Pictures and Problems from London Police Courts — John Shaqi
Pictures and Problems from London Police CourtsHolmes, Thomas
History
Pictures and Problems from London Police Courts
Holmes, Thomas
Crime -- England -- London; Poor -- England -- London
Verily, if temperance pledges, tracts, and wash-tubs could save
humanity, we had had the millennium long ago. Good, religious and
well-meaning people talk very serenely, and with rare unction, about
engaging in ‘rescue work.’ I doubt much if they know what they talk
about. Have they ever thrown themselves into the very existence of a
drink or vice-possessed man or woman? Have they ever stood in front of
such a one, and said, ‘Hold! You shall not go to destruction’? Have
they ever taken women possessed of an unclean spirit into their own
homes to try what human sympathy and timely help would do for such? If
not, let them do it, and I venture to say they will hold their peace
or speak with less assurance. I was afraid of my work that first day;
neither did I require the phrenologist to tell me that I had made a
mistake.
But there are other parts of the police court to explore. Come to the
cells. Down the corridor, past the gaoler’s office, turn to the right.
There they are, all in a row. It is afternoon, and they are pretty
full. The prisoners have been reeled off by the magistrate, and some
are going to prison and some are hoping for the coming of friends
to bring the money for their fines. The prisoners’ van has not yet
arrived, so we have time to see the prisoners. Come along. Do you feel
bad already? You see the little trap-doors about 9 inches square in the
doors of the cells; they are open, lying at a right angle outward. Put
your face to one and look in. Ah! now you have got the full flavour
of a London police court. One gulp is enough. How would you like to
swallow some of that every day? You shudder. What! not for a small
cheque once a month?
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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