The pioneer press. (Miller, Hand County, S.D.) 1893-190?, 1898-01-13

Sioux Falls. S. D.. Special, Jan. G.-Stu.
dents OF anthropology from a number or
scientific institutions OF the country are
interesting themselves In the case OF TWO
children recently admitted TO the chii-
dren's home In this city Last August
the home authorities were called upon 10
interfere in behalf OF these children, VINO
I'D to that time had been confined since
their birth in a small room, with no as
ISOLATION but their mother and who' al
though the elder child is eight years old'
had never worn any clothes. FROM the
day OF their birth they had beeh WIN
out clothing OF any kind. The limits or
the room prevented them from getting
any exercise and up 10 the present time
they have not learned TO talk. They are
unmoved by pain or emotion. ana in ac-
ton and habits resemble an oyster more
than they do human beings.
Prof. Mason. OF the Smithsonian insti-
tuition. and Prof. Giddings, OF Columbia
college have become interested in the
accounts given of these children, and Will
soon make personal investigation into
their cases. 1t is believed that their pres
ent condition may be attributed to lack
of association and education, and If this
theory proves correct they VIII nave TO
be treated as new born babes. 1t is
question for scientists TO answer, and calls
up the query. Ito what extent is asso-
citation and education responsible for the
DEVELOPMENT Of the human heing?'
II NAV be hard TO believe that the chill
dren of native Pennsylvanians could be
reduced TO such condition or uncon-
sclousness. Emotion, JOY, sorrow ana
pain are unknown to them. They cannot
walk. the nearest approach TO mouon
being an effort TO raise and lower their
feet. without being able 10 make any adj
vancement The simple habits Of child
hood are unknown to them. and yet they
are not feeble minded. superintendent
Sherrard declares that no feeble-minded
institution in the country can produce an
object so inert and so dormant as these
children. yet they have bright, pleasant
faces always serious. and never changed
by even the slightest facial expression.
They will remain in one position for
hours without movement and when
asleep they are as white as marble sta
tues. Ii is thought that they never re-
ceived a moments care from their
mother who has kept herself locked up
with them for years during which time
she is supposed never to have spoken 10
them or lavished the least affection upon
them. When discovered II was necessary
for the authorities to break down the
door to gain an entrance TO the room,
where they found the mother and three
children entirely destitute of clothing,
living in squalor and seclusion, with only
bundle of rags in a corner Of the room
which was used for bed. Even with the
excitement attendant on this incident not
the least sign of understanding was APP
parent to any of them. Since then the
neighbors have driven the mother out OH
tho streets occasionally for exercise. and
this has aroused some of her dormant
energy. and she is now beginning TO in
quire concerning her children. One of
the children. a boy four years Old has
been given home by family who are
interested in watching the development
OF the mind and physical energy that Is
expected TO come 10 the child with as
ISOLATION and education. The father IS a
laborer who seems 10 have taken these
things as a matter OF course. The chill
dren remaining in the home viii be taken
TO a medical institute. where their devel-
opment can be- watched by scientists.