Los Angeles herald. [microfilm reel] (Los Angeles [Calif.]) 1900-1911, 1907-09-14

paddock.
For FIVE years the Baileys have lived
in an humble flower-covered tent house
on the banks of Arroyo Seco, where
Pasadena avenue and Center street meet. |
The point is a few yards north of the
Cawston ostrich farm.
His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Bailey, have tried every means to cor
rect the waywardness of the boy, who Is
deficient in some mentai faculties, have
had him in the detention home In Los
Angeles and a private institution, and,
lacking the means for corrective treat |
ment, have had to resort to chain
to restrain him.
Influenced by Bad Boys
Mervin is described by medical ex-
perts who have examined him as re-
markable boy, lacking the sense of rev.
erence and having the bump of will
power abnormally.
He is subject to influences of bad boys
"a failing which has caused his parents
and the neighbors much annoyance.
Mrs. Bailey admits that she has been
forced to hide vauables at home, fearing
that Mervin would get them and turn
them over to mischievous boys at the
latter's suggestion.
He is also blamed for a recent grass
fire which ragged near the ostrich farm,
though Mrs. Bailey says the proof of
guilt is just as strong against the boys
In the neighborhood as it is against her
son.
All these faults have, however, brought
worry on the heads of his parents, and
it has been found necessary, they say,
at times to keep Mervin chained with
a COW chain and paddock to a stout up
right post inside of the tent house. They
acknowledge this freely and say their
friends have advised this course.
Files His Way Free
Once while thus imprisoned Mervin in
duced his little sister to bring him a
file, in their mothers absence.
When she returned the boy had filed
a link, released his neck and made his
escape.
Another time he used two cobblestones
with such good effect that the restraining
paddock was broken and he again got
away.
He has an unconquerable desire for
laying truant and IT is to cure this
Wandering habit, ffs parents say. that
the chain system was tried.
Societies May Act
Rumors of this practice reached neigh
bors. they were magnif1ed and the case
has thus been brought to the attention
of the newly formed Merchants associa-
ton of South Pasadena and the Humane
society there this week.
Because of the strange circumstances
in connection with the case no action
has vet been taken.
It is believed that if the boy is placed
in an institution where he can have
personal attention he may develop into
a normal child in years. That hope has
been held out to his parents by experts
who have studied the lad.
Mervin is only 8 years old, but looks
like and has the development OF boy
of Is years. -
Five years ago the Baileys bought the
LOT opposite the ostrich farm and erected
their tent house.
Nursed the Grisconnbs
Mrs. Bailey had been nursery gov
erness in the family of the son of Glenn
80 Griscomb. now minister to Spain,
in Philadelphia.
Mervin was the victim of fall nm
childhood which depressed the upper sec
tion of the head. The rest OF the brain
developed abnormally.
Mrs Bailey was an Enghshwoman Oh
strong convictions and Joined the Naza-
rene church in Los Angeles soon after
her arrival. She has faith that her boy
will some day be miraculously nealed,
though she says she Is using every olner
mode of treatment besides.
She and her husband did not agree as
f0 the best meLnOu VI 81 pouohJ SNAN
trolling the boy after experts had advised
them how to manage and diet him.
Develops Wanderlust
Meryin insisted on slipping out OF the
house whenever he was not watched, and
at first invariably made ms way 10 .ne
sanitarium or Dr. Glpps' near lhe nay
mond hotel.
Gradually he extended his wanderings
He told his mother that he usually fol-
lowed the railroad tracks, In order TO
keep out of reach of City Marshal John
son of South Pasadena, who had picked
him I'M several times and knew him. The
hov Invariably walked barefooted and
seemed to be hardened to the rough
ground.
houses and by wildness OF conduct
Mervin caused number OF scares, and
these finally led to stern steps pelng
tai,an hy the parents to keep him at |
home. the chain first being resorted to
three years ago.
Chained Under Tent House
Under the caves of the tent house, with
vines shading porch, the poy spent
hours and days prisoner.
His narents say he was well treated all |
this time, was fed well and received
every care for his own good.
Tradespeople first noticed the case and
spread reports, out of which nnaily some
official action will probably be taken to
place the boy under expert treatment
Mother Defends Treatment
eve are doing everything openly and
above board" said Mrs. Bailey, and
our neighbors know the situation. We
are practically helpless, and are criti-
cised no matter what we do
eve think he will be utterly ruined If
pIaced in an Institution where he cannot |
get special care. Whereas II he had an
Instructor he would in time become nor
NAL doctors tell us.
ut is a strange case especially for
professional man who is interested in
mental cases, to take up, as doctors have
told us,
my huscband objects to the chain, and /
/ have finally told him he must either
take the whole responsibility or arrange
for some other way of handling Meryin.
with my two other children to look
sitter it has been an awful trial for me-"