The voice of freedom. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1839-1848, 1847-09-16
Trom tho Sl.urlay Evening Post.
4 Gtate Prison Scene,

From The Saturday Evening Post.
a State Prison Scene.
Tt would be curious if, in these days of So
cietics, the Prisons should not have their share
and therefore we are not surprised to learn
that there is "Society for Moral Reform and
Mutual Aid," in the State Prison Of Massa-
chusetts This society was organized almost
a year ago, and as the Fourth of July drew
near, it resolved, in imitation of the world
outside, to have a celebration OF its Own. Ac-
cordngly permission was obtained, and the
! thing was done.
| A correspondent Of the Boston Traveller,
who was present upon this novel OCCASION,
Saysthat the celebration was held in the Chap
81 Of The Prison, which was tastefu!ly deco
rated with flowers. The services commenced
at nine o'clock. A. H. and continued till half
past twelve. The Whole ofthe prisoners were
lpresont, the members OF the society occupy
| ing the front seats. A number of the honor
ny members of the society from without, with
other gentlemen, and a goodly number of Is-
dies, were also present, to give interest to the
occasion.
Everything was conducted, he says, in the
most perfect order, and with the strictest de-
corum. The prisoners who had parts assign
ed them, acquitted themselves most hOnora-
bly, and to the entire satisfaction of all pres
emit. Many persons remarked that ii was the
most interesting celebration Of the national
anniversary they ever attended. The place,
the occasion, the talent and taste exhibited
on the part Of the prisoners, and the perfect
order * decOrum maintained throughout the
whole performances. could hardly fail to ex-
NJ I'd,
The music, which was both instrumental
cicty, is described as being of fine quality
though we are not told how many honorary
members Of the society took part in pro1uc-
| inc it. We notice, in the "ordcr of exercis-
les" seven addresses, one original song, and
three pooms-proying that the prisoners are a
quick wit!ed set Of fellows, which, by the way,
I a every bountifn aud good dinner" was sery-
ed ont to the Society, not in the customary
society fashion, at q common table, but TO each
memDar in his respective cell. The follow
ing ia one Of the poems read upon the occa-
son, IteHery man who could not write as
good one bad to 60 to prison, we should
have to build our jails larger than our cities.
This day, joyful notes are ascending on high,
! Load pcais float along thro he bright sumner s.lv,
Aud echolg bills are repeating 5.le sound,
Wade nature is smiling in beauty around,
o.. i0'- I've IN raemJrv tlat finn Datviut band,
Who be ;ueathed 10 heir SONS thi4 goad.y free lard
! Like heroes thay conquered and victor WON'T
! Twas FaM thaC sustained them, while Hpe cheer
ed them on.
But why, on this day, when each h~aaze passing by
/ Bears fresh on its bosom chort, uf Jew,
N-, ,,' a. ;,t a. 49,, l tho ra
1tl - 80 OIL ] ~ i
,iasa C,,,s,,,s az .I ~, ,I.,,7. tIl
Io ,,n ,os, -, ho rea,,o VA ~
nope oiISD''"' 10 'l'o'r U.s. ana ''''l 10 sustain"
Aud suily the glory taajs fathers a2hiovad?
Shai! the% crouch tyra4f, tue powerful strong,
! or flel' 10 'emPt"noh, wen knowing the wrong
,.o Nc go,', l3' s',I h2r,a
Resist the t5uI monster, WHO riousanis has slain.
And Hope will yet cheer Us, and Faith viii sustain.
~ ,,.
10? loG ,i'c W. E po 10 t 'I,.I "iISe l'
AMd G.ied the laartrel+rro most n3ou Garth.
/ The h.e-sng Of freedom tho RICH. Of our b.rth
! No moe then deceived w the reatAcrous bowl,
ia ,t 'G"S ili,Ie a ur: OK V',,lo
And Home viii Vet cheer H., and FIIh viii sustain
|
If then, as VIC journey DER LIES rugged way,
| Inc Sunshine Vi fortune "hh4IA"s lt7 warm ray;
hl' "" tT. . ~ '''y M'S ''' roy t V'''
/ Tho, the hcart la- adyarsiey soycIy nrasso1.
/ Have courage to bear it, lis wiacst and best;
/ Look Onward, and upward, and sjd par-,Tere,
And Falth VIII sustain a. ana Hoie over lNeef
Po cboo,r,, NV. comrades bo ohoorri,l To do,.
The cloud th9 hanas DER rs viii soon oass aWav;
! Life is no. VII dal<ucss; as mora follows night,
4 \ t..V may be NuUniNT I'll lovely and bright;