The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-27
THE EX-CONvICTS COMPLAINT.
Dn. ELISHA HARRIS IN REPLY TO THE LETTER

DIR. ELISHA HARRIS IN REPLY TO THE LETTER
or GEORGE HENDERSON.
The letter of George Henderson. the exconvct.
which was published in the Complaint Book" of the
HERALD yesterday. elected good deal Of comment
in political and philanthropic circles and during the
afternoon reporter called upon DR.. Elisha Harris. the
State agent for discharged prisoners. At the time Of
the reporters visit young just discharged from
four years term in State Prison was in the rooms
Of the New York Prison Association. where he came
for and obtained assistance to so to the home of his
sister in St. Louis.
In response to query Dr. Harris said 81 have read
Henderson's letter in the HERALD this morning l
know Henderson. The name is his prison name
or the name under which he was convicted and
sentenced. He belongs to . good family in Phila-
delpha. but his criminal associations are all here
Henderson is man of ability, and can fill any posi-
ton in commercial or banking house, and. notwit
standing he has written letter which does great
injustice, should be very sorry to do ything to
prevent him from obtaining confidence and respect .
"why do you think he wrote the letter p the re-
porter asked.
"His motive is plain enough to me-" DIR. Harris
answered. s'He wished to make q sensation and he
has succeeded So far rs tho HERALD ia concerned
think it right to print the letter, especially it
was printed in connection with calm and consider
ate editorial article The sentiments of that article
are.my own
"Am l to understand you ~ denying the facts p
the reporter qucried.
..As denying them. certainly; but explaining
them WELL man like Henderson may be honest
in his allegations and his the result of his
diton or circumstances. Much that he says is true.
1t is easy to induce the rest Of the community to
take the ex-convict by the hand to rcpose conn.,
dence in his promises of reformation. We do every
thing can toward facilitating the return Of these
men society Ii is the practice of tho association
to send them to their homes and, you saw. just
now paid the fare TO st. Louis of the young man
who was here when you in. There he will be
with his sister, and trust will do we'll. Whenever 1t
IL possible assist them to obtain employment but
it must not be forgotten that have to deal with
as many a thousand cases month, and think we
always deal with them courteously and kindly, and
generally with intelligence and to their advantage
''Why was IL you wrote to Henderson suggesting
that he go at to Philadelphia without tarrying
in New York at all p the reporter asked.
the Complaint Book !" the Doctor said "Crcum-
stances dictated that note. He not without
money when no lett prison. aud was certain to be
kindly received at his home in Philadelphia. As his
criminal life here this was. OF all places the
him 10 avoid. did not want him to run the risk OF
falling in with any Of his former companions and to
keep him out of their hands was perhaps, the best
assistance could prefer him."
I'm response to - further query DIR. Harris said
Henderson il man who believes the state
him living" aud indicated. although he did not
directly assert that the convict expected the state
to procure for him y position OF responsibility.
for which he could not be recommended. Il have
the greatest respect for hts abilities" tho Doctor
added. "and SO tar as capacity Is concerned, he can
fill any position
An ailusion being made to the of Charles
Fisher Dr. Harris warmly commended the course OF
Judge ottcrbourg. 'He did himself great credit by
his patience, considerations and mercy"