New Britain herald., 1925-07-20

ten TOT me Herald.
 By WlNNIFRED MASON HUCk Former presentative 10 Congress
 from Illinois
 At the factory learned next morning that was to get $9.60 the first week, sl0.50 the second week and in three months l would be pulling $lo a week.
 I did not stay long enough to get the sl2, but I did get the $10.50 and l lived on it.
 l bought no clothes, had no re- creation. l walked to work and car ried my lunch.
 And l found restaurant where breakfast and 8 morning newspa- per 10 read while one ate could be had for 15 cents.
 The restaurant was two blocks out of my way, but a morning pa- per cost cents, and l felt it was worth saving, on slo.5O a week.
 Daily Paper
 In jail I had missed the daily newspaper more than almost any, thing else. We were, not allowed to have newspapers of any kind, but l learned that the matrons had pa pers and gave the old ones to the sewing classes to cut patterns from.
 One day, Glenna, who had been cutting the patterns, tainted and was taken to her room.
 Can anyone here cut patterns?" the matron asked.
 l was not sure that could, neith- CT was I sure that I could not. But l was very sure that l wanted to see the papers.
 Il can," l volunteered.
 "AIl right, Elizabeth, make a collar and cuff pattern for this ki- mono" She detailed a girl 10 put on the kimono, gave me a pair of scissors and the newspaper.
 It was a week old, but to me 1t brought breath of news that was most refreshing after my weeks of isolation.
 l read with special interest the account of Congressman Porter's attempts to get cooperation in Flu rope for the Curtailng of the manu- facturo of narcotics.
 My life in jail had taught me 1I I tick, ,r,I with all my soul that the European diplomats who were blocking Por- tcr's efforts could have had the ex- perience of watching these opium addicts as I had watched them.
 Hurry up, Elizabeth" said the matron, and l lifted my head from the paper with a start.
 Food Cheaper
 Every morning in Wheeling l en- joycd my paper with my breakfast for Is cents. Food was little cheaper there than in the larger cities that l visited.
 After breakfast, I bought bread and butter and wrapped in it oiled paper, l could get milk at the fac tory at noon, and was allowed 10 keep a little fruit in my locker
 The first Friday night in Wheel ing I spent 23 cents for supper. It made a hole in my last dollar but the next day was pay day; so l ate my supper without misgivings.
 had cluded the officous person who had tried 10 direct my every step in Wheeling since the first morning when we brcakfasted to- gethcr.
 Tonight I was seated comfortably by the Y fireplace, with my nose in book, when Miss Lewis the secretary, came to speak to me.
 She always made it a point 10 chat with me for few minutes each evening, asking me about my work or repeating some amusing anecdote. Good Class
 Her interest in me was genuine and she gradually opened the way for me 10 make friends among a good class ot people. i Shc knew had been in jail and she knew that for me 10 be with the right class of people might be my salvation.
 She also know that if lever slipped again or if my Jail past became known, it would reflect on her to have introduced me 10 these friends of hers.
 But she took the chance. One Sunday she took me 10 her church, the Fourth street church of ! Wheeling. and saw that I met as many of its members as possible.
 She asked me this Friday evening f wanted to attend the lecture that night in the Y auditorium.
 told her that l should like to, hut that I could not afford it that week,
 Tt will cost you nothing. I will lend you my season pass" she said.
 Her Ticket
 And thereafter, every Friday night, while I was in Wheeling, she gave me her ticket. l was glad 10 think how many kindnesses she had done for girls who needed them far more than |.
 As paid my Is cents for break fast next morning I gave the money a little farewell squeeze.
 I was learning what it means to be always in the shadow of the wolf, to he bound by iron necessity not 10 spend single penny more than the absolute minimum re- quircd to live.
 had expected 10 be frightened when my money got low, but l found after a time that human be- inCs can accommodate themselves 10 any kind Of danger or worry in