Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1875-09-16
Reformation of Thieves.

1t 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 case on record of q young
man In prominent dry goods house in
this city who, in moment of temptation,
forged check on his employers. 1t 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 compromised.
The father paid the money, and some
mitigation of sentence was effected. With
the stain upon him he started out to re-
deem his character if he could. After
wandering about for some time he OBJ
tanned situation in New Orleans as entry
clerk, and at the end of year saw fair
prospect of achieving success. His en-
ployers had confidence in him, and he
had made numerous reputable acquaint-
ances.
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 doing?"
" Trying to earn an honest livingm
1t seems incredible, but it is true. The
officer went straight into the store.
weak Lot tha in
New York
" God knows" he said, q tried as
hard as anybody could to be honest, but
it's no use!'
Of course a 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 officers
that discretion and kindness are not with
out fruits even in this business.
Everybody in the force remembers
johnny Mas. He was pickpocket and
belonged to a mob that worked on the
West Side. How he got into the company
OF these people it would be hard to tell.
But he was an adroit and rather amiable
thief who scarcely ever caused the force
any trouble. 1t was customary in the days
of the Metropolitan police to lock up all
the pickpockets and "guns" when there
was to be a great celebration or process
sion. They were merely ordered to the
central office, and there kept till the city
was restored to its usual quiet. Johnny
Mas only needed to be told to go
to headquarters to report himself there
promptly. He was 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
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 want 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 faltering and abashed manner:
We'll, you see, I've concluded to
square it. You've been pretty rough on
me for some time, and I've got a sister
that's got the heart disease, and she's took
it into her head that she'd live bit longer
if as how I'd do the right thing, and
told her I'd make try of it; and if you
menll gimme hand, why, | don't mind
making it 60. don't want to git the
cholera no more, and if the gail live a
bit longer on my account [ am willin'"
All the men went up and shook hands
with him, and it was agreed that he
shouldn't have "the cholera" unless he
broke through his resolution.
About year after that, in the dead of
a severe winter, the Superintendent was
coming through Crosby street into Bleek-
er, and he met Johnny Mas. The fellow
was dressed in thin bombazine coat.
He was collarless, and his feet were out,
and he looked hungry, pinched and
wretched.
I'm glad you've kept your word,
johnny. But it's going pretty hard with
you, suppose to be honest?'
Awful hard, sir" said Johnny; sbut
[ told her I would, and l did"
"That's right Don't you go back on
your word. Stick it out. You'll have
better times by and by"
Don't you see that bank over Their es'
said the young man, pointing to the mar.
BILE building in Blocker street, "Well,
there amt money enough in that place to
make me go back. I'd rather go cold
and hungry and not be hunted-so l
would"
The midsummer one of the Long Branch
hotel proprietors sent up to the Superin-
tendent for man to keep an eye on the
thieves that hang around a watering-place
Z" | can get you man." said the Super
intendent, thinking of Johnny, "but I'm
bound to tell you he's been thief"
Then I don't want him"
Then the Superintendent told the story
have told, only he told it better.
Send him down." said the landlord
I" A chap that will do that ought to be
helped"
1t was twenty-five dollars a week to