The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1900-10-19
Mrs. Amelia Tarhers.
A Clever Criminal.

George P. Sage, as he was known here, but
whose right name is Horace D. Baker, made
clever address before the Prisoners Aid
Association at the Penitentiary last Sunday
1t will be remembered that he shrewdly
Vfctimized the Hartford National Bank Of
Bel Air in the spring of 1894 out of several
thousand dollars. His sensational arrest, es-
cape and recspture kept the the interest of
the public In excitement until his safe arrival
behind the bars to serve an eight year term
imposed upon him by Judge Dennis In the
Criminal Court of Baltimore. His term will
expire In few months and he will again be a
free man unless some of the other banks he
Is supp posed to have feeced will prosecute
him. This, however, is hardly likely and
there seems to be disposition to give the
man one more chance to try and lead differ
ent life.
His address on Sunday was so original that
we republish portion of it to show what an
intellect he possesses. What misfortune it
is that he did not turn his talents in some
legitimate career.
ait is theory of mine" he said, among
other things, "that In an institution OF this
kind the Intelligent men and the well-mean-
Ing men owe it to themselves and to their
fellow-prisOners to act in hearty sympathy
with every possible good work, and, as far as
tbs rules will permit, the most sincere loyalty
and active cooperation should be given to
every means and measure that will tend to
advance the interests of the inmates.
Zone reason why this association should
have our cooperation and cordial support is
that it is the only organization in the State
that is the friend of the prisoner. Others
may say the State, church and charity organi.
cation societies are friends of the prisoners
and in support of this position will point to
the large expenditures that have been made
to make US more comfortable and incident.
ally that We might be kept more safely from
| the people outside, who might break In, mo
| lest us and make US afraid.
81 have no hesitancy In saying that THU
BUILDING was not erected because of any
friendship felt for us by the State. Accord
ing to my observation, this building was Sc
| cured and finished only through the indefati
gable energy and the untiring zeal of on,
man, and II am to be grateful because
have light and clearly quarters, because cal
| get drink Of fresh water On hot summe
night without making as much fuss as Dive
did when he was In torment, because cal
turn over in bed without getting up and turl
around in my room without going outside
II am grateful for these and other con
veniences-and am grateful-my gratitud
is due to Warden John F. Weyler, who per
sisted and insisted that better and more com
modious quarters would probably help max
| better men.
SIT is doubtful II anyone can name
church In the State that as an organization
shows any real friendly interest In the prison
ers. We know of ministers who are friendl
aud who know that within these walls veal
ing this badge Of shame and degradation ar
men who are sincerely sorry for their mil
spent lives, ard while awaiting PATIENT
until the vengeance of the State shall hav
been fully satisfied they are earnestly Ell
desvoring by every means at hand to develo
ard strengthen the higher and better qualitit
OF manhood that remain in them. An apes
for India, Africa, tie heathens of China an
the islands Of the sea meets hearty respoDt
iu the churches, but for the outcasts of the
| own State. the sons and daughters born @
the soil, for these the churches have Z
: mercy, no friendship.