The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1910-06-11
BARE BOARDS ARE
. LITTLE GIRLS BED
Mott Children Sadly Neglected, But
Parents Protest When kids" Are
Sent To Shelter Home.

Martha and Annie Mott. s and II
years old, respectively, who for tho
last two weeks have made their beds
upon bare boards laid across the raft
ers OF barn, while rain leaked upon
them through the battered roof over
head, are now held In the shelter home
OF the 8. p. c. c., while their parents
ore up In arms against Judge Henry 3
Hubert and the juvenile court for
their cruel action In taking the
children away.
Haven't I brought these girls ur
thus far?" demanded the frugal Mr.
Mott. as the courts decision was an
nounced. II don't see why you've got
to take my children away from me-"
Mrs. Mott wept, silently but bitterly
and couldn't understand how anybody
could be SO cruel to two poor little
children as to take them away from
their fond parents.
Truant Ofiicer Max Grossman, or
the trail OF missing diamond ring
unearthed the plight OF the two little
girls. whom he had sought for some
time as truants from school.
A young lady living on John R.-st
wrapped up package OF old clothing
for two little beggar girls. who hst
come to her home with a pitiful story
or want, and said that they especial!
needed clothes. In the bundle o.
clothing was the diamond. She latel
reported the matter to the police, ant
the case was assigned to the truan
Office.
Meanwhile. Grossman had been look
ing for Martha and Anna Mott. wht
had failed to appear at the Bisho;
school for nearly two weeks. They
answered the description OF the little
beggars. and he knew that they has
previously gone on begging expedi
lions. SO he kept a sharp eye out fol
them. meeting them on one OF theil
excursions.
Martha admitted that they had re
ceived the ring. Anna denied 1t
Later. she admitted that one lady hat
given them a ring. and she produced
Ia l0-cent imitation diamond as the
ring in question. Grossman made
them lead him to their home.
Back to a barn. In the rear of No
!6S Beaubien-st., they led the officer
The barn was wet with the rains tina,
had penetrated the leaky roof. There
was no sign Of bed. but an old sofa
turned upside down and covered with
a carpet was pointed out as the bed
where Mr.. and Mrs. Albert Mott re
posed
A ladder led to the loft, and there
were the children's beds" They con
sisted Of bare boards. laid across che
rafters. and damp from rain which had
leaked through the roof.
Mott. who Is carpenter, earning
$12 a week when he works. admitted
glass Of beer when he wanted it." but
denied that he squandered his money
on drink.
He insisted that It was impossible
for him to find a suitable dwelling
which be could rent for less than $l4
or SIS a month. and said that he
couldn't AFFORD to pay that much.
You can get plenty of places for sc
or 81 a month that would be much
better than that barn." said Judge
Hubert
well. I'll try and see what l can
do" said Mott. casually.
The Judge informed him that he
would keep the two girls until such
time as Mott reported that he had a
suitable home and the home had
rassed the inspection of the Juvenile
court officers.
Mott was indignant at the decision
and insisted that he should be al
lowed to take the girls home and keeI
them until he could find a better place
for them.
The missing ring has not been re
covered. 4 al nal