Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1911-04-04

those who languish forlorn and hone
less in prison cells,
Little did they know that It might
be Jimmy Valentine, No. 1899. who
was to teach them that the soul of a
man Is an unquenchable spark that
not even years Of oppression and
degradation can lastingly dim when
the spirit wills that they shall not.
And just now there came a knocking
at the warden's door that porteuded
much for No 1889.
The warden's secretary went TO the
door opening from the office into a
waiting room where visitors were re-
ceived. He returned to announce,
Some members Of the Gate Of Hope
society, and they have the lieutenant
governor and his niece with them"
The lieutenant gOvernorT ejacu-
later Handler. "Fay."
"Yes."
whats the Gate Of HopeY asked
Doyle.
"a gang Of women tryin' to release
from prison convicts they believe are
I innocent" said the warden.
The detective smiled.
At Handlers order Smith summoned
the callers, Doyle making his exit.
THE lieutenant governor" pondered
Handler. II t0oHder II there's any
leak about those contracts for sup
plies"
Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Webster Of the
society, middle aged women of pleas.
ing appearance, came in, followed by
Rose Lane, the lieutenant governors
niece. and that official himself. Miss
Lane, a young girl of unmistakabie
charm and beauty. held close to her
uncle's side.
"Mr. Handler" spoke Mrs. Webster,
I'VE come today with u famous hu.
manitarlan. Lieutenant Governor
Fay" she pronounced, inclining to-
ward that official.
Governor" said the warden bow
ing. The lieutenant governor shook
Handlers hand and presented his
niece. The party seated themselves,
facing the warden.
1--WE have come here today" said
Mrs. Moore. Ito again ask that men
be not forced to make confessions
while imprisoned here that may be
used against them when they leave
here. We understand that through
the pressure that can be brought to
bear on the inmates in these insttu-
tons they can be made willing to con-
fess to crimes they never committed"
what do you mean?" queried Han
der
"Oh, we understand that by depriv-
ing prisoners Of their proper allow
ance Of food and of small privileges
they are allowed. and by bullying con-
duct on the part of the men In charge
of them the inmates can be led to
make false confessions involving
themselves or others. This lnforma-
ton is used against the men after
they are released as well as against
men who are at large whom the po-
lice desire to lncriminate."
"No one is ever forced to confess
anything here, madam" protested
Handler
But | know
Pardon me, Mrs Moore" inter
rupted the lieutenant governor, rising,
~ do not think that in your zeal you
realize what you are saying" He ad-
dressed the warden. 1T seems how
ever. that these well meaning ladies'
have evidence that certain man here
did confess some offense to a--a'-
'"ro a STOOL" commented Handler
"Am | responsible for the detectives
who have men working inside the
prison for them?'
by stool you mean
"A stool pigeon. decoy. They win
the confidence of prisoners and tell
what they learn to the detectives"
Mrs, Moore here went on to state
that in Sing Sing and in all prisons
were confined many innocent men and
that in any event released men should
be encouraged to live honestly, should
be given a chance. They ought not to
be pursued and bounded into being
spies by detectives anxious to make
record for securing convictions re-
gardless of the truth Of the testimony.
One reason the woman advanced for
her stand was that a man who be-
came a spy or decoy must associate
continually with men and women of
questionable character. thus rendering
1t impossible to secure or much less
remain In honest employment.
"Bosh" exclaimed Handler as she
ceased. "These folks we get don't
want to live straight, won't live
straight, can't live straight when they
get on the outside. First. they're all
lazy; second, most of them are In.
sane.
what would you coll man." con-
tinued the warden. "who does some
thing the law fOrblds, does 1t when
ever the opportunity offers without a
chance of gain? What do you call a
man who does thing for the love OF
itY
AN artist" answered Mrs. Web
ster.
Artist! Then I've got lot Of
them" laughed Handler sarcastcally.
We'll to me they are insane"
To Rose Lane the adventure was ex-
tremely interesting. Finally succeed
ing in gaining her uncle's consent to
her accompanying him on a visit to
the great prison. she was now seeing
q little sectlOn Of the dnrker side of