Connecticut western news., 1875-09-24
THE REGULAR DEFECTIVE.

THE REGULAR DEFECTIVE.
 What He Owes to Society and How He
 Pays the Debt--.some Interesting Inci-
 dents. A correspondent of the World, writing of the detective system, gives the fol lowing interesting incidents
 It is very hard to make the detective understand that he owes anything to society. His moral sense is never cul- tivated. He quite as often prevents 8 criminal from reforming. as he prevents justice from overtaking him.. Captain Young once told me of several cases where the stupid indiscretion of the officer had loaded society with outlaws. One was that of the well known One eyed Thompson, who eariy in, his career was saved from the clutches of the law by some friends, who raised 8 sum of money for him and sent him out West. He settled in @ thriving town on the border, and, changing his name, made 8 most praiseworthy effort to become 8 useful member of society. He opened a store, won the respect of the towns people, was actually made selectman, and was in a fair way to live long and die honored for his many virtues when sud denly he turned up on the streets here again. 54.aa@s astA t1s4a 5a> l.t l5,u.
 Halloo," says Captain Young, " thought you had squared it and was out West" '''
 '''Yes I thought so, too, says Thomp- son. ]" But it was no use !; one of your men did my business for me |" 51
 It seems that this detective, sitting on the veranda of the new hotel, opposite to the store which the reformed man had opened, "spotted him." sWeIl, I'm blessed if there isn't sOne-eyed Thompsonl' r" Some of the people guessed not. Oh, mol that was MT. Simpson, a respected and prominent citizen. ...-I...:.,..,.r ..',.'.. -.--
 "Oh ho it was, eh If that isn't One-eyed Thompson, the burglar, then I'll go back and join the church r"
 "All up," says Thompson /; "Im done for. Here am, captain. It was one of your men that fixed me p.
 And so well fixed was he that he be- came the most noted law breaker of his day. @'ftl 2a'.5n.2 al. .s' .":.
 It is the easiest thing in the world to hunt man down when he is trying to be honest with his own record against him.
 There is 8 case on record of a young man in 8 prominent dry goods house in this city who, in moment of tempta- tion, forged a check on his employers. It was peculiarly painful affair. The lad was well connected, and when the detectives made the discovery it almost broke his parents heart. However. after some trouble the matter was compro- misde. The father paid the money, and some mitigation of sentence was effect ed. With the stain upon him he started out to redeem his character, if he could. After wandering about for some time he obtained situation in New Orleans as entry clerk, and at the end of the year saw fair prospect of achieving success. His employers had confidence in him, and he had made numerous reputable ac- quaintances. , .
 One day, while on the sidewalk super intending the shipment of some goods, one of these New York men came along
 Halloo! you here?"
 Yes said this young man with his heart in his mouth. :..
 "What are you doing2"
 "Trying to earn an honest living !"
 It seems incredible, but it is true. The officer went straight into the store.
 One week later the young man was in New York. lr r..
 "God knows," he said, "I tried as hard as anybody could to be honest, but it's no use !'''
 Of course detective who had the slightest notion of his obligation as a man to society, to say nothing of his duty as an officer, would not have made this mis- take. -.. ........., ,.,.-..,
 And that reminds me of another case which ought to teach even police off, cers that discretion and kindness are not without fruits even in this business. Everybody in the force remembers Johnny Maas. He was pickpocket, and belonged to mob that worked on the west side. How he got into the com pany of these people it would be hard to tell. But he was an adroit and rather amiable thief that scarcely ever caused the force any trouble. It was customary in the days of the metropolitan police to lock up all the pickpockets and "guns ' when there was to be great celebration or procession. They were merely ordered to the Central office, and there kept until the city was restored to it's usual quiet. Johnny Maas only need l GU GO pO UO SO 1O A1OtSAc1 uSh1 GC1o tO IC- port himself there promptly. He was 8 young man, rather slight in build, and somewhat taciturn.
 To the surprise of the superintendent, he came to the office one afternoon and inquired when all the special men would be in. He was told he could see them in the morning. When the morning came he was there. After the roll was called the superintendent said: "Now, Johnny, the men are all here if you wan to speak to them"
 He got up from the corner in which he was sitting, and wringing out his cap with his two hands, proceeded to address them in a faltering and abashed manner
 "Well, you see, I've concluded to square it. You've been pretty rough on me for some time, anu I've got sister that's got the heart disease, and she's took it inter her head that she'd live a bit longer\if as how I'd do the right thing, and told her I'd make a try of it and if you men Il gimme hand why dont mind makin' it go. I don't want to git 'thsi cholera no more, and I if the gal i'll live bit longer on my ac- f feona*1 am willin'.' Y ,.- -oi..,..-... I All &bo y,,o,, xuo,,% TIT, o,ad ehno% hon1s