New-York tribune., 1901-04-26
HELPING THE PRISONER.
THE "TOMBS ANGEL" RECOUNTS SOME
OF HER EXPERIENCES IN ASSIST
ING THE CRIMINAL CLASS.

Notwithstanding the rain q large number Of per-
sons assembled yesterday afternoon in response 70
the invitation OF Mrs. J. Warren Goddard. No. %
East Fifty-seveIth-st., 10 listen 70 account OF
the work Of Mrs. ]. A Foster in the Tombs. Mrs
Foster, who is better known the 'Tombs
Angel recounted some Of her experiences IN the
last sixteen years IN trying 10 help the criminal
class OF and children Of this city. Without
She help OF the justices, she said, her efforts would
be OF avail but in every case she has received
their encourag agement and support, not Of them
ever being TOO busy 70 listen 10 her. Her work
began. she explained by accident. She had visited
police court in behalf of a boy untustly accused
While there she found girl in even greater need
Of help, and her work in that direction has never
since ceased. She narrated many instances which
illustrated her daily rounds Of benevOlence in en-
couragtng the discouraged, helping the families Of
men sent 10 prison getting work for who are
discharged and looking after girls and women
whose sentences have been suspended. and for
whom she is made responsible by the justices.
Not the least Of her efforts for young girls
charged with petty thefts Many OF these she
said, come from country homes and receive small
wages. Like all girls they desire 10 look pretty
but have no TO tell them that the thing TO
make them prettiest is modest conduct and an
upright life
To the girls and women leaving prison she gives
presentable wearing apparel, in order that they
may be able 10 find honest work An old man not
long ago arrested for attempted suicide He
had been eating out OF barrels, and decided that
cit not worth while 70 try TO live He came
before the court and through Mrs. Fosters inter-
cession his sentence was suspended and he was
turned her care. She took him 70 lodg-
ing house run by philanthropy. and the first night
he was there he was found by his son. who had
not seen MIN in thirty years. who had read the
story in the papers. The old is now mem
be found.
More money is needed for her work each wear
Mrs. Foster said, because the demands con-
+ EtantIy increasing. She gives
OF work employment In making up material into
garments. and these given TO the destitute.
+. From June TO October she furnishes ice all
{ the city prisons.
Justice Hinsdale. OF the Court of General ses-
sons. paid a tribute Mrs. Fosters work. and
clared that in their official capacity she helps the
justices as much as they do in her capacity OF
persons who have mad sentences suspended - him
upon her recommendation have come back on his
hands,
District Attorney Philbin echoed the senti-
ments, and said that Mrs Foster uses legitimate
efforts, and never attempts 70 interfere with the
course Of justice. He has never known her 10
preach nor heard OF her being aggressively
ligious. To all, and Christians and those Of
faith, hs said, she extends a helping hand.
a. " Hadden IS chairman OF the Friends
Court" committee, little band OF personal friends
OF Mrs Foster their object being 10 raise $3.50
! port of expenditures Mr.. Hadden stated that Mrs.
Foster made during the last year III visits, helped
~ prisoners and eighty-ohe prisoners Iathlhesi
eighty-three persons were sent 10 their homes in
this country, two girls 10 germany a woman and
child Italy. girls TO Ireland ana one each TO
France and Bermuda New shoes were given 10 80
persons Among other items $i63 se was spent for
prisoners travelling expenses $3.50 q Tor 1000 sol
eor rents slg 30 for in the prisons S52 3S for
lodgings and $50 70 for coal and wood. 70 salaries
are paid Mrs Fosters work being entt- ely voun-
tary and gratuitous. The object OF the meeting
tinuance Of the enterprise. Gifts Of clothing old
s or new should be sent Mrs. ]. A Foster. al the
Torabe. Money should be addressed 10 her al ihe
Park Avenue Hotel
Among those present were;