The Raymer enterprise., 1915-08-26

sarily already caring for some of its delinquent
citizens
The important thing for these men. and for
any community into which they happen to come,
is not what they have been. but what they will
become II given an opportunity. The question
as to where they were born. and why. when and
where they were imprisoned, fades in the face
OF the pressing need for work and a chance to
prove their worth This need the Central Howard
association is seeking to supply The fruit OF Its
endeavors Is shown not only in the number OF
men 1t has encouraged. advised and aided In
material way. but in the continued and rapid
changes taking place In public sentiment toward
the offender and in the new freedom given to
those in bondage everywhere.
One of the finest tributes ever paid the Central
Howard association is contained In the following
which came unsolicited from a discharged
prisoner whom the association had once be-
friended:
"A little more than year ago ! was dis
charged from a prison In New York state, where
had jus, finished serving term for highway
robbery committed in New York city. There |
was born and there | had for number OF years
pursued criminal career.
Before obtaining my freedom had resolved
to reform, to get work. and lead an honest life
My best efforts to get Job OF any sort we're
unsuccessful so about month later left New
York. with Ave dollars In my pocket and an un
broken resolution to stick to living on the
square
Last October | arrived In Chicago on q Wa
bash box car-ragged and frendless-after a zig
gag chase OF that willo o-thewisp. a job. cover.
ing over two thousand miles. In couple OF
days the few dimes | had were gone for food
and lodging. So that | presently found myself
homeless. jobless and broke.
In casting about for means OF obtaining the
material with which to write East In an endeavor
TO get some money | decided to ask a prison
association to oblige me in this regard.
search of the city directory yielded the ad-
dress OF the Salvation Army Prison bureau. Go
ing there ! told the officer In charge that | was
an ex-convict and would appreciate the favor OF
writing materials. etc. He said that there were
no facilities there for writing That | would per
haps find better accommodations at the Central
Howard association, He very courteously in.
vited me to return to his office II | met with
failure there
'On the twelfth floor OF large Office building
in the heart OF Chicago found the Central How.
ard association
1T was my lucky day-in that small suite Of
Offices was to find more than | consciously
sought or from my previous experience had been
led to hose for
"On explaining my errand briefly, Uttered
table was cleared for me Pen, ink and paper
provided; no questions asked. and proceeded to
write for two hours. When finished and pre-
pared TO leave ! was called into small private
onice You are stranger here? Looking for
job Have you a place to sleep tonight, to
eat! The men who asked these questions gave
me money for my supper. lodging and breakfast
and told me to come there In the morning. That
he would then send me to some places where |
might get work
i left there that late afternoon with heart
beating high with hope. with new grip on my re-
solve to stay straight
NO word had been spoken OF REFORM no men.
tion of religion made. no machine made charity
doled out. no maudlin pretense there, but instead
the square dealing OF practical help and under.
standing
The next morning | was given several cards
and directions Each card bore an application
for work addressed to an employer specifying
the job sought and my name. Each bore the
signed recommendation of F Emory Lyon, super.
intendent of the Central Howard association
The European war was on. business unusually
depressed and jobs more than scarce Every day
went there for these cards until finally secured
job. Every day for two weeks | found the
same unfailing willingness to help me get work.
Every night was given money for food and
lodging Every day many others were receiving
the same help and encouragement
Chicago may well be proud OF the work of this
prison association; OF the work OF Doctor Lyon
and his assistants The reform of criminal is
generally considered rather hopeless proposi.
tion both by the public and by the criminal him.
self, and with good reason. That good reason
is that the spirit and efficiency OF the Central
Howard association Is rare indeed"