The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-09-19
Disposition of Convict Labor.

Disposition of Convict Labor.
In view of the fact that convict labor by
contract has become thing OF the past. so
far as the state of Minnesota is concerned,
it is with reluctance that again continue
the discussion of it; but inasmuch as prom
Used in concluding my former article upon
the subject to explain why had made use
of certain expression, and also to give my
reasons for the faith that is in me, l hope
l may be pardoned for again resumng
subject, which, however interesting to us,
NAV prove somewhat of bore to our out
side patrons.
When, in my former article upon this
subject. made use of this expression. IF
l were to consult my personal preference
alone, would say, let the contract system
continue" did not mean to intimate that
it was the system which l thought would
be most favorable to all concerned, nor did
l wish it to be inferred that was in favor
OF its indefinite continuance. l had no
knowledge at the time that an apprONria-
ton of $25, 900 had been made, providing
for our employment after the expiration of
the contract until such time as a new leg
iSlature would convene and make further
provisions to the same end. l was labOring
under the impression that the time inter
Venng between the expiration OF the con-
tract system and the assembling OF the next
legislature would have to be passed by us in
idleness, OF worse still, that in the event of
the legislature being called together again
in extra session some such bungling legiSla-
ton as that recently enacted in New York
on similar subject. might be the
the result; hence. favored the temporary
continuance Of the contract system; only
until some intelligent action could be taken
by those delegated for the purpose. l trust
that this explanation will suffice to show
that am in hearty accord with the large
majority of my fellow unfOrtunates on this
question. 1t is to be hoped that the eX
ample set by the lawmakers of the state OF
New York will serve as warning, and will
be instrumental in preventing hasty and
pernlciOus legislation by this and other
states that have yet much to do in the mat
ter. And now for my reasons for not view
ing the contract system in very favorable
light, nor as the one best calculated to pro-
mote the interests of the state, the work
ingman. or the convict. Before giving
them | wish to state that l am in n0wise
prejudced against either the contractors or
their agents under whose charge / have
been placed while here. l have neither
been imposed upon, nor been treated UNI
kindly by them, and, although my individ-
ual eXertion in their behalf may not have
contributed materially to swell their Golfers
yet | can cOnScientiOuSly say, that
l have we'll earned the pittance
which the state has been receiving for my
services.
After an experience of nearly two years
passed here, during which time l have had
abundant opportunity to observe the
working of the contract system, | fail to see
wherein any OF the parties most interested,
viz: the state, the contractors. the working
men. or the convict are benefited, except
it be the contractors. In the first place, |
don't think the state received sufficient
compensation for services rendered Dy the
cOnvictS, even admitting (Which l DON'T
that it was all unSkilled labor: for 45c per
day is not decent wages for an errand boy. To
this it can be replied that the state, through
its agents, was voluntary party to the
contract Even SO. does that justify the
preparation of a system that is in the in
terest of one class only and fraught with
evil to others concerned? Is it right that
such a system should continue when the
fact is plainly demonstrated that another
could be substituted which would meet
with the requirements of all concerned-ex-
cept it be that of those who, so far as mum.
berS are concerned, do not constitute re-
spectacle minority? Observer depreciates
class legislation and truly says. 1t is
dangerous legislation to begin by legslating
for few men in one avocaton." He
seems to be blind to the fact that he is ad-
vOcating cause for which he processes to
have such holy horror. Talk about class
legislation. here it is in one of it's worst
forms. Talk about protection to one in
duStry at the expense of another, here is
portion OF All industry protected at the ex-
pense of others engaged in the same in