Securing Employment.
During the last two years there has been no difficulty in finding work for any able-bodied man. There are some disappointments, but we are learning not to become discouraged. Possibly we may allow ourselves to dwell unduly on the failures, when we should recall the many instances of reclamation. The saying “Once a crook, always a crook” has no place either in our experience or in our philosophy. If this saying represents a truth, we would become pessimistic regarding the human race. Show us the man or woman who has never erred. Please note some examples:—
The other day we met “A” on Market Street. Accompanied by his little son, he was speeding away in his “flivver.” He stopped to give us a greeting, and indicated that happiness and prosperity were his portion.
“B” is a spick and span policeman in a neighboring city. Though you may say “Set a thief to catch a thief,” this particular guardian of the public peace is discharging his duty to the community.
“C” seemed particularly pleased to meet us the other day uptown. He had joined the church, and had attained to the dignity of usher.
“D,” who was once an accomplished burglar, having served at least two terms in prison, has built up a manufacturing industry, and is quite prosperous.
“E” is foreman in the jewelry department of a large department store “somewhere in America.”
“F,” a one-armed piece of ebon jollity, is one of the handiest men employed on a certain prosperous truck farm.
“G,” who began cooking for Blank Firm at $10 weekly wages, now reports with a grin that he is getting $65 a month with board and lodging.
“H” is one of the most popular clerks in the office of a mammoth establishment. That he once fell from grace is known, but it is no longer reckoned against him.
“I” one year ago began as a solicitor and now his business has so enlarged that he has taken a suite of rooms for his office.
We could easily exhaust the alphabet with such cases. There are failures, but we try to discount our disappointments when we take account of those who are “making good.” The Parole Officers have informed us that seventy-five per cent. are becoming satisfactory citizens. By far the larger part of those whom we willingly assist, in a short time are beyond our ken. They take with them our hopes and our fears—our fears, that they may again yield to the manifold temptations on every hand; our hopes, that they have learned their lesson, and with courage and by the help of divine grace are performing their duty to the community.