Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1905-06-10
Turned Over to Her Father.

The writ of habeas corpus, sworn out
Yesterday by J. p. Brewer for the pos
session OF his daughter, Ina f. Brewer,
who. he claimed, was held unlawiully
nv F. F.. Thomas and vile, OF the Jones'
Adams Carnival Company, now exhibit
ing on the old fair grounds. WHICH was
postponed Yesterday evening, was heard
before Judge Barley in the Corporation
Court last night. The young woman Is
heing exhibited at the carnival as
midget-her height being 81 inches and
weighing only q pounds-and this tact
attracted quite a number Of spectators,
among whom were several ladies. Be
fore hearing the proceedings, Judge
Barley tried to bring about an amicaole
settlement or understanding between the
litigants. but his efforts were Ofno avail.
The contract which Brewer had signed
for Thomas called for $40 week, but
Thomas claimed as he had lost money
ON his venture and as Brewer did moth
ing for his portion Of the money, ne
wanted a reduction in the salary. This
Brewer would not agree to, whereup0n
the iud e called the case into court. The
plaintiff was represented by Mr.. Howard
w. Smith and the defendant by Mr.. l..
II. Machen. Only two witnesses were
mi upou the stand-Thomas and the
Young woman. Thomas testified as to
the correctness of the contract. Upon
being auestined he stated that the father
of the Young woman was not allowed to
visit her when he and his wife were not
present at the boarding house, and that
when away she was locked in her room.
He further stated that Ina was about 10
years old. The young woman was the
other witness Judge Barley, setting aside
dignity for once, descended from the bench
picked Ina up in bis arms and then re-
turned. where he stood her up on his
desk. The little one was greatly con-
fused butth persuasive and gentle man
ner of the Judge soon dissipated all fear.
Upon being questioned by the Judge, she
said she had been kindly treated by Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas, but desired to go home
with her father. After hearing those two
witnesses the Judge decided not to con-
tinue the case any further In render
ing his decision, he said that under nc
phase of the case had Mr. and Mrs
Thomas the right to retention OF tht
the child. Not in any view Of the con
tract had the father turned over adoption
of the child. As to breaking the con
tract. that matter did not come into The
case in question. He then turned thu
child over to the custody OF her father
Mr.. Machen took an appeal aud said hi
client would furnish the necessary bal
by II o'clock. The Judge allowed TIT
appeal to be noted aud put Brewer unde
q personal bond of $500 for the prOduc
lion of his daughter in court at that hour
Brewers from Mount Pisgah n. g., ant
entered into a contract with Thomas OF
March 5 last to exhibit his daughter as
midget for the consideration OF $50
week for 20 weeks and $25 week there
after for the remainder of the season
During the past week Brewer becam
home-sick and wished to get poss e5sion Q
his child, hence the litigation.
The case was called for trial at l2;2
O'Clock today. Mr.. Brewer, accomPa
MED by his child, was in court to answe
to his bond given last night.
TIE appeal was withdrawn ey coanS'
for the defendant and the custody OF IN
child finally given to its father.
1t developed after the trial tbs
Thomas owed Brewer quite sum
money. A check for $50, drawn on ID
Waohovia Loan and Trust Company
Winston Salem, n. c., by Thomas an
made payable to Brewer, was returned
the secretary stating that Thomas ha
Overdrawn oils account. This and oth'
circumstances prompted Brewer to tai
a 1917. d. h, IA