The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1874-02-09
Two Hundred Thieves In One Place.


oils during the past ten years the most
remarkable is tho mission OF "Ned
Wright" and his co-workers. A con.
verted thief devoting his time and en-.
ergies to retaining his former associ'
ates furnishes novel reading OF the
old maxim, "Set q thief 10 catch a
thief" Ned Wright was, until his
conversion ten years ago, notori.
ous burglar and felon. According 10
his own account, chance visit TO
special service held in Astley's Theatre
became the turning.point Of his life,
and from that time down he has been
actively engaged in mission work in
the metropolis and in many OF thelarge
towns OF England. His efforts have
been especially directed TO the reformA-
ton Of professional thieves, and in this
work an intimate knowledge OF the
habits, feelings and resorts Of thieves
has rendered II possible TO exercise an
influence for good over many whom all
ordinary agencies are unable TO touch.
Amongst other means employed has
been the giving OF n thieves supper"
or tea party, ut which some two hun
bred men and women would be brought
together TO receive counsel and admo-
milton, and upon more than one occa-
sion such meetings have resnltsd in the
reclamation Of q few Of the "stray
sheep"
One Of these gatherings was held in
Walworth. The company consisted en-
tirely OF fallen women, the only qualiH-
cation for admission being that the in.
diyiduRl should have boon convicted at
least once for felony. The difficulty Of
getting together 200 confessed female
thieves would appear TO be almost in.
superable, but the confidence reposed
in the promoters OF the mission, and
the Inducements held out, overcame all
obstacles. A good tea and a distribu-
ton Of provisions were offered to all
who accepted the invitation, and none
would be molested by tho police in
coming or going. Many OF the women
were personally known 10 Ned Wright
and his colleagues /; some were "picked
up of the streets" at night; others
were found in "thieyes' Kitchens and
low lodging.houses, and others were
reached through the information given
by their acquaintance. To each the
following invitation was given:
T" Southeast London Mission (wAlworth
BrAneh), st. John'B Chapel, PenrosO street
Gate West street,, WAlWorlh road, S.-Admit
TO the above chapel, Friday night, Jan. Q, at 6
only available for AfoinRle who has been con.
yietOd at least once for felony, and Is not
transferable. We propose providing q good
meal OF tea, bread and butter, and cake; after
which an address will be given. At the close
Of the meeting each person will DO provided
with az h. loaf and tin OF preserved meat.
Each person Is requested TO keep this ticket as
much out Of sight ~ poaaible.-Your friend,
for Jesus ChristA sake,
NED WRIGHT
Upon former occasion neglect OF
the precaution 10 "keep the ticket as
much out Of sight as possible led 10
unpleasant results and the almost en-.
tire collapse Of the meeting; for tile
police became aware OF the proceedings,
and detectives were posted in every
thoroughiare leading 70 the building,
the result being that the majority Of
the guests declined to attend and re.
turned TO their homes. The value Of
the movement has aimee been recog-
nized, to an extent, by the authorities,
and, rs far can be done, Ned
Wrights guests are permitted to come
and go unmolested 200 women were
present in the body OF the little chapel,
nearly all professional thieves, and four
probably made their first public appear
ance after confinement for seven years.
They were OF all ages, from IS up 10
perhaps 90 or 70, and a fair proportion
Of them brought infants In arms. One
or two OF the younger girls were tolera-
bly, well dressed, but the majority were
clad in manner which gave little in.
dication OF their mode OF livelihood be.
ing other than precarious. Ample
Justice was done to the tea, tables and
tablecloths being dispensed with. Each
guest had teacup and saucer in her
hand, and plate in her lap: and the
waste OF time in gossiping and clearing
tables was avoided. Ned Wright then
assembled the platform, accompanied by
a few gentlemen interested in the mis-.
sion, amongst whom was Colonel Beros.
ford, NJ. P. for Southwark. A hymn in
"The Pilgrims Hymn Book" small
compilation OF the "Reviyalist" type,
was sung, after few comments from
Mr.. Wright, and q prayer offered by
Mr.. Holder.
Colonel Berestord then stepped for.
ward and addressed the gathering in
simple, earnest language. He explain.
ed that he had been in the habit OF at
tending meetings Of that description,
but short time ago he sent IN invita-.
ton broadcast amongst the lowest
classes Of men in London TO come TO
tea OF his house, Upon that occasion
90 men came and at the suggestion OF
his daughter, he requested Ned Wright,
whom he had not previously known, to
address them. He did so, and the
meeting was most profitable one.
Such an effect was produced upon the
men that only three OF them entered
public house that night. He Colonel
Beresford) believed that drink was one
OF the most active causes OF destruction,
not only OF the human body, but OF the
soul, in our day; and only last year the
revenue OF the country was swelled by
three millions derived from drink. he
concluded by urging upon his hearers
TO amend their course Of life, and the
remarks were greeted with applause.
Ned Wright followed with an announce
ment that he intended TO endeayor TO
raise G2,600 TO erect commodious
chapel, and he asked for and obtained
promises from many OF his hearers that
they would attend It's service. The 9Th