The Detroit times., 1912-08-12
FOSTER-MOTHER WEEPS
BITTERLY WHEN COURT
TAKES CHILD FROM HER
Mrs. Elsie Hitler, Ordered to Give
Up Little Girl, Creates
Pathetic Scene
CASE AFFECTS SPECTATORS
Mother of Child Brings Habeas
Corpus Proceedings to Re-
cover Possession
CASE AFFECTS SPECTATORS

Staged in Judge Colds court, Sat
urday morning, was a tragedy in real
life, So dramatic and pathetic, in fact,
that many OF those who saw II were
moved TO tears. The principals were
Mrs. Elsie Hiler and her husband,
Hermann Hiler, No. $40 Franklin-st. !;
Mrs. G.. Martha Freid, No. 2ll Post
ave-, and her little daughter. Edna
Ruth, IL years old who has been
making her home with the Killers for
the past year.
connection with habeas corpus pro-
.ceedings by Mrs. Freld for the recov-
cry of little Edna Ruth, pretty lit
tie girl, with long ours, and small
for her age. She carried her doll, al
most as big as herself and remained
with the Killers while in court
Mrs. Freid testified that she allow
ed the Hilers 10 take Edna. year
ago, on condition that she could get
her back when she wanted her; that
she went to get her last Sunday and
was refused possession OF the child,
Mrs. Hiler slaming the door in her
face. Mrs. Freid declared that she
advertised in the papers, about q
year ago. for a home FOR Euna durlnS
the vacation season, and that the
Killers, VINO were then living in
Adrian, Mich, got the child by
promising TO give her good home
and send ner TO school. Mrs. Freid's
husband died. a couple of years ago,
and she felt the need OF having some
M In hat tn. IA exV.
child TO look after. Now, however,
she is in better circumstances and
wishes to have Edna back again.
The Hilers stated on the stand that
there was no written agreement in
the matter, but Mrs. Hitler said that
Mrs. Freid agreed that she should
have Edna until she was a young
woman.
Judge Codd said that there was
nothing for him TO do in the case but
return the child to her own mother,
!nasmuch as there was no written
agreement for the Killers to keep the
child for any definite time, and be-
cause of the fact that the mother was
in position to care for the Edna her
self
No sooner did the Judge give his
decision than Mrs. Freid, smiling,
went to the rear of the courtroom and
took Edna from the Hilers. Mrs, Hiler
Jade no objection, but looked visit
fully at the child as the mother led
her away. all the while holding her
close TO her and kissing her The
child missed her doll soon after leav-
ing the Hilers and went back for II.
Mrs. Hiler followed the child into the
corridor. Here she broke down and
Grid bitterly. Her husband, feeling the
loss almost as keenlyg tried ia vain
to comfort her.
I'VE have both become very much
attached to little Edna, and IL almost
kills us to lose her" said Mr.. Hller.
I'VE have no children of our own,
but this is the last time we shall ever
take one to care for"
AS Mr.. and Mrs. Killer left the coun-
" building, Mr.. Hiier carried Edna's
doll carriage. which she had over
looked in the excitement.
The Killers are each about 30 years
of age. Mr.. Hitler is employed by the
Lake Shore railway.
Edna was asked If she were glad
10 be back with her mother, but. only
looked puzzled. apparently being too
frightened to reply.
Attorneys j. s. Kennary and Col.
Sheehan, OF the firm Of Navin, Shee'
han & Kennary, represented Mrs.
Freid.
The spectators in the court were
much affected by the crying OF Mrs.
FTiler and much sympathy was ex
pressed for her