The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-06-05
REFORns AND RESULTS.

We are hearing a great deal IN these latter
days-when philanthropy is pluming its
wings for sublimer flights, when prison con-
gresses deliberate upon the future of con-
victs, when prison discipline is discussed
with a view TO the substantial reform of those
who lave violated the laws of the land
about the duty OF society in af-
fording generous aid to those who
have paid the penalties of their
misdeeds to regain their forfeited positions
in the regards of their fellow citizens. The
purpose is evidently good, and commends
itself to the consideration of those who
would reduce the number of criminals by re-
formatory measures and thereby give greater
security TO their lives and their property.
But unfortunately in too many instances
professions amount to nothing, and the
liberated convict finds himself, no matter
how earnest may be his purpose to lead
better life, unable to again ingratiate himself
in the regards of those who have known of
previous infirmit1es. The case of OConnor,
of Ohio, is in point, and terribly suggestive.
The Washington Post, in commenting upon
1t seems to US that the treatment accorded
by a large and influential portion of the press
to the ex-convict who was recently member
of the Ohio legislature is not only cruel, but
impolitic-cruel because it is calculated to
crush one whs has made brave struggle; i'm
polite because it is a notice to all convicts
that their punishment Is cOextensive with
life, and that all their efforts TO atone for the
past shall count as nothing Society can not
afford such heartless policy. II there is
nothing in the case OF n man trying to
build up ruined life TO appeal to our bet
ter nature, there is something In it that
should appeal to our interest. Crimi-
mails are an expensive class. If we will not
let them reform, will not let them out of their
degradation by giving them at least a hope in
should remember that there is danger and ex-
pense i'm increasing the number of social out
laws. If their case, with all Its pathos. can not
touch the public heart, it certainly touches the
pubic purse. And when we see in a respecta-
bic journal filings and sneers and jeers at
"O'Connor's handouts" and "O'Connors prls-
and his readers do not perceive that in hunt
ing down and crushing out that
victs that they need not try to get
above the grade of criminals AS to the at
tempt to make political capital out of the fact
that man who had been in pen1tentlary
had been elected TO represent district In the
Legislature, il is not worthy of notice; but In
other respects the case is interesting. 1t is
that OF a repentant criminal brave enough
to break away from old habits and old as
soeiates, strong enough TO struggle upward
over ~ TuBBeQ paul, " CDHlthtC thC
struggle year after year, living an honorable
life. He not bound to display his past
degradation by advertising himself as an ex-
convict. So that his life among new associ-
ates was blameless. his past was none of their
business We do not envy any one who has no
appreciation of the motives and the courage
OF this man. He earned the respect of his fell
low citizens. and they chose him ms their rep
resentative in the legislature. Probably they
would not have honored hi a thus, or honored
him at all, had they known ais history. But
who will accuse him OF gaining the Office by
was not for what he might have been.
The event proves, however, that he made
mistake in accepting a public posi-
tion. His prominence occasioned the Sc
cret of his former career TO be exposed,
and from that moment the country has been
filed with the story of his shame. 1t Is a sad
lesson. 1t SAYS TO all who have fallen In
infamy, that they may never hope TO rise TO
honor: TO all who have worn chains, that they
must bear their clankiDg forever to all wfc