Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1910-08-13
RAILROAD MAN
ON HARD ROAD
T. w. Campbell Sentenced to
Sixty Days for Begging
A Meal.
HE HOLDS A CLEAN RECORD
Papers show Him To he Member Of
B. q. T.-Enorts 10 secure
Pardon for Him.

7. W. Campbell So years Of age, a
clever looking old man, one who would
not be suspected of the charge against
him. is now confined in the city jail
serving out sentence OF go days.
Campbels was sentenced Friday
morning by Judge whitaker ON the
charge OF vagrancy. The old man was
brought into jail on Thursday, accused
OF begging on the streets. When asked
by the court for his plea, Friday he
rose 20 his feet,
'.Youi honor he said In a trembling
voice. Il guess l must plead guilty TO
this charge. But you see, your honor
I'm an old, crippled man. i've bteh
railroad man tor years. but m as
ablod. and / can't 90 the things 4 used
TO do when / was younger
The court attendants told Nun that
he must not Interfere with inc Mnee,s
OF Justice. speeding along, carrying on
their jusgernaut tires HhS souls OF
many such as he.
But your honor / just want to state
my case. | begged on the street, yes
sir but | was old, | was hungry
couldn't get work, 1 wouldn't Kill my
self What could / do?'
Sixty OOllulS OF ov udso ~ ge'f -
torted the court.
The old man sank back, abashed. His
shoulders dropped, and the tears came
into his eyes. lie looked pitifully about
the courtroom, with pleading look
that begged for the fellow fraternity OF
a friendly smile.
But the wheels OF justice ground on.
and the old man sat and listened, hear
ing only a constant refrain a. the races
and rpnasSe1 "siXtV DAYS. sixty
DAYS"
Seen later Campbell brought out his
papers authenticating his story. He
carries u card of the Brotherhood OF
Railway Trainmen, Ogden lodge. eS'
1904 He also has his clearance from
the last railway work he did which was
on the Tonopah & T1dewater railway.
The letter is dated Ludlow, Cal, Nov.
T. 1905 and states that he had worked
for that company from Nov. l, 1901
until November 4 1908. 1t also stated
that he had quit on account OF i'll
health. and that his services were sat
isfactory. In railroad circles this means
that the old mans record is clear and
that he, outside OF physical disability.
is eligible FOR reinstatement on rail-
road. The letter was signed by w. W.
Cahil superintendent.
II was while working on this railroad
that he broke his hip, which necessi-
tated n fiVe months retirement 10 IL
hospital He went to Hot Springs, Ark,
after recovering and then gradually
drifted TO this city. II is the first
time he stated, that he had ever been
in Jail i'm his life He has been here
only three weeks and is looking for
work. although his disability and age
make the search almost hopeless.
He stated he wants to work. that he
In not a vag. but an honest workman,
and he will willingly take any job that
he can get
L amt loafer." he proudly stated, |
as he lifted his dropping shoulders, Il |
amt I'm an honest workingrnan. I'm |
willing to work for what I get but |
this-this--" He looked about his cell |
In the prison and again his eyes filled |
with tears. The echo Of tears were In |
his voice, and no shook with the emo |
ton nc tried 10 restrain. ~ amt a
begging for nothing 7 asked a man on |
tho street the other GAY for the price |
OF a meal I wanted 70 eat. Amt this |
Gods country why can't eat? What
can / do?"
Friends are now interesting them
selves In an effort 20 secure the old |
man n pardon from the mayor. and the
matter will probably be taken up to-
day.