The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1899-07-18

An offense of alleged revolving ma
ture was partly expiated Friday after
noon in this city, when a horsewhip in
the hands OF an irate mother was vio-
lently exercised upon the person OF a
well-known and heretofore respected
citizen. The inculpation Of the citizen
was brought about through the modest
confession OF a sweet little, nine years
old, curly haired child.
The principals in the case to be men,
toned are we'll known people in the
east end OF the city, and it will be with
expressions OF sorrow and surprise
that their respective friends will read
the details. The man who received
the severe lashes OF the horsewhip was
L. Richard Karrick, OF 14l9 East
Fourth street, telegraph operator in
the employ of the Pennsylvania railway
company at Stark siding. The angry
mother is Mrs. George Geltz, of 1907
East Second street.
One warm, sunny afternoon, on a
pleasant day during month now past,
little Hazel Geltz came running into
the room where her mother sat doing
some light needlework.
"Oh, mama, may / please gather
some wild flowers in the fields, Clara
Hodapp will go with me?" she plead
ingly begged of her mother.
The mother mildly protested that
her little girl should not leave home
for any distance, but it was with a hap
by kiss of consent that she allowed her
to accompany neighboring child in
quest of the beautiful wild flowers. The
youthful companions had learned Of
other children who sought flowers in
fields some distance away from their
homes, and as they trudged along
the dusty roadway, prattling in
childish glee in anticipation
OF the immense boquets they would
bring along on their return home, they
did not mind the distance they were
travelling and they soon found them
selves considerable ways from home.
But broad fields of wild daisies and vlo-
lets aud other wild flowers stretched
before them, and they cared little for
the long walk home. Their innocent
minds rested on the lovely scene before
them, and they walked and gathered
flowers till their tender feet grew tired
and they sought place of rest. They
were in the vicinity of Stark siding, on
the line of the Ft. Wayne railway,
where lie outstretched fields and
innumerable shady groves. The
little girls espied the situation
of the railway track, the pump
ing station and high watch and tele.
graph tower. Their curiosity was ex-
cited and they walked about the place
examining every nook. The high
tower standing away up in the air, to
their childish eyes, seemed something
wonderful.
L. Richard Karrick has been in the
pany for long time. With his wife
and one child their family life has al
ways been a pleasant one. Whatever
possessed This man to ruin the happy
prospects of his family life
and bring upon himself the de-
moralizing shame which he incurred
cannot consistently be understood by
his friends or by the community in gen
eral. II was Karrick who occupied
that tower on the day when the little
girls first conceived of its marvellous
proportions, and it was he who first
called to them to come to MIN, and II
was Karrick who Is alleged
to have sacrificed his manlines!
in taking improper liberties with these
little girls, or one OF them. To the lit
tie girls it was not such an act as would
effect their tender minds, and wher
they departed again for their homes
they were promised, IL they called
again, some small sums Of money and ;
bit of candy. Such promise was al
the urging necessary and as the girl
left the place they promised to return
again, which they did.
The girls, when they arrived at thei
respective homes, did notinform thei
mothers of the happening OF the after
noon. They had no knowlege OF wroni
doing. On various occasions they agail
visited the fields apparently in searcl
of flowers but incidentally visited tn
watch tower, where it Is claimed tn
offense was SUCCESSFULLY repeated. Tn
parents we're ignorant OF the doings @
their children, or else a terribl
awakening would have occurred TO
Karrick long ago.
On last Tuesday night little Haze
secured the consent OF her mama to aC
company the Hodapp girl on walk
Karrick met the girls and took them +
the merry-go-round, on North Cleve
land avenue. AS it was grow
ing late little Hazel suggested tina
they go home. 1t was dar
and she desired company t
her home. The town clock ha
struck nine, and II was rather late fo
her to be out, so she requested Kal
rick to accompany her.
''No, don't want your mama to sc
me-" replied Karrick.