“My dear friend Mr. Pooley:—
“I arrived home safe last evening at 6.30 P. M., and was met by my father at the station. My father, mother and sister welcomed me at home and even my little dog also. I just arrived in time, thanks to you, for my folks were about to move to Mexico City, Mexico.
“Thanking you for your great kindness to me,
“Very truly yours,”
No. 2.—A young man from New York left home without consent of his relatives—found himself stranded in Philadelphia—was arrested and given ten days in County Prison. I wrote to his mother, who came on to this city and obtained his discharge.
No. 3.—Case of a woman arrested for spending her evenings in Broad Street Station. I questioned her closely and found that because of an unkind word with her sister, she left home and spent her evenings in the Station, not having anywhere else to go. She told me who she was and where her sister lived; I visited the sister, who was delighted to know her sister was found. We obtained her discharge and she went home.
No. 4.—Two young men charged with larceny from a department store. At the request of the Magistrate, I investigated the case and found the young men were from New York City; at once a letter was sent to their people; father came on; the charge was withdrawn; the boys discharged and their father took them home.
No. 5.—A young man from Louisiana arrested for stealing; said he had nothing to eat for three days; was committed for court; said he would not disgrace his family as his father had a nice business in the South, but he would not tell his address. During his conversation, he told me his father came to Philadelphia twice a year to buy goods, and mentioned one of the places where he bought them. I went to the place he mentioned and found his father was then in the city; I left a note asking him to meet me. He did so, and was deeply touched to learn where his son was. He at once went to the prison and took an attorney with him, and when the case came to court his son was discharged, and he went home with his father.
No. 6.—A young man from Massachusetts charged with robbing, who told me he had not written home for six years. I wrote to his father, who was delighted to know that the lost son had been found. When the case came to court, the young man was discharged and he went home with his father.
The cases mentioned are only a few of the many, but they indicate the character and importance of the work of the General Agent at The Central Police Station.
While visiting the cells in the Central Station, City Hall, I always feel a great responsibility resting upon me. I feel that a word spoken in kindness and love may awaken thoughts of the days of innocence and inspire them to endeavor to regain what they had lost.
The officials of the City Hall have been very helpful to me in doing all they can to help along the work. I deeply appreciate their kindly services.
“Sabbath Reading” has been distributed weekly through the personal efforts of our late friend, John J. Lytle. The subscriptions to this useful and appreciated magazine will expire in March, 1912, per annum. Something over $100 is needed to renew the subscription and I trust that way may open for the continuance of this benefaction.