Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-10-05

cast him off. Could not Mr.. Massie find
him PLACE of employment?
A jockey from Nashville, Tenn, who had
one of his legs amputated. the result of a
kick by horse, and was subsequently
abandoned by those who brought him to
this city from his native place, informed
his mother of the society and it's work in
behalf of the unfortunate, and the mother
writes or telegraphs to the agent almost
daily, asking that her boy be sent back at
once, never, apparently, taking into con-
sideration that II is a long distance between
Washington and Nashville and that rail-
road companies expect pay for the trans
portation of passengers. So the stories
could be multiplied, almost without limit.
Work of Society Discussed.
Speaking of the work of the society. Mrs.
Russell chairman of the executive commit
tee, said to a Star reporter:
ut is definite organized effort for pris-
oners. wherever found, instead of the in
definite individual work that all confess
has brought forth so little fruit. 1t is a
work both of prevention and rescue. the
motto of the society being Definite efforts
for definite results 1t is a pleasant break
in the dark monotony of a prisoners life
to see kind face and hear a kind WORD,
but If, at the end of the kind words and
good advice, there is promise of the
helping or sheltering hand in that darkest
home that will ever come into mans
life, when he steps out into the world
with even the boughs of the trees singing
prison bird in his ears, there Is but little
goood done
THE impossibility of help of this kind
being given by individuals is becoming more
and more apparent to all those who have
been trying to do unorganized work for this
most unfortunate and unhappy class.
Many upon being released, go out and try
until they discouraged themselves.
They go to those who visited them in pris-
on only to find greater discouragement
when they find those who so kindly adj
cannot help them to find a way to regain
foothold in the world: and they soon
come to believe that the older inmates
have told them, that there is no place in
Duty OF the Committee.
1t Is the duty of the committee of visit
ors to become thoroughly acquainted with
each prisoner; to encourage each to an eff
fort to redeem himself by kindly oversight
while they are in prison and a promise of a
neip1ng and sheltering hand when released
Ihey are met at the expiration of their
sentence by the agents of this society, and
sent to their homes--to friends who are
willing to become responsible for them. If
they had no friends or homes to which they
can be sent, employment is found for them
If possible temporary home, where food
and clothing are given them until work can
be found.
THE society does not believe it is we'll to
mix prisoners together, but prefers to scat
ter them where among new associations
they will forget their old life and make a
determined effort to be firm in their prom
fses of reformation. To this end they are
sheltered and cared for as long they
trying to do right, and aided in their eff
forts in making an honest living.
This work no individual or unorganized
effort could accomplish, either as safely or
economically as this society, with it's thor
ough equipment for the purpose. Five
young men were recently received by the
agents at the expiration Of sentence or by
release procured. One was found profitable
employment here, where he has made a
very fine record: one was sent to New York
and three to the army. All these, with a
possible exception of one, would have been
homeless and penniless in Washington but
for the aid of this society.
"A number of young girls and women,
who have been sent to their homes, have
sent letters back to the agent telling of
their happy life at home and their deter
mination to remain there. Others have
been sent to the reputable reform and char
liable homes of Washington"