The San Francisco call., 1896-11-16
DEDICATED IN
MERCY'S CAUSE
Salvation Army Farm for
Discharged Convicts
Sanctified.
Hundreds Gather Near Martinez
to Witness the Simple
Ceremony.
Home and Employment offered to Un.
fortunates Who Would Lead
Better Life.

MARTINEZ, CAL, Nov. 15.-Convicts
released from prison, outcasts, the de-
graded; men who have been sentenced for
the first time TO years of servitude and
disgrace behind prison walls and iron
bars, have now home "a home in which
they can rest in peace; can hide, in their
shame, from the eyes of the merciiess
world and work until their crimes have
been forgotten. Then they can again go
out among their fellow-men, and, if they
so will, live upright and honest lives.
In this institution the ex-convict has q
true friend at last; he has known but few.
The Salvation Army is that friend, and
the Golden Gate" farm, situated in the
picturesque hills near Martinez, is his
home. 1t was dedicated to-day by Briga-
dier Keppei, Adjutant ]. r. McFee and a
corps OF salvationists. 1t is now ready to
receive those who are willing to accept it
in preference to a life of degradation on
the streets.
Dedication is an unostentatlons word,
but it meant much yesterday to the little
army which assembled on that convict
farm. Prisoner, there is salvation for
you," they sang out under the trees, and
that is the rock on which their hopes for
the future stand, prisoner, there is saliva
tion for you."
The dedication was simple but impress
i've. Residents from miles around came
10 watch the salvationists as they sancti-
fed the home on bended knees. Prayers
were offered, sacred music was played and
last of ali words of thanks to Him who
gave the salvatlonlsts strength to save.
Rolling hills Drowned by the sun, or
chards with ruddy foliage preparing for
their winter sleep, barren vineyards al
most obliterated by masses of tangled
weeds, cottage and a warping barn now
crow, hideous to look upon, stands guard
over plat of land where grain or corn at
one time grew, but that was long ago. But
where there is now only chaolic desola-
tion, with the return of spring, under the
hand of the tillers who have erred and
wish 10 reform, fruits and grains will
ripen, order will be restored, and If pre-
dictions prove true a more contented
union of mankind will be hard TO find.
The best Influences will surround the
men who labor to regain the honor they
had lost. Officers OF the Salvation Army
will be constantly in charge. One will
/ instruct the men in farming, another
will attend to their spiritual wants. Be-
sides all these blessings the farm will be
self-supporting. An account will be kept
/ ior eacn man. He will receive credit for
the value of his labor, and his supplies
will be furnished at the lowest possible
| figure. Men will be trained as orchard
lists, blacksmiths, farmers and cattle
raisers. All of the hay and grain raised
on the farm will be fed to livestock, not
sold. It will not be many years before
the outcasts' home will reward the army
! by paying dividends, which will be used
again 10 help those suffering.
When the men have shown that their
character has been re-established, that
they are forging ahead and not slipping
back into old loose ways, permanent en-
ploynent will be found for them outside
the farm. When a position is secured tor
one of these me n the employer is told the
story of his life, but no one else. The
employe, knowing this. will be more
than usually anxious to lead an homes;
lite and gain the confidence of those with
! whom he associates.
Many men convicted of crimes have
after leaving the farm succeeded in life
and the farm offers hope for them all.