The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-06-06

us the perverse rebellion of disobedent children.
We are meant to be happy, as everything goes to
prove, and we have to thank each other chiefly
and primarily for the pangs and tears and bitter
suffering which Illustrate this intention"
Next follows outline of Victor Hugos story
of Jean Valjean in LES Mserables," of which
the convict philosopher says: 81 can find no bet
ter illustration of mans depravity and his possi-
bilt es than by borrowing from this author" 1t is
evident that Livingston is thoroughly familiar with
HugOs great work. 'Is it any great WONDER"
queries the convict. in commenting Jean Val
jeans nineteen years in the galeys for stealing
loaf of bread when driven desperate by hunger,
THAT he succumbed to the first temptation that
assailed hini"' He thinks not. and after telling
the story of Jeans struggles he adds:
why have l thus condensed in few words
what comprises nearly a whole book? Simply. my
friends. to show you what an act of kindness will
do for the most depraved of humanity and the
possibilities of which he is capable. He we can
well say was wholly depraved but by single act
of kindness turned from his evil ways and became
an honored and useful member of society. Such
are the possibilities of all fallen 1t is true
cannot all become Jean Vatican. but can be-
come. with the assistance of kind and Christian
people, better men and honored and respected
citizens or we can become totally hardened and
depraved by constant prosecutions for the past and
in being looked upon and summed as one would
some pestlence or contagious disease. Let US
again pause and draw another illustration: John
Blown is arrested for crime of some kind, in
dicted, tried and convicted and sentenced to q
term of FIVE years. When arriving in prison he
has no trade. where he either learns one a part
of one, but most often only part. which proves a
great injury to him when released. whereas if he
knew some trade complete he could more easily
procure employment. He serves his time and is
at last released. Let suppose. in this instance,
he has learned trade in all its branches. He is
determined to lead an honest life and Immediately
seeks employment The first questions with which
he is naturally assailed are, What can you do?
Where have you worked? Who is your reference?
Now. my friends what is he to say7 If he tells th1
truth he will be summarily dismissed. Now. what
is he to say? Well let us suppose in the first in
stance he tells the truth. expressing his earnest
desire to lead honest upright life, if only given
opportunity to do so; but it is altogether prob
able he will reach the door quicker than he came
in aided by little boot force. He tries again.
With the experience Of his past failure. he con-
cocts a story. but believing himself justified in
his endeayors to obtain a means of procuring an
honorable living. This time we will say-mind
you, it is only a supposition--he succeeds. After
having worked for time, attentive and indus
trious, it some way leaks out that he has been in
prison. He is at once summoned to the Office and
informed that his services are no longer required,
although he has been leading sober and indus
trious life and serving his employer faithfully Is
it any wonder that under such circumstances, he
will again resort to dishonorable mode of life?
And YOU gentle public, hold your hands in holy
horror and clamor for justitc when you have re-
fused him the Justice that was his due-the means
of obtal lining an honorable living. -ll &. n
What we need is a grand reforma tion of soci.
ETY.. know the world of to-day is afflicted with
a surfeit of romantic and impetuous reformers.
Some of these build their castles in the air and
weave their lotos dreams in honesty and sincerity
while others are rasceIs and hypocrtes. living by
their wits. and levyng tribute the credulity of
their fellow men. Still they appear to have GER
tain characteristics in common. among which is
curious species Of egotism, which prompts them
to consider themselves wiser and better than other
people, and especially commissioned to readjust
the affairs of earth the vicegerents of heaven.
They are essentially pessimists, who see no good
in the existing order of things, and who affirm
matters cannot be mended except by popularzing
their own nostrums. Their fanaticism is SO mar
row and ntolerant that they are unsafe counsel
lors. even when their preaehings are essentially
true. 80 We need a christanizing reformation,
when men will be taught and not taught but to
practice the love of neghbor One's self, and to
extend charity and mercy to ALL s-en~7ob ey0l |
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