Robert C. Motherwell makes a most valuable and faithful Superintendent.
Too much credit cannot be given to the faithful visits of the lady members of the committee, who have religious opportunities with the women, and many of whom have had situations obtained for them, and are known to be leading exemplary lives. Their mission does not cease with their release from prison, but a watchful care is extended to them after their discharge.
The Rev. Joseph J. Camp, the Prison Agent, appointed by the Inspectors, is also a member of the Acting Committee. He has seen many years of service there, and holds a position which is invaluable, and could not well be dispensed with. There are numberless cases of persons who should not be committed to the County Prison. Those cases he faithfully investigates, and secures from the magistrates their release as soon as possible. Very many boys run away from home, stealing rides on freight trains—they are arrested, and sent to prison. He looks up such cases, writes to the parents, who reply that it is their desire that they should be sent back. They are by that time very penitent, and are put on the cars for home. He acts, too, as a peacemaker between families. We honor him for the good work he is doing.
Frederick J. Pooley, the agent of the Society at the County Prison is displaying much zeal and energy in the performance of his arduous duties, and I can but repeat what I have heretofore said of him. He is in love with his work, and feels that God is blessing his services there. He says that while there are many clouds along his pathway, yet he sees more of the sunshine that leads him on to greater efforts in the work in which God has been pleased to call him. His earnest desire is that he may be a benefit both in spiritual and temporal things to those who have become inmates of a prison-cell. Services are held there every Sabbath in the morning for the men, in the afternoon for the women. Once a month he has charge of the latter, and is listened to with marked attention. The committee as well as the management of the County Prison is fortunate in securing the services of such a valuable assistant. He takes especial interest in looking after the many boys who get into trouble—often runaways from home, whom he sends back. Interesting letters have frequently been received from them.
Some of the cases are worthy of mention. One whom he sent to Atlantic City writes thus: “I take pleasure in letting you know I have got work, and to let you know what a little kindness and good advice will do for a poor fellow who is struggling to lead an honest life.” In reply, he advised him to attend some place of worship and to keep from drink. Again the boy writes: “I will try to live up to your advice; I attended church this A. M., the first time in years, and with the help of God, I cannot go wrong. I am working every day, but I am making an honest living—honest dollars are the best kind of dollars—I have fully made up my mind to that.”
A boy whom he sent home to his parents in Newark, N. J., writes: “I am going to work this P. M., and with God’s help, will try to make a man of myself.”
Another boy says, “I owe you a debt of gratitude that can never be paid;” and another writes, “I am going to night-school, to church and Sunday-school, and am trying to be a good boy.”
From a boy he sent home: “I arrived in Baltimore safe, and my mother met me at the depot. I thank you very much for your kindness to me.”
These are cases of boys who have ran away from home, steal rides on freight cars and are arrested when they are arrived and sent to the County Prison, often put in with those who are adepts in crime, their parents are written to, who request that they be sent home. If the money is not sent for the return fare, the Prison Society pays it. Much good is done in this way.