Marietta daily leader. (Marietta, Ohio) 1895-1906, 1901-02-07

person she awed them into respect; by
the force Of her intellect she controlled
them, and by the depth and strength OF
her sympathy subdued them. Sne
read and talked to them. The most
hardened were arrested; the most de-
graded we're inspired with hope; she
avoided touching on their crimes, and
made them understand she came not
to judge or condemn them These
frequent visits led to wise arrange
ments for their benefit. The Sheriffs
of London, and the officers of Newgate
gave their earnest approval to these
Christian efforts. "An Association for
the Improvement of the Female Pris-
oners in Newgate" was formed. This
wa. the tiny stream which was to be-
come a river. Two objects were sought
nurture and employment. The re-
suits were so manifest that disbelief
was disarmed and skepticism ibanished.
Minister'S, philanthropists, and states
men came from distances to witness
the change. Each obtained new ideas
about the possibility of reforming
Newgate criminals. The final result
was the radical modification of the
British criminal code. The most de-
graded and the most criminal were in
vosted with a new element. They were
regarded not merely as subjects of pun
ishment, but candidates for reforma-
tion. Her system required solitude al
night, complete classification of indi.
viduals, compulsory occupation, regu
lar instruction, and religious influence.
To obtain these advantages, larger
prisons, better lighted, better venti
lation and with rooms more suitable
for instruction and work were needed.
To give suitable response to pressing
demands made upon her, Mrs. FRY un
dertook journey to the more populous
districts of England to lay her plans of
labor, and the results that had accrued
from them before the people. These
labors resulted in astill more extensive
awakening of interest in prison reform.
Ladies Associations were formed in
England, Scotland and Ireland. extend
ing beyond the limits of Britain, and
associations of a kindred character
were formed in Petersburg, and in
other places on the continent. The
King and Queen of Prussia honored
her with their friendship, and concur
renee in her labors. She also received
consideration from the Courts of
France and Denmark.
Amid the financial troubles of 1 .l8
her husband suffered severely. involv
ing him in great losses, drawing after
them perplexities which tinged all the
rest Of their lives. Her health soon be-
gan to fail, and she was called to suffer
much she could no longer pursue the
rounds of benevolence. That work had
been committed to other hands. She
had one earthly desire. to visit Nor
wick and spend some time at Earlham.
The journey was ACCOMPLISHED with
difficulty, accompanied by her husband
and daughter. Here the friends of her
childhood crowded to see her; she was
taken to the old church and there
seated in her chair ministered to them.
with life and power. She was ever
cheerful, ever hopeful. Her zeal for
her work never abated. Physical in
ability only restrained her activity.
Her death occurred October, 1S45. Her
burial was after the simple form of the
Quakers, attended by an immense
concourse, all feeling they had lost i
friend.