New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-01-20
MRS. BOOTH TALKS.
THE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL CLUB OF
TEACHERS COLLEGE EAGER
LISTENERS
PRISON MISSIONARY WORK DESCRIBED AND
GREAT HOPES EXPRESSED FOR THE Es-
TABLIsIMENT OF A HOME FOR
THE FRIENDLESS


The Social Club OF the Teachers College gave
a reception yesterday from to D. m. The
kindergarten room WAS prettily decorated with
holly. and refreshments served during the
afternoon. The Reception Committee consisted OF
Miss Mary Brush. president Of the Social Club:
Miss Gertrude Adams. Miss Mary Calhoun. Miss
Corning and Miss Kelly A large number OF guests
and members present. the most distinguished
being Mrs. Darlington Booth
Before the reception Mrs. Booth gave In the
lecture hall. an interesting and touching accoun.
Of her work among the convcts. For long time
she SAID 1t had been her earnest personal wish
to work in this direction. but. while connected
with the Salvation Army other duties had claimed
her and the way had not been opened When
Providence had brought about the separation from
the Army. she waited still for definite call
That call came In the invitation sent to her last
summer by the prisoners Sing Sing TO go to
talk to them.
II went. gladly gladly" said Mrs Booth,
but talked very little. My heart was too full.
and burst into tears One after another Of those
men began to weep. some silently. some with a
strong mans sobs. Even the Wardens tears flowed
freely. There a good deal more crying than
talking at that meeting. I assure you. but peg
haps 1t did quite much good From that time
every man seemed to feel that I his friend.
and knew that at last my prison work had be-
gun. or the eighty-six who that day ex-
pressed their determination 10 lead new lives.
not one has fatere1.
"A remarkable testimony the value of the
work in prisons Is found In the reply OF the War
den OF Dannemora to a who wrote. asking
If he considered 1t of any real benefit. The Warden
wrote that discipline easily main
tanned. swearing and vile language were notice
ably essencd. and the men who seemed impressed
In the beginning had not gone back 20 Indifference
in single
When I decided to establish a Home where
friendess and homeless men might come wnen tnsy
left prison." said Mrs Booth. II consulted the
men regarding its name and Hope Han IL their
selection 1t is TO he the door of hope to them
These men must be lifted. said of them
to me-a man Of education and refinement, yet
serving term In prson-'Mrs Booth. Think OF a
shipwrecked crew trying 10 swim ashore. bat
til < with the until the rocks were gained.
tnen to have those shore beat off the cold:
ocean, Yet that Is what society does TO us. who.
for one sin. find way TO this dark place. No
one will trust us, will give us a chance
to hold on and help ourselves up 10 Gods earth
again.
''It Is true Society is responsible for the con-
tinuance in crime of many man who has eft
prison resolved reganing his forfeited place.
Rejected thrust out. at last with hopelessness
comes desperation and then--there Is a confirmed
criminal where there might have been "a man
poyment those whom send 10 them. and II
is impossible estimate what may he done. Let
every man and here ask what they can
do to help. and such impetus shall go out from
YOUR hearts shall re-create human Souls now
cropping into the light"
Mrs. Booth wears button which Is the badge
of the Prison League society OF tD members
all convicts except Mrs. Booth and her private
secretary. go
The next address before the Social Club will be
Y A