"GIVEN AWAY BY PALS."

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 153, 27 June 1908, Page 15

"GIVEN AWAY BY PALS."

BURGLAR WITH CABINET MINISTER'S BRAIN. Mr. Albert WHson, in his new book entitled "Education, Personality, and Crime," tells the romantic story of .Toe Smith, under whose portrait he puts the .description— '.'The most notorious and dangerous burglar of the Victorian Era, with the brain of a Cabinet Minister. The nation's loss. Now an author and a religious man." Joe Smith was an orphan who, at the age of 13, was provoked by the cruelty of his grandfather to attack him, and thus drifted into a criminal career. He received part of his criminal training as a burglar under, the notorious Charles Peace, aud though never caught by the police, he was sentenced to seven years' and 20 years' imprisonment through being "given away" by "pals." After terminating his first sentence, Joe Smith, .according to his own story, would have GONE STRAIGHT, but for the fact that he was repulsed by s missionary. "He was so upset that it stirred up the devil to him, and though just out of prison that day, he went straight cS to commit another burglary the same night" •He bought a revolver, and determined to wipe off old scores with_the governor of X prison, who had' been peculiarly harsn to him. The circumstances were very pathetic While serving his sentence he was working to the house' of the governor of X prison. At the request of the pretty daughter of the governor he carved something out of bone for her, and for this was severely rebuked by her father. Pitying th e prisoner -the child got the cook to give him a nice meal, arid, being discovered, the poor man was ordered 42 days' bread aucl water, and was confined in his cell by the governor for 14 months, till he was removed to Dartmoor. This was the "score" Joe Smith proceeded to wipe out Evading the sentry at the governor's house, he entered and, having reverently looked on his little friend asleep to her bedroom, proceeded to her father's room, intending to shoot him if he offered resistance. With his , revolver ready, he entered tbe room, only to find HIS OPPRESSOR. DEAD to bed!. Taking. £14 to, he escaped into the woods, after having been fired at by the guards, arid' was never caught for this transaction. .."Joe, is a good man now,'' says Dr. Albert Wilson, "and does much to help his 'cisss.'-'. .'He would, have made a good Prime Minister or General if society had given him the opportunity." ...