The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1899-10-20
M'cLAUGHRY AND A CONVICT.
B~w the WelI-KnOwn Chicago Chief
of Police Won One Mans
Allegiance.

Maj. r. w. McClaughry, who recently
resigned from the wardenship of the
Joliet penitentiary to accept like po-
sition at Leavenworth, Kan had Cne
champion on the Chicago police force
who, up to his death, few years ago,
would fight for him at any time.
This officer was an eN-cohvict, and
served his sentence of one year for
larceny at Joliet during McClaughry'
| first administration as warden. Upon
his release from prison the young man
returned to Chicago, where he had
many friends who were willing to give
him helping hand. The offense for
which he was sent to prison was done
more in the spirit of boyish prank
than any criminal intent, but he was
in the company of an ex-copvict at III"
time, and but for that fact he might
have escaped with a short Jail sentence.
Soon after his return to Chicago he
got position in wholesale house, and
he applied himself to the work with
more than ordinary energy. He attend
ed church regularly, something he did
not do before going to prison, and every
act proved him worthy of the confidence
placed in him by his friends.
Time went on, and he made applica-
tion for position on the police force.
According to the rules of the depart
ment no man who has ever been con-
victed of felony can become police
man, and in order properly to fill out
the application blank he had to perjure
himself. The signers of his application
were men of prominence in ward poll
tics, and he had no difficulty in secur-
ing his appointment. He was stationed
at downtown crossing when Maj. Nc
Claughrey was appointed chief of police
under Mayor Washburn in 1891.
One day the policeman was recog-
nized by an eX-convict. They had
worked together in the same shop in
prison, and the policeman had. once
whipped the other fellow for abusing a
crippled convict. The opportunity to
get even with the bluecoat for the chas-
tisement given years before presented
itself, and in less than an hour a COM
manding officer was told of the police
mans Imprisonment at Joliet.
Maj. NIcClaughry sent for the officer,
and when the latter entered the chiefs
there, Maj. McClaughry instantly rec
ognized him. The officer did not deny
his identity. He looked his chief
squarely in the face and said:
"Chief, it is true; l have been con-
vict in the Joliet penitentiary. l was
sent there some years ago for a crime
for which the severest punishment
ought not to have been more than 80
days in Jail. was the victim of circum-
stances; still l have never complained.
l served II long months for my youth
full folly, and it is unnecessary for me
to tell you my prison behavior. Friends
induced me to go on the police force,
and l have performed my duties faith
fully as an officer of the law. am mar
ried and the father of three children
1t is for my wife and little ones that
plead. You have the power to discharge
me from the police force, and perhaps
send me back to Joliet for committing
perjury. | am an eX-convict; treat me
as you think you should be treated
yourself if our positions were reversed"
Tears were in the majors eyes. He
rose from his chair and, grasping the
policeman by the hand, said:
Go back to your crssing, officer, and
so long as you behave yourself you need
have mo fear of losing your position
while l am chief,"-Chicago Inter
0ceon