Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1844-12-31
EFFECTS OF WELL APPLIED KIND
NESS


with the Boston Courier, speaking of the
Association recently formed for the relief
OF discharged convicts, relates the follow
ing ~. III.
Isaac I. Hopper. whose life has been
one long lesson oc practical benevoIencc.
related few highly interesting incidents
which occurred while he was one of the
inspectors of the Philadelphia prison. The
cordial response he received from the au-
dlence showed how ripe the public mind is
Tor humane and salutary changes in the
treatment Of criminals.
lie said that Mary Norris, n middIe.aged
woman, who had been frequently recon
mllted to prison, on one occasion begged
him to iniercede for her, that she might 90
out. =" am afraid thou wouldst come back
again soon," said he. :.
!, Very likely, | expect to be brought
PACK soon," she answered, with stolid in
difference Of manner.
"Then where will be the use Of letting
thee out?"
Il should like 10 go out. 1t would seem
good to feel free little while, in the open
air and the sunshine" -
But if thee enjoys liberty so much,
why dost thou allow thysef to be brough,
back again?"
How can help it. When go out OF
prison, nobody will employ me. No res
pec'able people will let me come into their
houses. | must go to such friends as
have. If they steal, or commit other Of
fences, shall be taken up with them -
Whether am guilty or not, is Of no con-
sequence nobody will believe me inno-
cent. They will say, She is an old con-
Wet; send her back 10 prison; that is the
best place for her. o, yes. expect to
come back soon. There is no use in try
ing to do bet.er.'
Much affected BY her tone of utter hone
lessness, Friend Hopper said: "But If |
could obtain steady employment for thee,
where thou wouldst be treated kindly, and
be paid for thy services, wouldst thou real
y try TO behave well?"
Her countenance frightened, and she
eagerly replied, "Indeed would.''
The kind-hearted Inspector used his in
fiuencc 20 procure her dismissal, and pro-
vlded place for her, as head nurse in n
hospital for the poor. She remained there
more than seventeen years, and discharged
the duties of her situation so faithfully, that
she gained the respect ard confidence of
all who knew her.
He likewise told the story of two lads,
one fifteen ard the oiher scventee who
had been induced by bad father 10 swear
falsely, to crafty his own revengerul feel
ngs. They were detected, and sent 10
prison. When Friend Hopper saw them
arrive at dusk, handcufed and chained to-
gcther. their youth and desoate appearance
touched his compassionate feelings. s.Be
of good heart, my poor lads" said he.
You can retrieve this one false step, if
you will but try. You may make useful
and respectable men yet" IIo took care
10 place them away from the contagion Of
those more hardened in vice, and from time
70 time, he praised their good conduct, and
spoke to them encouragingly of the future
After while, he proposed to the Board of
inspectors to recommend them to the Gov
ernor for pardon. H. met with some oppo-
sltion, but his arguments finally prevailed,
and he and another gentleman were APP
pointed to wait on the Governor. His re-
quest was granted, after considerable hest
latlon, and only on condition that worthy
men could be found VINO would take them
as apprentices. Friend Hopper took the
responsibility, and succeeded in binding
ono OF them 10 respectable turner, and
the other to n carpenter. After giving
them much good advice, he told them to
come to him whenever they were in diff
Guilty, and TO consider him Il father. For
long time they were in the habit of spend
ing all their leisure evenings with him, and
were we'll pleased to come in and listen to
the reading of instructive books. These
brothers became thriving and respectable
mechanics, married worthy women. and
brought up their families in the paths oil
sobriety and usefulness. In the days of
their prosperity, Friend Hopper introduced
them 10 the Governor, as the lads he had
been so much afraid TO pardon. The ma
gistra.e took them by the hand, most cor
daily, and thanked them for the great
public good they had done by their excel
lent example.
Patrick McKever, a poor Irishman in
Philadelphia, was many years ago sem
fenced TO be hung for burglary. For sonse
reason or other, he was rcpreved at the
foot of the gallows, and his sentence was
changed to ten years imprisonment. He
was man of few words, and hope seemed
almost dead within him; but when Friend
Hopper, who became inspector during the
latter part of his term, talked to him in Il
fa,horly manner, his heart was evidently
touched BY the voice OF kindness. After
his release, he returned to his trade, and
conducted in very sober. exemplary man
ner. Friend Hopper often spoke 10 him
words of friendly cheer, and things were
going on very satisfactorily, when a rob
berry was committed in the neighborhood.
and Patrick was Immediately arrested =
His friend went TO the Mayor, and inquired
what proof there was that he committed
the robbery. " No proof; but he is an
old convict, and that is enough to condemn
him." was the answer.
shay, it is not enough" replied Friend
Hopper. :" He has suffered severely for
the crime he did commit; and snce he has
shown the most sincere desire to reform.
II never ought Ia he r,sntinncd apains. him