Judsonia weekly advance., 1915-08-25

sarily already caring for some of its delinquent citizens
 any community into which they happen to come, is not what they have been, but what they will become if given an opportunity. The question as to where they were born, and why, when ana where they imprisoned fades Ill the race of the pressing need for work and chance to prove their worth This need the Central Howard association is seeking to supply The frult ot US endeavors is shown not only in the number oi men it has encouraged advised and aided III material way, but in the continued ana rapiu changes taking place in public sentiment towaru the offender and in the new freedom gwen eo those in bondage everywhere.
 One of the finest tributes ever paid the central Howard association is contained in the following which came unsolicited from discharged prisoner whom the association had once be- friended
 "A little than year ago was ofs- charged from prison in New York state, where I had just finished serving a 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 I had resolved to reform to get work, and lead an honest dfe
 My best efforts to get job of any sort were unsuccessful so about month later left New York; with five dollars in my pocket and an un- broken resolution to stick to living on the square.
 Last October I arrived in Chicago on Wa bash box car-ragged and frendless-after zig gag chase of that will-o -the-wisp, job,i cover ing over two thousand miles. In couple or days the few dimes I had were gone for food and lodging. So that 1 presently found myseir homeless, jobless and broke.
 "In casting about for means of obtaining the material with which to write East in an endeayor to get some money, l decided to ask prison acsociatiOn to Obge in this regard.
 A search of the city directory yielded the ad- dress of the Salvation Army Prison bureau Gc- ing there I 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 courteousy in- vited me to return to his office if l met with failure there
 "On the twelfth floor of large office building in the heart of Chicago 1 found the Central How ard association.
 Tt was my lucky day-in that small suite of offices I was to find than l consciously sought or from my previous experience had been led to hope for.
 "On explaining my errand briefly littere table cleared for me. Pen, ink and paper provided no questions asked, and proceeded to write for two hours. When I finished and pre- pared to leave I called into small private office. You are stranger here? Looking for job? Have you 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 to some places where might get work.
 T left there that late afternoon with heart beating high with hope, with new grip on my 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 I 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 a job Every day for two weeks I found the same unfailing willingness to help me get work. Every night I 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 a 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 indeed" anged to an engers of the world and unon thorn