Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-18
FILTH AND SICKNESS
An Insane Woman in a Room for
Eight Years.
TERRIBLE SURROUNDING CONDITIONS
Discovery Made by a Health Office
Inspector Today.
ORDER BY THE OFFICIAL

On the top floor of three-story brick
dwelling at No. 1127 4th street northwest
woman named Mary B. Renner, who Is now
forty-two years old, has been confined by
illness for a number Of years That she Is
Of unsound mind has been attested by rep
utable physicians, and now, after many
long years in wretched surroundings, the
woman may be sent to St. Elizabeth's Asy-
lum for treatment. A medical sanitary off,
Ger Of the District health department went
to the house about noon today and made
an inspection. He was accompanied by
Star reporter, and although the former had
made many similar inspections before, he
said. the scene presented today was the
most horrible one he had ever witnessed.
Notices were served on the occupants Of
the house to abate the nuisance within
twenty-four hours. Mrs. Cornelia Austin.
mother of the insane woman, was given
the notice, as she Is virtually the owner OF
the property, her son, William B. Renner,
the former owner. having died In February
of last year.
Lally Renner and Mamie Renner, maiden
sisters Of the deceased, and Theophilus F.
Mills, sculptor, are also occupants Of
the house. The latter is q son Of the late
Clark Mills. and many pieces Of his work
are to be seen about the house.
Neighbors Of the mysterious occupants
OIL the tnTee-StOry mouse knew something
in the nature of official action was being
taken today when they saw the health
office representative call at the house
They were greatly astonfshed at his being
admitted to the house, for it is seldom, the
neighbors say. that the front door is opened
when any one calls. Those who gathered
in front of their homes or looked through
the blinds to see what was going on were
anxious that the insane woman should be
removed. but the inspector said he knew
of no law that would warrant his taking
such an action.
He simply served the notices and then re-
turned to the Office to notify Health Officer
Woodward Of his discoveries.
The Entrance.
AS soon as the door was opened in re-
Spouse to the ringing Of the bell the med
ical inspector knew from the odor in the
house that there was some reason for the
complaint having been made. Mrs. Austin,
with stopped shoulders and scarcely cloth
ing enough to cover her thin form, man.
aged to move through the hall to inquire
what was wanted. Then she dragged her
self up the steps to the second floor, where
low The back room on this floor is occu-
pied by Mr.. Mills In the front room on
this floor the three women sleep.
Horrible Condition,
AS Mr.. Austin. the inspector and re-
porter assembled the steps to the third floor
the odor became almost unbearabIe, and
when the room in which the insane woman
was confined was reached the faces
OF those who did not belong in the
house were white from sickness. The sight
In this room cannot be properly described
There, In what was once a bed was the
emaciated form Of the woman There was
not garment on her body. A quilt that
mad evidently done service for many years
without cleansing was her only covering.
Inc doctor took hold of the poor creature
as IL to shake her hand and as he did so
she drew the filthy covering over her face
1t was apparent from her expression that
her mind was not right, and the doctor
expressed surprise that she had been able
to live In such a place for even a few
weeks.
Mary Renner, the occupant of the bed
that was held together by the use Of pieces
though nefghbors have heard her scream
many times. The bed was the only article
OF furniture in the ROOM with the exception
OF wardrobe. In which several filthy gar
ments were found. On the floor of the room
the filth appeared to be fully one-half inch
thick in places.
Not Much Time.
We've had so much sickness and even
death in here" said old Mrs. Austin, her
voice showing her advanced age. that we
haven't had much time for cleaning. You
see, when people are sick they can't do
much"
How long has your daughter been in this
room?" she was asked.
about eight or nine years." volunteered
one of the other women
Not that long in this room." the mother
said but she's been sick in this house for
long time; Yes. Mary's been sick fully
eight years"
Those of the family who were seen prom
Used to begin cleaning the house as soon as
they could.
Unpleasant Scenes.
Mr. Renner, who died suddenly in a lodge
room about sixteen months ago, as already
stated, owned the house. The estate has
been in the hands Of the Probate Court.
and, 1t is stated. an early settlement Is ex-
pected. At times neighbors have heard the
occupants Of the house discuss the owner
ship of the property, and a number Of times
they have heard cries Of murder coming
from there.
annoying to neighbors. and the exciting
times about there have frightened some
of the more timid ones.
Miss Renner, who has lived in the bed
of filth for so many years. 1t is stated,
was a beautiful woman at one time. She
had long, flowing black hair and attractive
eyes, while her features appeared to be
almost perfect. Now she Is so emaciated
that all her beauty has disappeared Dur
ing the past year her long hair has been
cut. The three female occupants of the
house dress in black and wear wells One
Of them wore a covering Of black on her
Of the house yesterday. Before leaving the
house the inspector had window in the
room Of the unfortunate girl opened. but
by the time he reached the sidewalk it had
been closed.
CnIIRT OF APPEALS