Los Angeles herald., 1906-03-09
CAME UP FROM
LOW EST DREGS
DICK MANNING TELLS STORY OF
HIS REDEMPTION
After Experiencing a Condition of
Utter Degradation His Sense Of
Manhood Is Awakened at
Rescue Mission

Many had been the conflicts on sea
and land in the former checkered
career of Richard Manning. Aside
from the battles he had fought and
won for his country, this young man
frequently engaged in personal COM
bats and at last gained the victory by
the unconditional surrender to Il
band of mission workers in Los An
geles.
The life of "Dick" Manning is
fraught with varied experiences. as a
soldier in several wars, a deserter from
the United States navy, and con-
summate tramp. But these have been
changed to life of Christian fortitude
and a bright example of human integ-
rity.
In answer to questions regarding
some of his experiences, Mr.. Manning
said last evening:
Served Under Many Flags
"I was born in London, England.
and when / became of sufficient age
L enlisted in the English navy during
the China Japan war in 1894. In 1897
1 came to the United States and joined
the navy in the Spanish-American war.
After the close of that war 1 went to
fighting scouts. After 'bushwhacking'
around there for some time 1 returned
to the United States and re-enlisted in
the navy"
At this point Mr. Manning looked up
with his countenance full of expression
as he said:
II became involved in trouble with
my superior officer and deserted the
navy, which caused great change in
my life. Thrown on the mercies of the
hard world without money. friends or
helpful reputation, 1 started my down.
hill career as a full-fledged tramp.
From New Orleans 1 beat my way on
the trains to nearly every prominent
city in the United States.
Il fell in with hardened trampS and
my life was a constant disgrace. l
would pick up a little work here and
there, but the money I received for it
was spent in drinking and carousing
and everything went to the bad.
Was a Human Wreck
"I kept this up for about one year
and at last landed in Los Angeles, a
human wreck Here. as in other places,
l had no money nor friends and it
seemed to me that I had about reached
the end of my rope. ] had become ut
terly disgusted with myself and every
body else. [ pondered my condition
as an outcast and a deserter from the
navy and decided to choose that which
I considered the least of my daily tor
ments by giving myself up to the au-
thorities and taking my bitter medicine
as a deserter. And so I surrendered
to the police of Los Angeles, stating
my condition of affairs. l remained ir
Jail three days and was turned loose
with no action against me except that
Of being branded as a hardened tramp.
II was reduced to pitiful state of
degradation, but it was better to keep
on the move, and in almost hopeless
despair I wandered along North Main
street. Reaching the Union Rescue
I went inside and attended
the service. 1t seemed to be just the
place for poor mortal like myself to
get some good with the kind treatment
given to all present. Before left 1
was converted.
This was the glorious turning point
of my life, and too much praise cannot
be given to the Union Rescue mission
at las North Main street. I was drawn
to a glorious redemption of my many
sins there.
Conscience Troubled Him
soon after my conversion I went to
work for the Los Angeles Gas COM
pany, but I did not feel satisfied as a
Christian with the desertion from the