The Birmingham age-herald., 1905-08-24
WANTED FOOD FUR HIS WIFE AND BABY Caught Stealing Something to Eat for the Dear Ones in Want A PATHETIC COURT CASE Charitable People Offer to Go on Bond of J. 3. crlffin--Judae FeseIn
 VIII Help the
 Man.
A PATHETIC COURT CASE

Judge Feagin of tho inferior criminal court is just now dealing with one of the most pathetic cases that has come before his court in many a day, but because of the inexorableness of the lawsge B. Grif- fn young white man, may yet go to the penitentiary on the charge of burg lary and grand larceny.
 Griffin, who Is a young man of good address and appearance, was arrested by Policemen Mcdonald and Oldham at the instance of a freight conductor of the Alabama Great Southern railroad, the charge being that he had broken into a caboose in the company's yards and filled his pockets with foodstuffs contained therein. He had been caught red handed by the conductor and had told the latter that he had taken the food to give to his starving wife and baby
 Wife and Baby Starving.
 In the police court Griffin admitted his guilt. My wife and baby were starv- ing" he said "and I could not find any work"
 He told straightforward story and not only aroused Judge Feagin's sympathy, but also his interest. Griffin said he came to Birmingham from Attalla last Saturday night and when he left the train at the union station he had just $l in his pocket, and this was all the money he had in the world. He had tried to re- main all night in the depot waiting room with his wife and baby, but had been told he could not remain there. He had then taken his wife and baby to the ho- tel Ellis, where he gave up his last dol lar for a nights lodging. Griffin pleaded for the mercy of the court on account of his wife and child
 Story Was Proven.
 Judge Feagin decided to send Griffin, in charge of an officer, to a boarding house on Fourth avenue where Griffin said his wife and baby were, and the of ficer was instructed to investigate the condition of the wife and child. About an hour later the officer returned with Griffin and said the latters story was doubtedly in very bad condition. evi- dently for the want of food
 Judge Feagin was touched by the story which appeared to be true, but said he had no other course under the law than to bind the prisoner over to the criminal court. He fixed the bond at s150.
 How can I make a bond?" moaned the young man. "I know no one here and what is to become of my wife and baby while I am lying in jail?"
 The nexorableness of the law was again exemplifed Griffin was taken to prison but there are influences at work, instigated by Judge Feagin, which may result in the liberation of the young man and give him another chance to keep in the straight road which is said to be not broader than the web of a famished spider"
 kind-Hearted to Aid.
 new chapter in Griffn's case was ad- ded last night when George Griffin, man ager of the Empire laundry, called at the city Jail and offered to go on Grffins bond, but, as Judge Feagin had decided that it would be better for the present for the young man to remain in confine- ment. the bond was not accepted It may be incidentally stated that MT. Grif fin is not related to the prisoner.
 A charitably-incllned woman of this city also telephoned to the city prison saying she would make Griffin's bond. but her assistance was declined for the same reason.