The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-11-27

1 Mr. Charles A Massie. the agent of
the Prisoners Aid Society OF Washing
ton. is doing a large and noble work for
humanity. Although up 10 a few weeks
ago he was not an official of the Police
Court. the court would hardly have
known what to do without him for many
years past, as his presence and activity
enabled the quality of mercy" and the
4 further upbuilding OF good citizens to
/ outshine the mere eXactions of justice
! The Prisoners Aid Society has been in
/ existence since the Spanish war. Mrs
Mary F. Case az that time established
/ resting places and provided refreshment
/ for the soldiers in the city. in order to
/ keep them out OF saloons. and Mr. Msssle
and others became interested in the care
OF the soldiers. Mrs. Cases activity and
/ the discovery by Mr. Massie that
police station at that time was the only
1 place of refuge for the children who
were brought In from the street, was the
/ beginning OF the formation OF the Pris-
oners' Aid Society. Mr.. Massie has been
doing work among prisoners for twenty
eight years. The problem OF heredity
its tendency to evil among his proteges
has in himself proved an enormous
power for good. as his forefathers were
engaged in prison work.
In every case where a person has been
arrested for an offense against the Dis
trict. Mr.. Massie goes into the prisoners
cage, gets their story before the trial,
and their confidence also. if possible in
so short a time. Cases or lawbreaking
through ignorance, carelessness. and
where the one accused is young are
turned over to hir. Massie by the court.
He pays the fine II there Is one, and II
they live out Of the District sends them
to their homes. or finds the right shelter
for them. Saving young offenders the
close contact with criminals in prison
life is an incalculable blessing.
Character study Necessary.
Mr.. Massie's judgment and insight into
character is quite unusual and very
necessary in this work OF the money
which he has advanced 10 pay fines and
to return persons to their homes during
seven years time 90 per cent has been
returned TO him. and those owing the
remaining 10 per cent were in all prob
ability unable to reimburse him That
truth is stranger than fiction is well
substantiated In the tragedy and romance
told by hundreds of letters and teie-
grams which Mr.. Massie receives from
parents and children whom he has helped
and who correspond with him regularly.
These come from all parts of the world
and are filed with gratitude. This
Christ-like man succeeds In winning the
officers of the law to cooperate with
him in helping the fallen 10 forget the
steps already tTod and onward urge their
way"
To this work, regardless of differences
OF race or religion. Mr. Massie. who is
an Episcopalian. has given himself with
out remuneration for many years For
short time tha association was able 10
give him a small salary, but owing to
lack of sufficient subscriptions II has
been impossible during most OF his serv-
ice. the funds being all applied to the
wcrk-'and yet there is room"
On October II he was appointed chief
probation officer of the Police Court un-
der the law passed at the last session
of Congress, which provided for three
probation officers, one at the Criminal
Court and two at the Police Court Mr..
Massie's appointment, for practically
the same work he has been doing. car
ries with il a salary of $500 year,
well deserved reward.
Mr.. Massie is type of muscular Chris