The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1898-11-23
CONvICTS' HOME.
Mrs. BallingtOn Booth Will
Establish One.
Rescue Home in the Outskirts
of Chicago
TO BE HOPE HALLNO. 8
Addresses an Audience of 1 200
UnfOrtunates
At Joliet Penitentiary and
Tells Her Plans.

Chicago, Nov. 23.-Mrs. Darlington
Booth delivered an address to 1900 con-
victs at the Joliet penitentiary yester-
day and gladdened their hearts with
the announcement of the intention of
the Volunteers of America to establish
a home for ex-cOnvicts in the outskirts
of Chicago this week.
Mrs. Booth is known among the con-
victs as the Little Mother They are
always glad to hear her, as was evil
denced by the crowded chapel
Her pathetic stories frequently
brought tears to the eyes Of the harden
ed criminals, who gave her their undi-
v1ded attention from the beginning to
the close of her address, and as often
as her kind words of encouragement
were spoken they brought forth loud
applause. She talked for over two hours
and spoke of the new proposed Hope
Hail and of the work of the Booth
Prison league.
Mrs. Booth. in opening her address
said she was glad once more to have
chance to meet them face to face and
heart to heart to discuss those great
questions of prison life and the ultimate
success Of her plans. She spoke of her
late sickness and said, THE giving back
of my life is more than ever to give 1t
to those I love-
In speaking of the new Hope Hall she
said the public should not know the To-
cation of the proposed home and the
boys would not be stared at when once
they entered there. No detectives, no
policemen, and no citizens would ever
be allowed to enter Hope Hall No. 3,
which will be established almost solely
for the benefit of the Joliet ex-convicts.
She asked all when they get out to
come right to Hope Hall.
Hope Hall will be for all men who
want to do BETTER she said. You
know believe that those within these
walls can make success. The success is
right here with you and we can prove
that the power of God can save. If you
Eao
to the some old rut and come back here.
Now is the time to get ready for the
future, make new man of yourself
There are just three words to leave
with you, Freedom, fulfllment, and
faithfulness.' "
She urged upon all to ''fulfll' all
promises and be Faithful during the
balance of their lives.
Mrs. Booth was accompanied by her
private secretary, Miss J. V. Hughes,
Captain F. Mccormick, and Lieutenant
H. Marden of New York city, who has
charge of Hope Hall No. 1 in that city
and who will take charge of the home
to be opened in Chicago. Music was
furnished by the prison orchestra, ana
Mrs. G. P. Harlow sang Consider the
Lilies
At the close of the meeting over 100
convicts rose for prayers. The Booth
Prison league is strong at the prison,
as there are over 500 mem bers in the
Joliet penitentiary.
In the afternoon Mrs. Booth spent her
time in visiting the cellhouses of the
male convicts and the inmates of the
female prison, where there are so wo-
men confined. She spoke to all in a
cheering way, and spoke of Hope Hall
as the proper place for ell to come who
want to lead better lives in the future.
Mrs. Booth will make a public an
nOuncement of the plans for the prOpOS-
ed home for the ex-cOnvicts from the
platform of Central Music hall this
evening as a prelude to her address on
prison Reform Major McClaughry
will preside at the meeting.
Ten thousand convicts are claimed by
Mrs Booth as her friends. She receives !
hundreds of letters weekly from men |
who declare they want to lead cool lives |
after the penitentiary gates swing open |
for them, and she wants to extend a |
helping hand by offering a temporary
asylum, where the prison birds can be- |
come citizens again and look for en- |
ployment.