Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1882-01-22
a visit to tho State Prison at saltwater

To the Editor of the 6'he:
| Last week l had occ ION to pay visit to
the state prison at Stillw l!er. Having visited
before great many othe similar institutions,
not only in this, but also in other countries,
am enabled to make comparisons and will
state here my observation s.
It can be Justly remarked, that in all the
different departments the prison is well con-
Quoted; the sanitary condition OF the cells is
excellent, which cannot be too highly valued.
The warden, Mr.. Reed, seems to be the proper
man at the proper place; he possesses execu-
tive ability, energy, and will to do the best
that can be done for the unfortunate prisoners.
l noticed especially with pleasure that the cells
are larger than at most prisons. Some OF the
prisoners have fitted them up quite handsome
iy: they have ornamented the walls with pic
lures, have on the shelves large collection OF
books, etc. The prisoners present mostly a
very healthy appearance. l examined the
it clean and arranged in the best manner. The
food of the prisoners is all that can be de-
sired; they receive a sufficient quantity to sat-
isfy their appetite. 1t seems to me, how
ever, the state should make provision for
a dining room for the prisoners which would
serve its purpose better, as 1t is now
quite an inconvenient and additional labor
to send the meals to every prisoner into the
cell. The different workshops which we ex-
amined present all very busy life. The dis
cipline, however, is everywhere admirable. l
understand the prisoners are mostly CON-
plying to the rules and regulations without re-
sorting to severe measures. Kindness here as
everywhere else,iS always productive OF good
results. There is in the breast of the most
degraded man sensibility of his better ma
ture which need only to be developed and
which can be best done by kindness.
had heard so much of the Younger broth
ers and was anxious to see them. They pre-
sent at first glance very gentlemanly ap-
pearance. l can hardly imagine that they
were guilty of the many crimes for which
they now suffer life sentences at this prison.
The oldest of them beng sick and at his cell
I had an introduction by the chaplain OF the
prison, Rev. Mr.. Harrington. Our converse
ton was of general nature, but it convinced
me at once that this prisoner, so well known
far and near, possessed more than general
intelligence. AS / was informed by the
worthy chaplain he, as well as his brothers,
read the very best of books, they take great
interest in religious questions, and are among
the best behaved prisoners. What reflections
this called forth in my mind Here are these
three brothers, who could be to-day an orna.
ment to society if they had followed the path
of rectitude and virtue. How true it IS, 1.-THE
way of the sinners leads to destruction"
The chaplain, Mr.. Harrington, is successful
in his work. No better man could be found
for that position. He possesses in an eminent
degree the confidence of the prisoners; he
gives them good advice upon all questions.
His preaching is practical and less emotional,
which seems to me is of great value. Such
class of men as we find in the prisons must be |
lifted up to higher plane; they must be
shown the error of their ways by every sound |
argument. They must be taught that the true |
definition of repentance means better life |
md forsaking sinful ways. Rev. MIR. Harring- |
ION has true conception of his high and re-
'ponsible position. We can but wish him |
Gods speed in his good work, which is but |
compensated by the state.
There are about two hundred and fifty |
prisoners at the state prison at this present |
ime. It seems to me the number of guards |
ought to be increased, as l really find that |
lumber insufficient. To the efficient warden
md his able assistants much credit is due that
he prison is in excellent condition; but let Us
ZEE that every provision be made that the
Prison may become self-sustaining, as it should
re, and let us ever extend our sympathy to
hese unfortunate class of men who are con-
med there, and, as trust and believe, many
will lead better life and atone for their short
omings when they are returned to society.
REV. DR.. WECHsLER.
St. Paul, Jan. Is, 1882.