mot to worry" that she was
having a good time" and would not he
back for a long time
Mrs. Baker then reported the matter 20
the Baltimore police authorities, and in
formed them that she believed the letter
received by her and alleged to have Eeen
signed by her daughters name was Il piind
to prevent speedy investigation.