New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1847-01-05
New.Yeur In Prison.

The inmates Of the Female Prison at Sing Sing,
We understand. were permitted to celebrate the
opening Of the New-Year in manner adapted to
male the best moral impression on their minds and
hearts, and lead them to form those purposes OF
sslf amendment without which it will be imposs
bls to rescue them from the paths OF vice and sin
Until recently. the Holidays in this Prison have
been 70 the prisoners days OF rksome loneliness and dc
spAirins solitude Shut up in their narrow ces with
no one 10 inpart either Amusement or instruction, their
minds hsvs been cft prey to influences well calculated
70 disspats every vtuous resolution and awaken feel
ina OF utter friendessness and despair against which
wore idle to expect them to maintain successful strug
gle The Mstrons determined that far as the neess
sAry russ Of the Prison would permit the fret day OF
Tie year ls<7 should be to those under their charge en-
occasion for The enjoyment Of those refined pleasures
which aow from the exercise of the social feelings
which God has implanted 90 deeply In the human
breast
The prisoners usually take their meals in their respec
vc celia but on this occasion the whole company, 20 in
number were permitted to dine at a common table
Through the kindness of tbs Narcns some additions
were also made 10 their usna fare Tae labor rendered
necessary by this asngementwas Of course perfor
by the Prisoners themselves and friend who pre-
cent informs us that Il was elghtfal witness the
ohserfalnsss and good order which prevailed among
thsm. In mailing similar arrangements es OF Prison 1t
10 scmetimes difficult repress feelings Of disssusfac
lions and jealousy; but among these unfortunate per
sons naturally % excitsble and impulsve, not harsh
or unkind word was spoken all seemed animated BY
one eosnmoa impulse and 10 be resolved to make each
other happy
The .ahs having been spread with the provisions fun
asAsd for the occasion. blcssins invoked by Rev
MATHEW D. Gospox. the Chaplain; and then aide BY
side In cheerful they parook OF their bount
tal neal This WA indeed pleasant rehef from the
uoaosoay Of ordinary prison life. and heartily was II
se,oyed BY all At the conclusion 81 the meal gentle
man who was present made brief address concluding
with ne following sentiment s~p~onpss, which wss
warmly responded 10 BY all
TIE Year lsa1-Msy the happiness Of its frat day b
continued Ill a last and now on an incrcasng stream
10 gladden. The pathway OF our future HE"
Aher dinner the Prisonsr retired 10 their rooms bu
the deere were soon thrown open and they were per
uusd 10 mahe Esw.YeArs Gala Wscn eseh other, or
ssiAs h groups for singing and eoavssarcn- In TIL
way he afternoon ws moss dehShtfally spent BY III
whole company There WA no disposition to abuse th
liberty erantsd-no uproar or unse<mly mirh. bst nj
aned ehserfaess and eoar,esey that would have don
e,-di 70 Christian Family at iesnse reunion.
Ia he evening MI assembled in the Chapel wher
many Of The Prsoners rshearsed variety Of pieces
posuy I'D psose and comPoscon' pisf~eo 'o' INC q
c>Son By several Of their number were reed The sslc
lions were generally marked BY good tas'e and rshesr
ed IA manner which w-ald have done credit 10 man
Boarding. sehools The compositions eyineed talent
Which, viii proper stssnon would 81 their authors fc
-poss Of honor ssd usefulness These exercises wer
isssrspsssd With sasas ~ approPrsss intervals and
the eoscsssoa The Prisoners were briefly addressed b
sss Chaplin and friend who happened to be pressn
Thee addresses calculated to impress their mind
with seuse Of gratitude for the privileges they bad
soyed and Of responsibility for tho night improvement
them We or. sssared that the spri, exhibited by ID
prisousrs wa such ~ woald have glsddensd ever
phlsashropie heart and SHED the n'inds Of 'Acss VII
are Engaged In the esasc Of f'sco Reform with renew
q sersss sad hope