The Washington times. (Washington [D.C.]) 1901-1902, 1902-03-02

GERS of the Associated Charities have been
| kept busy exposing frauds. and cases of
| imposition. False tales of suffering and
need are constantly being spread broad
cast by individuals and families, and all
deceive visitors.
An Anonymous Appeal.
An anonymous communication was re-
! ceived at The Times office the other day,
stating that a certain family living on
Union Street southwest was in completely
| destitute circumstances. The note said
that the family consisted Of an invalid
widow, unable to do work Of any sort, and
four Children.
The entire means of support for this
family, 1t was stated, was salary of "a
per week, which the oldest daughter was
able to secure. The letter further set
forth that donations of food, fuel. and
clothing would be gratefully received, as
the family was bordering on a state of
starvation, and was without fire or proper
clothing.
A member of The Times staff was i'm
mediately sent to investigate the case.
The note bore such a tone of sincerity
that it was thought the family was really
deserving of help from the public.
The Union Street Home.
small, two-story brick house, one of
the long row on Union Street, is the home
of this pseudo needy family. The family
has lived there since last August.
From various sources information was
received to the effect that these people
have been in the habit of sending out COM
munications similar to the one received
at The Times office recently. That this
method of obtaining livelihood gratis Is
highly successful, was readily attested
to by neighbors of the family and the
groceryman in the locality. The family
was run OUT of the neighborhood in
which they took up their abode previous
to their sojourn on Union Street, owing
to their peculiar methods of obtaining
living.
The reporter detailed to investigate the
case was met at the door by slovenly
appearing young woman who stated that
she was the Oldest daughter of the inva-
lid widow. After being admitted inch by
inch into the parlor, he was put through
systematic catechism as to his motive
for invading the place.
A Recital of TrlbulatlonS.
Was he charity man." This was the
first question asked. When his business
had been explained, the girl reeled off an
oft-repeated tale of Woe" Her manner
of telling the story was that of the Eu-
rcpean guides, who when interrupted in
the middle of the narration, are obliged to
go back to the beginning and start again.
After many false starts and hesitations.
however, she completed her hard luck"
story.
Meanwhile sounds Of weeping were plain
ly heard in the next room. and woman's
voice humming a rag-time classic. Finally
the girl went into the back room, stating
that her mother was very i'll, and she
must see II she needed anything.
Suddenly the sounds of humming and
sweeping in the rear apartment ceased.
IT'S charity man. mother. Climb into
bed quick," were the words plainly over
heard.
A sharp scufning OF feet followed. ac-
companied by injunctions to Hurry.
Hurry" When the girl returned her
eyes we're full OF tears.
Mother is much worse today, but she
can see visitor" she said simply.
The Pseudo Invalid.
Lying on bed and covered with a di-
lapidated quilt of long-departed cleanli-
ness. was a middle aged woman. About
her head was a soiled cloth. evidently
placed there for the purpose OF keeping
the dust out of her hair while sweeping.
Although she was vainly endeavoring to
summon up an expression OF suffering TO
her face her countenance was y erly de-
void of all traces of pain. 1t was evident
that in her hurry 10 climb into bed"
she had neglected to remove her shoes.
A pile OF fairly neat bedclothins, APP
parently hastily torn from the bed, was
pushed back under the beds:ead, where ii
was supposed to be out of sight In the
centre of the floor lay pile of sweepings.
IF YOU could only do something for
me sir" began the woman. I'm an in
valid and haven't stirYed out OF this bed
for there months-ain't that so, Mary
Yes sir. she amt even set up for
three months" responded the daughter.
The Calendar of Diseases.
I've been suffering from lung trouble.
and heart trouble and cancer, and "a
amt that so. Nary"
Indeed it is. sir. The doctors been
trying to patch her up for long time.
but he says he can't do much ior her.
But" continued Mary, cit costs & lot 10
hire a doctor, and we're awfully poor.
81 often lie without aIhing to eat until
I'm nearly starved. The only support
we have comes from Mary; she gets 81 a
week My boys are right well educated
and they want work, but somehow they
can't get it. They are upstairs now, ana
can't come down because they haven't
scarcely any clothes on their backs. You
ask Mary II it amt so"
Eyes. 1t is replied the extemporaneous
court OF appeals.
EaIca ADnnaIc Paneusd