Merriam v. Star-Chronicle Publishing Co.

— This is an action for libel in which plaintiff sought judgment for $50,000 actual damages and $50,000 punitive damages. The ease was tried to a jury and resulted in a verdict for defendant. From the judgment rendered thereon plaintiff has appealed.

Plaintiff, May Merriam, was superintendent of the House of Detention, or what is known as the Children’s Building in St. Louis, Missouri, where neglected and delinquent children were restrained and cared for while awaiting trial or other lawful disposition. Defendant, Star-Chronicle Publishing Company, a corporation, is alleged, in plaintiff’s…