Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1879-03-12
The Power of Kindness.

Patrick Mckeever was poor Irish
man. " no lived in Philadelphia many
years ago. lie was arrested on a charge
of murder, convicted, and sentenced TO
be hung. | am Ignorant of the details
of his crime, or the cause that led to 1t.
But there were probably some palliat-
ing circumstances; for when brought.
seated on his coffin. in the death-cart'
To the foot of the gallows, in company
with another criminal, he was reprieved,
and the other was hung. His sentence
was changed to ten years imprison-
ment; and this was eventually short
ened one year.
During the last three years of his
term, was one of the Inspectors of the
Prison, and | frequently talked with
him in a friendly, fatherly manner.
He was a man of few words, and his
hope seemed TO have all died out; but
| soon saw that his feelings were touch
ed by kindness.
After his release, he Immediately
went to work at his trade, which was
that of tanner, and conducted him
self in the most sober and exemplary
manner. Being remarkable for capa-
bility, and the amount Of work he could
perform, he soon had plenty of employ
ment. He passed my house every day,
as he went to his work. and | often
spoke to him in friendly and cheer
ing manner.
Things were going on thus satisfac-
torily, when | heard that constables
were out after Patrick, on account of a
robbery committed the night before. |
went straightway to the Mayor, and in
quired why orders had been given to
arrest Patrick Mckeever,
because there has been robbery
committed in his neighborhood, re-
piled the Mayor.
"What proof is there that he was
concerned in it?"
None at all; but he is an old con-
vict: and that il enough TO condemn
him."
at is not enough, by any means,
replied |. Thou hast no right TO ar
rest citizen without a shadow OF proof
against him; and in this case | advise
thee, by all means, to proceed with
humane caution. This man has atoned
severely for the crime he did commit;
and since he wishes to reform, the fact
ought never to be mentioned against
him. He has been perfectly upright,
sober, industrious, ever since he came
out Of prison. / think 1 know his state
of mind; and | am willing to take the
responsibility Of saying that L believe
him guiltless in this matter.
The Mayor commended my benevo-
lence, but was by no means convinced.
To all arguments he replied:
"He is an old convict; and thar is
enough"
watched for Patrick as he passed to
his daily labors. and told him that the
constables were after him for the rob
berry that had been committed. The
poor fellow hung his head, and the
light vanished from his countenance.
"well," said he, with deep sigh, 81
must make up my mind to spend the
rest of my days in prison."
looked earnestly in his face, and
said, Thou vert not concerned IN this
robbery, vert thou?"
"No. indeed, l was not. God be my
witness, / want to lead an honest life,
and live i'm peace with all men. But
what good will that do me? Every
body will say, he has been in the State
Prison, and that's enough"
did not ask him twice; for l felt
we'll assured that the poor man had
spoken the truth. l advised him TO go
directly to the Mayor, deliver himself
up, and declare his innocence. This
advice was received with dependency.
He had no faith in his fellow-men.
81 know what will come Of it," says