Helena weekly herald. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1867-1900, 1883-07-26
A CHARACTER OF HISTORY.
From the Hall of Representatives to
the Penitentiary-"An Original Story
fold by the Hero Himself.
louisville Courier-Journal. |


George Harper was arraigned in the Cir
cult Court yesterday on two indictments
charging him with stealing as many over
coats. When the name was called an old
man with hair as white as snow answered
and came, forward. He acknowledged tax
ing the coats, but begged the privilege Of
making statement, which was granted
him. He presented quite a venerable ap.
pearanees4as he arose to address the jury
His motions were not ungraceful, and his
manner of speaking evidenced the fact that
he knew what he was about. He is
rathersa fine looking man, fully six feet
and stands very erect, his hair, which is
very thin, is perfectly white, as is his mus
tache, which was the only beard worn. 1t
was evident that Mr.. Harper had not al
ways been in his present condition, and it
was also quite evident to many that, no
matter what he might once have been, he
had now become professional" To the
jury he. said. Gentlemen, it is somewhat
gratifying to me- to see that some of you,
like myself, are in the sere and yellow leaf
Of life; that your locks are thick with the
snow Of years. But of myself 1 was born
in Philadelphia, little over sixty-two
years ago, of most respectable parentage.
My father was prominent merchant there
he was,a gentleman, and l have been gen.
tleman. was fairly educated, and when
just grown l taught school several years. 1
had an intimate friend-William A. Newell
who went from my district to Congress
through his influence l was appointed a
messenger at the Capitol and served in that
capacity for two terms, and was one of
those who carried John Quincy Adams from
the room when he fell dying upon the floor.
After l left there ran for time as conduc-
tor on a railroad, and, leaving that position,
/ took another on the Pennsylvania Central,
where 1 staid for nine years. next took
position in the Philadelphia Custom House
at 81 day continued in politics thirteen
years, beginning on this salary of 81 day
and ending on salary of 500 day. 1
could not stand success, never could, and l
got away with all the money made and
lost my position. I then took a position on
the Philadelphia police force; was one of
Mayor Stokey's first appointments. Stokey
was Republican, and while it may not
help my cause with you, must tell you
that am a Republican, and have always
been. I was then taken sick with acute
rheumatism, and lay five months in great
suffering. Twas then appointed Visitor for
the Poor of the First District of Philadel-
delphia; following this was made one of
the twelve guards Of the Custom House,
where staid but nine days. AS dernier
resort 1 took place as attendant at the
House of Correction, and my wife truly
remarked to an inquiring friend, He began
life in the House of Representatives, and is
ending it in the House of Correction
have wife and four children, but they can
not help me. Inever was up for committing
crime before. had concluded that I could
make some money here by speculation, and
oy hard effort scraped together nearly
S1O0. came here and tumbled up against |
4 faro bank; first won $40 and went away
out l could not stand success; returned,
md at two o'clock in the morning got up
without cent. AS left the room saw an
,vercoat lying there, and 1 took it because
mad nothing with which to buy me bed |
md something to eat. Gentlemen, am an
I'D man with one foot in the grave, and I
appeal to you for mercy, not for justice, for
feel that that would deal hard with me, but
or mercy"
The jury gave him the lowest term, one
'ear in the Penitentiary.