New-York tribune., 1886-05-03
HELPING INTEMPhRATE PAUPERS.
GOOD WORK ON BLACKWELLs ISLAND.
A TEMPERANCE SOCIETY JOINED BY MANY woRB-
HOUSE INMATES.

TEMPERANCE SOCIETY JOINED BY MANY WORE
HOUSE INMATES.
In the chapel of the Work house on Black
wells Island 500 mon and women inmates OF tho Work
house, were gathered yesterday afternoon nj q
temperance meeting Tho temperance move
ment IL feature among the Islands
institutions. few years ago. in tho days
OF tho ten Governors" the Wokhouse on Sunday was
the headquarters tor pleasant social gatherings OF the
"GoverDors" OF the several Institutions The banquet
came to have n reputation among tho local political
chieans IN the city, and tho vinagcs In Its cellars
were Known TO a select few rs among the choicest.
Things have changed in, to the mind OF the politicians
these later degenerate days.
SUPERINTENDENT william II. Stocking. who was ap-
pointed last January, has organized the temperance
work among the inmates. under the permission o the
Commissioners OF Charities and Correction There are
no more banquets sdebonrds in the workhouse.
The new superintendent is puzzle to the Keepers and
attendants who have held positions in the Institution
under the old order OF things Ic Is OF NewEngiand
stock-a tall slender man, with quiet man
ner, with blond hair ana blue eyes.
When no was appointed IL was reported that
he was a minister ami had been missionary IN Iorsa
The attendants wnkcd themselves at the prospect OF
the new superin tendent But 1t appeared that Mr.
Stocking had served as a soldier through the that
when his blue eyes flashed hc meant what he saii and
that he could command as well IA preach.
Ju February he talked with some OF the IN
mates Of the Institution after the regular services
were over and suggested the orsanzaton OF temper
ance ASSOCIATION meet Sunday afternoons. IL
a. Attendance was made voluntary on the
part Tnc services consisted Of speaking
ami sngiug. after which pledge was circulated More
fy signed the pledge at the first meeting, ana the
attendance and the signers have steadily increased
Officers were elected, Mr. Stocking president, the
Rev Father Defour vice president and DR. W. Wood
ward ~ secretary over 1.2OO inmates have signed
the pledge each Sunday shows accession 10 the
uuubers They have been addressed on different sun
days by Robert Wilson. OF the Father Matthew Temper
ance society, Major Cole. or Chicago, VI. B brown
Jud-e Pttman Chaplain Eigerton. and others. Dr.
Howard has promised to attend some or these
meetings aud has taken special interest IN the work
Ny purpose" said Mr. Stocking yesterday "s TO
Orsanize temperance work among the unfortunate
ncr-ous VINO come now that will he OF some practical
value them. Ii Is an entirely secular WORK. The
prisoners VINO leave the ias and the states prisons
after long terms cared Tor By societies. but these
renple whom for short terms Of five or ten
DAYS I find have been almost entirely overlooked by
temperance other societies. Yet nowhere viii such
attention do good Tho inmates are not
sent here because OF crimes. but because OF mis-
iemeanO.s. resulting in most OF inc cases
from lntemnerance Three hOnTs afler leaving tho
Island these and women VIII meet with those In the
civ ick their old associations
an shape their future A great many VINO come here
are young people and open To lntuence at such
time, IN will prevent them from beco ming ptuprrS
and criminals With the AID of temp and church
reach ard provide FOR many of these persons"
the result OF u few months work, Mr Stocking
that H. has already received evidences that nahy
going away have held TO their pledge and nave
started a aud better life. The meetings are to De
held every Sunday.