A MAN STEALS BECAUSE HE IS STARVING.

Evening Star, Issue 3134, 6 March 1873, Page 2

A MAN STEALS BECAUSE HE IS STARVING.

A London journal records the following, which, though not so melancholy as that of Blanch Oswald, is somewhat similar :—On the 2nd October a gentleman asked Mr D’Eyncourt for advice. He slated that on Monday afternoon, the 30th September, about four o’clock, his wife was passing along Wigraore street, Cavendish square, carrying in her baud a puree, which contained several bills, a season ticket, 5s 6d in money, and a gold pencil-case. One of the bills was from a dressmaker, with her address upon it. The purse was stolen by a man, who ran away and was not caught. On Wednesday, thp following letter, in a good handwriting, was received by the London Parcels Deli, very Co., together with a purse London, October 1, 1872 —Madam—l hasten to offer the only reparation in my power for my conduct yesterday. I trust*you will not regret the present loss of the small change, when I tell you that it afforded me the only meal 1 have had for ten days, and as Ood is my judge, the only food of any kind which has passed my lips since 8 a.m, on Saturday moruiug—nearly 58 hours; I was actually starving when the glitter of your purse caught my eye. The devil tempted me to take it, and I then committed my first : n I only offence against law and society. Until I disgraced myself yesterday, I deemed mys If, both by birth and education, a gentleman, not very Jong since in a very good position; but owing to a grcatloss I had within the last fortnight, found myself in Loudon, destitute. I have striven in vain to get employment, but a man will, though he may be educated, find it difficult to get any, not knowing a reguhr trade. 'Hie 5s Cd which I retain will keep me a few days. If I procure wotk 1 swear to semi it to you at once; if I cannot, then I will not be certain. I will not again steal. There is a Saviour for all who sutler, though both the canon of God and man is set against it. I sincerely regret my conduct. God knows that cry of ‘ Stop thief !’ rings in my ears still. Do nott]imk I have written this with the maudlin hope of ©scaping punishment; not so. I do not wish to escape the consequences. If your Jiqsbajjd pr brother, ejiouty you Ijave one.

only makes the complaint before any of the magistrates) so that it will become public, 1 will at once attend. Asking your kind forgivenoss for niy dastardly conduct, 1 remain, madame, An Unfortunate.” The papers and <ndd pencil-case in the purse were also returned. The applicant thought that the letter was true, and if the person who wrote it would call at his office, So, Gracecburch street, City, ho would help him to get employment. Mr D’Cyncourt said he could nut do anything in the matter.