The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1892-06-30
PECULIAR CONVICTS.
Many of Them Refuse to Leave Prison
When Their Term Expires.

NHen Ierm EXPIRES
1t seems almost incredible that a man
who had served long term in the peni-
tentiary would refuse to leave when his
sentence expired, but such cases are not
uncommon. Not long since man who
had completed ten years sentence
asked permission to remain a while
longer. He had no friends nor money
and did not want to be thrown out upon
the world in midwinter He did not
know where to go or what to do, and
feared under such circumstances he
might be tempted to commit another
crime. This he did not want to do. He
said he had experienced a change of
heart during his imprisonment and had
resolved to lead an honest life hereafter,
and believing ''idleness leads to crime"
did not want to go out till the weather
was so he could go to work. He was
allowed to remain, but finally some of
The officials who took an interest in him
secured him job of work and he went
cut. He is staying close by his work, is
making a good honest living, and is
now more determined than ever to lead
an honest life during the remainder of
ais days. He can not now understand
why any one should ever commit
felony.
Speaking of this case the other day, a
gentleman said: "a majority of con-
gicts think they will live honest lives
when they get out. Some, who have
friends to look after them, do; but
others, who are thrown on the world
branded 'ex-convic t. have a tough time
Of it, and it is not to be wondered at
that they again commit crimes. When
they are released they are furnished
transportation to the country from
which they came. They have no money,
and, with no object in lew, they do not
know what will become of them.
Everybody knows they are ex-convicts,
and, as they have no one to recommend
them, they have hard time secur-
ing employment. People are nat
urally suspicious of them. They
finally become discouraged and in their
desperation commit a crime. are hunted
down by the officers and sent back to
prison. While this is the case with
some there are others who would not
lead an honest life if they could, and
could not if they would. They are nat
ural born crimin ais and nothing else can
be made of them. They never promise
to do better, but instead say they in
tend to 60 at their old trade as soon as
they get out of prison. They say they
have always been crooks and always
will be. For instance, a pick-pocket,
who served in nea rly every penitentiary
in the United States, boldly says he will
always be pick-pocket and take his
chances.
''But in order to give those a chance
who desire to ref orm this state lacks
something. That is home of industry
for ex-convicts. Then when a prisoner
is released he goes to this home. where
he works for wages. When he demon
strates he is willing and can work an
effort is made to secure him employ
ment elsewhere If employment cannot
be found for him Immediately he has a
home anyho ow and is making little
money, VIII lie at the same time the
home is pro fitting by his labor. He may
have friends in remote part of the
country w no would help him if he could
get to them. He does not want them to
know VIII ere he has been. He STAYS in
this home till he has earned enough
money to get to his friends. They re-
ceive him with open arms, render him
assistance, and he becomes useful citi-
zen. do not mean all convicts would
do this, but some of them would, and the
home would be self-sustaining.
Il could go back over the records OF
nearly half a century ago and show you
the names of men who have served IN
the Ohio penitentiary and who are
now among the most substantial men
of the state. There is prominent and
highly respected, subs tantial business
man in Licking cou nty who served a
term away back in the forty's. None of
his neighbors kno w he was ever in the
penitentiary. He has an interesting
family, and of course they are ignorant
of the misfortune which once befeIl
him. I am personally acquainted with
this man and know he is leading an ex-
emplary life. Ohio State Journal.
Caring for Plate Glass.