The Columbia Democrat. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1837-1850, 1845-04-26
Number Ho1

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Yon may make useful and respectable men
lyel.' lie took care TO place them away
from the conlagion OF these mos, hardened
ia vice, and from time 10 time. he praised
their good conduct, and spoke 10 them en-
IcouragingIy Of Ihe future Afler while.
he proposed 10 the board OF inspectors to
recommend them 10 the Governor for par
don. He met with some opposition bur
finally his arguments prevailed. and he
and another gentleman were appointed 10
wait on the Governor, His request was
granted after considerable hesitation, and
that only on condition that worthy men
could be found who would take them as
apprentices. Friend Hopper took the
Responsibility and succeeded in binding one
Of them TO respectable tune, and the 9th.
erso carpenter. Afer giving them much
good advice, he told them TO come to him
whsnever they were in difficulty, and TO
consider him father. For a long time
they were in The hab, Of spending their
leisure evenings with him. and were pleased
10 come IN and listen to reading Of lnstue~
tive books.
These brothers became respectable and
thriving mechanics, married worthy wo-
men; and brought up their families in the
paths Of sobfiely and usefulness. la the
days Of their prosperity Friend Hopper in,
iroduced them 10 the Governor, as The lads
he had been SO much afraid to pardon The
magistrate took them by the hand most
cordially, and thanked them for the great
public good they had done by their excel.
len, example.
Patrick M'Eeeper, poor Irishman in
Philadel phia, was sentenced to be hung
for burglary. For some reason or other
he was repreved at the foot cf the gallows
and his sentence was changed TO len yeals
imprisonment lie was a man OF few
words, and hope seemed almost dead with.
ID him. but when Friend Hopper, who
'ecame Inspector during the later par, Of
his term talked 10 him in faIherly man.
his was evidently touched by the voice
Of kindness. After his release, he
returned to his trade and conducted in a
very sober and exemplary manner. Friend
Hopper often spoke TO him wotds Of friend.
y cheer, and things wero going on very
satisfactorily, when robbery was com.
mIled in the neighborhood, and Patrick
was Immediately arrested. His friend
went 10 The Mayor,and inquired what proof
there was that he committed The robbery
No proof; but he is and old convict, and
hat is enough TO convic! him. was tho
answer.
Nay, il is not enough replied Friend
Hopper He mas suffered severely for the
crime no did commits & since he has shown
he most sincere desire to reform, it never
ought to mentioned against him, think [
know bis state of mind, ana ! will take the
responsibility Of maintaine that he is not
guilty. But 10 all his urgent solicitations,
he received the answer, he is an old con.
vic,. and ihat is pnOuUh I
The poor fellow hung his head and said
N tones of despSr. Well. then must
make up my mind to spend Ihe remainder
If my days in prison.
Thou wer. not concerned in this rob-
berry, vert lhou!' said Isaac, looking con.
'tanIy in his face.
Indeed was not. God be my witness,
want 10 lead an honos! life, and be at peace
with all men. Bat what good will 'im
10! They will all say, He is an Old con
vict, and that is enough
Friend Hopper told him that he would
stand by him. He did so, and offered To be
bail for his appearance. rhe grs.lude of
the poor fellow was overwhelming He
'obbed like a child. His innocence was af-
lgr%ords proved, and 10 the day Of his
death, he continued virluous and useful
citizen What ou!d have been his fate, il
no friend had appeared for him! Il every
human heart bad refused 10 trust hin?
s.-.saazz.SHz1r@s