Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1908-12-09

To the casual observer Miss Kilroy
did not seem exactly fitted for an in
vestigator of sociological problems The
government had probably been prompt
ed by some wise head when it appoint
cd women to that branch of work
Formerly when men, Important in
uniforms and brass buttons, or men in
plain clothes. augmented by much POM
pOsity, had made the rounds of the for
eign settlements such dignity had
frightened or embarrassed the women
and children to such an extent that il
was an impossibility to obtain freely
spoken opinions as to what they liked
in America, what they did not like.
| what they expected Uncle Sam TO do
for them or what they themselves could
offer as a just reason for Uncle Sam
doing anything at all for them.
Nobody. however, could possibly take
| fright at pretty Miss Kilroy. who,
dressed in the nobbiest white shirt
waist suit. rather gay ribbon on her
hat, knocked at the humbleSt door of
the humblest tenements and generally
found 4 welcome.
Grantley. in charge of the temporary
quarters provided while the investiga-
ton was being carried on in this city,
looked up as she entered the Office in
the afternoon, tired, but jubilant.
Seems to me l have secured enough
Information today to make a complete
report upon the sociological problem in
America" she said, throwing her notes
upon her desk.
Good work." he answered. wonder
ing why she ever undertook such a job.
Its strange that the youngest. most
err
"Oh, don't mind me! Go on and say
1.-THE doll baby of the force, the wom-
an who is so pink faced and blond
haired that one wouldn't suspect her
of having an idea concealed about her,
had
NO, by George, I didn't mean that!
hesitated because l didn't know that
it was exactly proper for me to finish
my sentence. l was going TO say, since
must refute your impression, the
most attractive. dainty girl. who looks
like piece of high art don't see how
it is that she beats the others all hol-
low when it comes to turning in the
results from days labor. Would you
mind telling me about your methods OF
} procedure, Miss Kilroy?" Grantley was
clearly interested in knowing how she
: did it.
Miss Kilroy laughed somewhat
shamefacedly. I'm afraid I'm not
. really businesslike." she admitted, "bu
, proceed upon an instructive knowl
} edge of human nature. Today l wen
to interview great big Irishwoman
When she came to the door and saw
! me, notebook in hand, she positively
glared. There certainly wasn't a glim
mer of hospitality in her face. 'Wha
would the likes av ye be afther want
inT she demanded.
when I reeled off my set of queS
tons her indignation increased. How
long have l bin in America an wha
av the wurrik I have done? Faith, an
I think it impudence for yellow hair
ed chit of gurrel who Evidently spend
her time dressing up an wearing blu
ribbons on her hat to come an call a
honest woman from her wurrik to as
questions about her private family
Ye might as well be afther taking yt
silf off. Bridget Mcguire don't answe
no fool questions
II believe, Mr.. Grantley, that If sh
hadn't been so scathing about my blu
hatband I would have walked off an
abandoned the interview, but that hal
band and the yellow haired chit of
gurrer had to be avenged.
81 leaned against her door detected
It ly, tried to turn pale and said: 'Yo
S mustn't think l want to do it, for l S
o hate to be rude, but l have to do 1t II
my living. Pm so tired and so warm
leaning against the door with an att
r tude indicating an early approach
,r tears-'and If don't find out things f
% them they will dismiss me and I'll ha'
nothing to live on
"Mrs. Maguire's bark was fiercer thu
III her bite. Her face changed. she to-
ID hold of my arm gently and led me in
or her one room. 'Ye poor little era
thure.' she said. IN make ye cup