The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-01-04
ssTo BE Or Not To Be?,,

ssTo BE Or Not To Be?r
Editor Mirror:
Scarcely week passes but there appears IN the
columns of THE MIRROR Communications advo-
eating the formation of temperance organiza-
ton among our resident population. The admir-
able services rendered by the ladies of the w. c.
T. u. recently gave the matter an impetus which.
if properly followed up. will certainly assure sue
cess. The warden has placed himself on record.
and Judging from the tenor of his remarks to us
on Thanksgiving day, is IN hearty sympathy with
the movement. Our chaplains, of either denomi-
nation, have frequently taken occasion to warn us
of the evils of intemperance, and would doubt
less be pleased to such movement naugu-
rated. Many of our worthy friends who have
contributed so much to our enjoyment lately have.
while giving advice. invariably referred to in
temperance one of the causes of many of us
being situated are. Now. is there any
truth in this assertion? If any one has any doubt
in regard to the matter, think that an interview
with each individual member Of this community
would convince the most skeptical that the use or
abuse of liquor has been the cause, in numerous
instances, of enforced residence here. Many
people will no doubt laugh at the idea of
pledging ourselves to abstain from liquor in such
preme.'' In my humble opinion there could be no
better place to try the experiment. The very fact
that we had assumed the obligation under such
circumstances, would have a tendency to restrain
us when tempted to violate it, 1t is a conceded
fact that intemperance is prolific source of count
less evils and whose "besetting SIM it is,
or has been, can say frankly and truthfully (and
it is with shame do so) that to it l ascribe the
fact of my being here, and mostly all of my prev-
Gus msfortunes. l don't wish to be understood
saying that my experiene is that of all, even
a m jorty of those who here, nor do l mean
to intimate that this is "inebrate asylum"
but have no hesitancy in saying that there are
quite number whose experience will tally with
mine if they are but frank enough to admit it. 1t
is to those whom l address myself-men who
have "been there and know all about it; who
have had leisure while here to take a retrospect
i've glance at msspent lives, and who are deter
mined God helping them) to so live in the future
as i'll part to atone for the past. We are rapidly
approaching the dawn of year, a time espe-
cially devoted to the forming of good resolu-
tons, and the turning of new leaves" We have
bloted many fair page began with the best of
Intentions but let us try again and we may make
Il success of it.
Remember the motto we have adopted, lit is
never too late to mend" and as my particular
friend Brown says mil desperandum. Already
one of our enthusiastic brethren. III. J. CD hav-
ing grown weary of waiting for the long looked
for total abstinence society has publicly announced
his. intention of abstaining in very emphatic
terms, and of his sincerity there is no doubt. To
establish or inculcate temperance, would in the
estimation of many who have given the subject
careful study be a great preventive of crime. Its
establishment here could rot fail to be productive
of good results, and would be great stride in the
direction of reform There some medical eX-
perts who claim that drunkenness is disease; that
it is hereditary; that it is transmitted from one
generation to another, and have given it the name
of "Dpsomana.' 1t matters not by what name
it is called, the law makes allowance for those
who comrait crime while afflicted by it. A person
who is subject to kleptomania, stands much bet
ter chance; they supposed to be totally ire
sponsbe, and strange to say of all the Ills that
flesh is heir to- this is from which poor peO-
pie are entirely exempt. So much for the legal
treatment of the two diseases Oh. inconsistency
what jewel thou art.
And now in regard to the formation of the or
ganization of which there has been so much dis
cusson. 1t seems to me that if it is ever to
'materialize,'' that some concerted action should
be taken by those who friendly to it.
Will some of our sympathizing friends interest
themselves, and secure the desired permission OF
the proper authorities? Should they do So they
will have done a deed which may be fraught with
much good, and may possibly be the means of re.
claiming many, who otherwise may a standing
menace to society. TAMMANY.
Dec. 81, 1887. 1876, Boulevard d.
RetrOSpectiVe---FOr