The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1928-11-23

OIAOACS, 6 4lSW oSAAVSAASS, NSANAS -
could give the eXpiation which he
offered but was not demanded.
He walked, one bleak day, to
prison gate, unaccompanied by
guards and knocked with his own
papers of commitment and demand
ed his right to become prisoner.
That is the prison part of his
career. 1t did not last longer than
appeals, fostered by Comstock, his
prosecutor, could reach President
Wilson and there was parole.
Hicks, free from the bigger load,
faced life at nearly so with his back
ground as a libility and his con-
science and his purpose as his
assets.
He made a promise to himself
that he would devote his life to pre-
venting frauds, that he would make
it impossible for other youths to
become corrupted as victims into
the temptation of such as had been
his, that he would protect the great
mass of helpless and hopeless from
sending their badly needed dollars
to trickSterS.
Kept Up Struggle
A little printing plant in this city
offered him the job of editing a
magazine devoted to this end. He
took the job. Its owners soon lost
faith and after three months Hicks
was placed upon his own resources
to carry on.
There were times wher Hicks
went hungry to maintain that little
struggling magazine. There were
dark days when he saw only dis
aster. But he kept on.
Each month his magazine, carried
an exposure of some crooked
scheme Especial attention was paid
to schemes that seemed to offer
employment, but were traps for the
dollars of the needy.
The demand for the magazine
grew. 1t was not all exposure In
each issue were articles carrying
the spirit of hope to the hopeless.
1t was sold only on news stands.
Hicks had a permanent policy of
never taking regular subscriptions.
The readers must want each issue.
They could stop reading by stop
buying
Exposed Fraudulent Ads
In his advertising columns was a
more than careful scrutiny. He was
cautious as to those he permitted
to buy his space If he made a
mistake and he found later that
his advertisers were using sharp
methods, he forced restitution.
For half dozen years he was
the greatest aid to the postal de-
partment in stopping frauds.
One day, the dividing line between
penury and prosperity was passed
and in few months the money
rolled in to his Offices in amazing
volume. Hicks had not wanted
money, but it was his
Communities which needed
churches found him. There are
thirty-three church buildings made
possible through his aid. And two
years ago, on a visit to Honolulu,
there was presented a great need
and his dollars built home for
unmarried mothers.
Aided Wheeler Mission
In this city, which once was
rather dubious in its welcome, he
became an outstanding factor. The
hotel in which the testimonial din
ner will be given tonight is the
most comfortable in the state. It
was built as a donation to civic
spirit rather than a commercial en-
terprise.
When the Wheeler Mission in In
dianapolis needed a new building,
Hicks subscribed generously But
he made conditions. His money
was to be spent on rooms for the
homeless. He believed that refor-
nation can come only when the
body is warm and the stomach full,
and that this ministry must precede
those of prayer and advice.
Recently he sold the magazine.
Tonight the new owners will be on
hand to name him editor emeritus,
a continuing inspiration and adviser.
But as for Hicks. Well, whatever
wider fields he sees ahead, whatever
other citadels there are to conquer,
may be revealed tonight.
DRESS BETTER ON CREDIT
H g. r. Clothing Co., 90 E. Ohio