The Washington times., 1907-02-11
WERE BABIES ONLY
WHEN ON STAGE
Chicago Factory Inspector
Receives Rude Shock Be-
hind the Scenes.
One Child" Actor Proved
to Be a Thirty-Second
Degree Mason.

CHICAGO. Feb u.-Shrewd detective
work on the part Of two assistants of
State Factory Inspector Davies threat
ened for awhile TO stop the performances
AT two Chicago theaters. Two persons
playing juvenile parts were seized by
the sleuths as glazing examples Of vio-
lators OF the child labor law and the
feat would have reflected glory on the
men who accomplished It but for one
thin6-both OF the supposed youngsters
turned out TO be grown-ups
One Of them was a woman twenty
three years I'D who had posed as a
child IN arms and the other was found
TO be a thirty-second degree Mason. It
sounds like a press agents story, but
II isn't
TIE child labor law Is being violated
openly read a letter received at the
office OF Mr.. Davies. and Immediately
the office was a scene Of great activity.
What" said he, do these theater
managers dare place children on their
stages after the trouble l have made
them on former ocCasions2" as he pc
rUsed in the letter the startling informa-
ton that children Of tender years were
taking part IN performances at the Hi
nois and the Majestic playhouses-
Inspector Davies Cot Busy.
Two Of you inspectors 20 out az once
and visit these shows" said Mr.. Davies.
IF the children are under age take out
warrants at once for the managers.
This letter says that one Of them is but
a baby in arms and is used as the child
Of Nine. Butterfly in the production Of
that name"
Down 10 the Illinois Theater went
Deputy Inspector Mitchell In a front
seat, for which he paid a large price. he
SAT and his eyes danced when he saw
the baby brought on the stage. II was a
sure-enOugh baby. II laughed. IL crOWed
and cried by turns and biinked its eyes
at the glare OF the fOotlights.
How shameful he said 10 himself as
he made his way back of the stage
in the wings he posted himself 10
await the coming from the stage OF the
baby. II arrived and Mitchell was
struck dumb with surprise when the
baby jumped from the arms OF its nurse
ana ran singing into a dressing room
Mitchell followed.
Here. herer" said he. grasping a. the
himsy dress Of the infant
We'll what do YOU want2" fndfr-
nanuy demanded the baby" and mem
bcrs OF The troupe gathered about him
IN threatening manner
WANT 10 KNOW now ole tNdt child
ls?' said Mitchell meekIy. as he showed
his badge OF authority.
Pm %, Same for You" Said Baby.
Well. I'm twenty three ard It's the
same fOT you. See" said the babe.
My name is Edith King and 1 live At
IS Burling street, II YOU want 10 know
any more
Mitchell did no, want To know any
more He wanted TO get outside quickly.
The other inspector Jared no better
At the Majestic Theater he interviewed
Master Gabriel who was working as
Buster Brown" From the front OF the
house Master Gabriel did not look TO be
over twelve years old. When he came
from his dressing room he wore on his
watch chain a Masonic charm proving
him a Mason Of the thirty de-
gree He laughingly told the inspector
that at home on his farm in Wexford
r. l., he was known as Gabriel T.
" eigel and that he had been a voter
for a number OF years.