Los Angeles Daily Herald

CLARA HUFF.

Locked Up on a Charge of Grand Larceny.

Clara Huff, a girl of 14, whose performances were chronicled in the daily papers a couple of months ago, was arrested yesterday on a fresh charge of grand larceny. She appears to be a natural thief and considering her youth and limited experience and opportunities she has managed to make a considerable record on the books of the police. She says that her mother taught her to steal at an early age, but this is vigorously denied by Mrs. Huff, who declares that it is an evil tendency in Clara, that she has tried in vain to eradicate.

About ten weeks ago the detective force of this city learned of a number of thefts which had taken place at houses where Clara had been at work as a domestic. The case was very clearly proven against her and she was taken in charge by Mrs. Watson, of the Girls Home, without any trial. While at that institution she managed to steal a watch belonging to one of the other inmates and then made good her escape out of the city. Her description was sent to San Francisco, where she was soon apprehended by the police and the watch returned to its owner. Clara was put in care of the Boys and Girls' Aid Society and remained at that establishment several weeks. At last she escaped and returned to Los Angeles. A kind-hearted lady who lives on Beaudry street, near Temple, learning of the case, and being given to understand by the girl's parents that she was anxious to reform and to lead a better life, agreed to provide for her and give her work to do. Before she had been at the place two days small things began to mysteriously disappear, and it was evident that she was at her old tricks again. Yesterday morning her employer missed a gold watch valued at about $50. She asked the girl about it but got no satisfaction. An officer was sent for and Clara was taken to the Station. The watch was found concealed on her person and no room for doubt as to her guilt remained. The charge of grand larceny was entered against her and she will probably be prosecuted under it, although youth will probably keep her from being sent to the penitentiary. All efforts at her reformation seem to have been fruitless, her conduct and very appearance being that of a professional criminal.