The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1890-12-31
Reforming Bad Boy.

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A veteran Philadelphian detective, who was
in reminiscent mood, told Press reporter
this story:
Ten or twelve years ago man who had been
schoolmate of mine came TO me and said
NY friend. I've got a bad boy, very tad boy.
Neither his mother nor myself can do anything
with him; he has grown entirely beyond our
control, and fear he is past redemption.
want to see if you can do or suggest anything
that will lead to bis reform. / would rather see
him dead than have him continue his present
course
"a few questions brought the whole story
from the father. Only short time before the
parents had discovered that their son had been
playing truant from school for two whole years,
and had spent the time on the streets. For two
or three years he had stolen money from his
parents, and used it to provide liquor and to-
oacco for his gang. In addition, he pilfered
from his home books, clothing and small arti-
Giles or furniture.
II told the father that if he would place the
case absolutely in my hands thai 1 would under
take TO change the boys habits l went to a
magistrates office, where obtained q warrant.
charging the youth with stealing, and other
crimes, and recitlng that he lad got beyond the
control of his parents. Sses
That same evening wa liked past the corner
on winch the gang usually congre9ated. Six
orelght toughs were standing around and right
In the center OF the group was the boy was
after, with a cigar protruding at an impudent
angle from one side of his mouth. / grabbed
MIN oy the throat and jammed him up against
tne mousse Then pulled him violently toward
the gutter and placed the bracelets on his
wrist, using him as roughly as sknew how.
Il took my prisoner to the station house near
by, where cast HIM in the darkest cell in the
basement Of the old building, all the while
Keeping up my rough usage. / then told the
turnkey to extingulsh all the lights in the cell
room, and instructed him not to 60 near the
prisoner or allow any one else to see him.
AT midnight the turnkey heard whimper-
ing noise from the boys cell, pleading to be
allowed to go home. Summoning into my tones
ali the brutality could command, called him
all the names could think of and wound up by
Selling him by the throat and thrusting him
downstairs and into his cell, treating him as
though he was desperate criminal resisting
arrest.
His sobs could be heard all night. and in the
morning the turnkey showed through the open
ing IN his cell cup OF water, q chunk of hard
dry AID somewhat soiled bread, and bowl of
muddy. half-cOld coffee, The following night
his crying and sObbing was kept up but not
human soul went near his lonesome cell.
On the second morning the prisoners little
brothers and sisters were sent down to visit
him. While they were talking to him through
the bars of his cell door went down. and, with
oaths and 81 eat display of violence, drove
them out of the place.
That night the father paid his son visit,
and. as previously arranged, requested me, in
the herring of the boy, to be allowed to take
him home. This request brutally refused. On
the third morning he fell on his knees before
me, weeping Dltter Tears ana pleading to be al
lowed TO go home. He swore he would never
disobey his parents or steal from them again;
that he would go to work and keep away from
bad companions.
Il saw that his spirit was thoroughly broken,
and THAT he was sincere in what he said, so |
sent for his parents, brothers and sisters and
the magistrates to come at once to the station
house. They soon arrived, and painful scene
ensued: The boy threw himself on the floor
before his parents and Historically begged and
pleaded to be allowed chance to reform. He
made the same promises to them that he made
TO me. and at the earnest request of his father |
agreed for the present to forego the prosecu-
ton OF the case against his son.
maintained my assumed severity to the
end. took the warrant from my pocket, and
addressing the father, said: I will let the boy
go home on condition that be allowed to re-
tain this warrant. At the first sign of @ return
to his old habits will pounce down upon him,
and nothing will then save him from prison
The father acquiesced, and the boy assured me
that would never have occasion to serve the
document.
Now for the sequel That boy went to work
in his fathers factory and has worked steadily
ever since. To-day he is partner in the bust
ness and mainstay to his father"