CHILD SAVAGES IN FLAT

Evening Star, Issue 19407, 16 November 1926, Page 8

CHILD SAVAGES IN FLAT

NAKED FROM BIRTH AHD WILD AS BEASTS A terrible story of the effects of intemperance in a homo that should have been refined and happy has been brought to light at Havre. For many years past a small flat had been the home of a married couple, who were regarded by neighbors as people of good birth, who had seen better days. Recently, however, local gossips began to ash what mystery thev concealed, for it was rumored that though they had children no one had seen them, and an investigation brought to light a state of affairs almost incredible in this twentieth century. A detective, accompanied by officers of a French society tor the prevention of cruelty to children, forced his way into the flat, and found there three children, aged six, nine, and thirteen years respectively, completely naked. They were like little savages, for they had never crossed the threshold of their tiny abode, and, according to their mother’s own confession, had never worn any clothes since they were horn. They were ill-nourished and like hungry little animals. ■ Tlio officers had a stormy reception. The children fought like young beasts, with nails arid teeth, when their rescuers sought to wrap them in blan kots for removal to hospital. The mother, too, showed fight, and attacked the officers with a Kiiirc-. The police allege that the family has been brought to degradation by drink. The father is a dock laborer, but lie is also a Bachelor of Arts; the mother is a charwoman, but formerly earned her living as a certificated teacher. The children have been removed to a place where they will be properly cared for.