The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-11-01

Although they are not Yet beyond the
shadow Of possible hardships during the
winter. prospects for the five orphaned
children OF Mason J. Gray and his Wife,
Mary l.. Gray. of Tuxedo, Nd. look
brighter. The Washington HeraId's ap-
peal yesterday morning found ready re-
Spouse from its more generous readers
s6055 being received during the day.
The good people OF Tuxedo have. up to
the present time. done everything IN
their power for the orphans. These peo-
pie. in answer 10 the appeal of Miss
Ethel Pryor a neighbor, have raised 81
for the relief Of the children, and are
caring for them now. but after the
funeral to-day il Is quite probable that
circumstances will compel them 10 cease
their good offices.
The parents Of the orphaned children
were known 10 their neighhors as hard
working and highly respected people
Until a short time ago Mason j. Gray
was the proprietor of a store there. When
business became slow and profits began
% dWiudle Gray gave up the store and
with his savings built himself a mod
home. He took "A position with +. G.
Gummell, Of this city, and since his em-
ployment there had won the commenda-
ton Of his employer by his steady, sober,
and industrious habits.
The home built 10y the father 10 shelter
his family is "A modest little house OF six
rooms. one is impressed by the good
taste and evident refinement which has
governed its administration. The furni-
ture not at all costly. bears the stamp
Of good taste This impression is height
ened when one comes in contact with the
children.
Children wait I'm Vain.
In this little home. grouped about the
front window. the five children awaited
the return of their parents Saturday
night Gray and his wife had gone 10
Washington 10 DO some shopping. Re
membering his mothers promise 10 bring
him some candy upon her return from
Washington. little Aloysius. five years
Old, sat with the group by the window
until wearied with the vigil. when he fell
asleep and was carried off 10 bed by the
eldest Of his sisters.
Mason, the eldest of the five. who is
only fifteen years Of age, has been de-
veloped into a man by the tragedy of
Saturday night He is a dark haired lad
a little small for his age. but sturdy
withal, and now that the parents are no
more, regards himself as the legitimate
head OF the family. Yesterday he sturdily
maintained that he would 20 out and
earn enough 10 provide for his sister and
brothers until they are old enough 10
look out for themselves.
AlOysius the youngest, innocent Of the
meaning OF the death OF both his parents.
is at the home of Miss Ethel Pryor
Louise, next 10 the eldest supports Ma
son in his role Of head of the family of
little ones and the courage with which
these two look at the future is worthy of
real parents Of a dependent family.
BraVeIy Facing Future.
So the girl left without the counsel of
a mother, and the boys lacking the re-
straining hand of a father, are bravely
facing the future, determined that if no
one else is willing to help them they will
make some effort TO provide for them
selves.
Nor are they ungratefuI. Even the
youngest, unconscious Of the meaning of
the tragedy, speaks of the efforts OF
Miss Pryor with grateful earnestness
Only when in the midst Of some childish
scheme and the sudden remembrance
that his mother has not returned home
comes to him does he make complaint
Then the bright little eyes hll with tears
and he asks plaintively: Where is NAM
MAJ"
Mr. and Mrs. Gray will be buried in ST
Mary's Cemetery. this city. after funeral
services at the undertaking establishment
OF Francis Gasch, in Bladensburg, this
Mrs. Elizabeth McKeown. of PennsvI-
vania, sister OF Mrs. Gray, arrived in
Washington yesterday and went to the
home OF Mrs George Kemp another sis
ter at 1914 Seventh street northwest
Here, together with Mrs. Anna Moulton
a third sister, and Thomas c. Hill, a
brother, a conference was held in order
to decide as To the proper course 10 take
with regard TO the children. All the
relatives say they are unable 10 take
care Of the children, as none are in bet
ter than meager circumstances.
Relatives Cannot Aid.
The three sisters are married. and all
have children OF their own. with hus-
bands earning only small wages. which
necessitates their living very modestly.
and more mouths to feed, they say.
would work hardship on their husbands.
The brother, Thomas c. Hill, who is a
driver for local concern. says he has
all he can do to support his own family
and could not possibly render much at
sistance.