New-York tribune., 1913-05-25

ing
.-~N OSSIBLY the impression has been conveyed
@e@GbA from what has been said that the walled
N4AWp2 City might just as appropriately De C'tG'
EQR~ the City Of Gloom. If 50, this should pe
E0SNHS corrected. 1t is true the inmate rarely
4Slng5 forgcts that he IS a prisoner, ana ne may
60EA-S ask frequently TO be allowed to leave the
EgG&O City; but with great number OF the
chronic cases this asking IS really only
q rncaningess habit If the gates OF the City were To
be thrown open and the citizens told that they were
free 10 leave. many would decline the offer Many
others. impcled by habit would take advantage OF tine
opportunity they had been seeking 50 long; put Gy
ngbtfa large number OF these older citizens would
have returned If they could find the way, gId 10 DC
safely back in their familiar surroundings where they
were sure OF warm room, warm bed ana plchIy 81
food And vet the first citizens TO come troopng bck
would ,robablv be the very who had been most
persistent in their requests to be allowed TO leave
In one City Of my acquaintance there was an old
patient known 20 everyone as FRED, VINO hal Deel "
citizen for q score Of years and was one OF the characters
Of the place He had become a simple childish, but APP
parcnv perfectly happy old man. And yet he never
let dav pass that he did not stop some officer and ask
10 be given his liberty Frequently he would not even
wait to receive answer; but pass on. smiling as al,
WAYS satisfied apparently with having asked his usual
question But day the superintendent as an ANTS
Ing experiment surprised the old man by granting ms
You can go il YOU wish to, Fred" he said; but,
mind YOU, you must go Immediately and never come
back"
Frcds countcnancc fell at once, and he began TO
hedge But how can ! go without money: he asked.
The stipcrintcnlcnt took bill from his pocket and
handed 10 him. telling him 10 hurry of the grounds
boior. he recalled his offer. The old fellow, unable 10
think Of any more excuses for going, shuci 10 the
door went slowly down the steps and started along the
road in the direction of town. walking slowly with ms
head dropping. apparently rcgcttng every step that
w4, taking him farther and farther from the building
Nothing NOR. was heard 81 him until almost supper
time when "a very 5hccpsh oli figure seen hanging
about the entrance o. the building. He was told by the
,itc,..pcr who pretended not 10 know him. that no
body but citizens are allowed remain about the place
Then the old man asked ucckly II he might bc allowed
- ,c. the iiprriutcnlcnt and after more waiting the
request WAS granted But that officer was oblurate.
H. had granted Frcl's request IN good faith, he SAID
and had given him money The City was altogether
-, crowded 40 rate and another man had already
been found 20 hll his place
As al this seemed 20 De IN perfect seriousness, Fred
was i'm abicct misery He begged cnrcatci and prom
5cl al 10 purpose Then he took another tack and
became indignant. What right had the superintendent
o. refuse him admission hc. Fred Wohng who had
worked for years without pay IN the City: lie would
see all his years Of labor 10 count for nothing
H. would go town. hunt mp Judge, and compel the
superintendent 10 take him back
The picture drawn by the old man Of going before
Judge and demanding admission 10 the Walled 'ly was
severe strain on the assumed gravity Of the officer
At last with seeming reluctance, he agreed 10 let Fred
return on probation. with the understanding that the
first time he was heard % mention anything about get
ting out to anyone be- % be turned ont Of the place