The Washington herald., 1909-03-11
ORPHAN DAUGHTER
TO Be RECLAIMED
Father of Florence Speakman
to Demand Release.
BALTIMORE SOCIETY DEMURs
Frank Mcdonald, Who Forced Child
to Beg, and Who Treated Her
Cruelty, Sentenced 20 JaiI-Parent
of Little Girl VIII Unite Family
When She Is Brought Home.

Driven almost 10 desperation because
his child has not been surrendered TO his
care by the Society for the Prevention
Of Cruelty 10 Children Of Baltimore. Ed
ward Speakman will leave for that city
this morning to begin legal proceedings.
Yexed because the police authorities Of
the Monumental City did not notify him
OF the arrest OF the Fagan who had forced
his eight-year-old daughter TO beg. Mr.
Speakman said last night that he would
request Capt. Boardman to furnish the
necessary extradition papers.
Mcdonald Sent to Jail.
Frank Mcdonald. alias Adams. yester-
day began TO serve his sentence OF two
years for teaching Florence Speakman to
bes In the various cities which he and
his wife visited
Mrs. Barbara Mcdonald has been placed
in charge OF the Associated Charities.
and will be sent back to Pittsburg.
Mr.. Speakman. who is employed In the
Iamproom OF the Union station. has not
seen his child since she was carried away.
several months ago. and has been frantic
since informed of the brutal treatment
endured by the little girl.
Mcdonald got his deserts said the
father last night. II am sure his wife
will be punished for the part she played
in this miserable affair Why. they kept
after me for five weeks. trying to get the
child. saying she would make good
companion for Mrs. Mcdonald. And now
10 think OF the cruelty 20 which she has
been subjected. I hope shall never meet
that man again. for II 7 should may be
unable 10 restrain myself"
Accompanied by capt. Criner of the
American Salvation Army. Speakman
Will leave for Baltimore this morning.
and If he succeeds in getting possession
Of the child. he Will bring her 10 Wash
ington with him and again place her in
care Of the charitable institution.
Il know the poor little one will cry
when she sees me, and II I am not per
mitted 10 bring her back with me Il will
break her heart
Continuing. Mr.. Speakman talked OF the
anxiety OF his other two children, Nary
and Sarah, who are boarding at the Sal
walton Army home.
They expected Florence would be with
them tonight and 7 suppose they are
waiting even now. but 1 was unable u
get TO Baltimore to-day. I mean % 90
l
Apparently realizing that DELAY might
add TO his daughters illness. Speaknan
nearly gave way TO his emotions. and as
he paced 20 and fro IN the dingy lamp
room he talked necessarily Of the decep-
tion practiced by the McDonalds.
Railroad Men Friendly.
he has many friends among the rail-
road men, and every brakeman or switch
man who enters the little room has a
cheering word for the lamp cleaner.
1t is Mr.. Speakman's intention TO bring
HIS children together again as soon as
possible and begin housekeeping anew
Since my wife died five years ago our
little family has been separated. the three
girls living with the Salvation Army peo-
pie and my only boy boarding with a
private family. Now that this trouble
has come upon me. I intend 10 watch
over the little flock myself"