The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-05-02
UNJUST CONDEMNATION.

sible to learn trade in any of the prison
true. but there is one shop at least where
trade can be learned in all its details accord
ing to the abilities of the apprentice. We
refer to the paint shop. In proof of this,
Foreman Frank Lemon has shown US let
tiers from four former inmates, three of
whom were but recently discharged One
of these was offered steady employment by
Mr. Lemon at 50 per day on his discharge,
but is now earning S2.25 in a small town
in Pennsylvania, where he is under contract
for the summer. Another returned to his
home in the east and his father started him
in business on capital of SIS, which he
| has paid back and now has $50 in bank.
He employees five men. A third, who was
discharged less than two months ago. re-
turned to his home in Michigan, where he
has shop crowded with work, is the
best striper in town. and is earning So rs
per day." The most pleasing feature of the
latter's letter is the statement that he has
''moved his dear old mother into a nice
little house, reprinted and papered by his
own hands," and adds that he is happy.
The fourth. who was pardoned several
years ago. is the leading painter in one of
the principal cities in this state. and. to use
Mr.. Lemons own words beats them all
on hardwood tinish.' He would be readily
recognized were we to give his name. These
men were all ignorant (or at least three
were, the fourth had worked some at the
business previous to his entrance here.) of
the trade but by diligent application
under skillful artist who is willing to help
they left their imprisonment fully qualified
to earn a respectable livelihood either as
jOnrneymen painters or as bosses. That
they have made the best of their Opportuni-
ties we have ample proof. and the chances
that they will ever again don the prison
garb are not greater than those of the aver
age citizen.
Aside from the qualification it affords us
to know of the prosperity of these four
''eX-convicts." it serves twofold purpose
First. it shows that a man can employ his
time to advantage to himself while here if
so minded a man cannot help but learn
SOMETHING that will accrue to his benefit
even though he cannot learn a trade in all
its details. and there are many people on
the outside who cannot bore a hole"
properly. Second. it proves that all who
have been so unfortunate as to serve a term
in state prison do not Immediately resort
to questionable means to obtain their living
True. we are only able to cite these four
cases to substantiate this assertion, and
these have come to us incidentally, we
having made no investigation or inquiry:
but there are doubtless hundreds of others
who could make equally favorable reports
A large majority of the inmates of prisons
are under assumed names. and as soon as
they are released wish to leave all Of its as
sociations behind. Especially is this the
case where the friends of prisoners have
been kept in ignorance of their disgrace.
Many people hold erroneous opinions of
the majority of discharged convicts 1t so
happens that occasionally one of our unfor-
tunate brothers, Immediately on his dis
charge, proceeds to ''fill up'' an the vilest
bug juice" there being no lack of induce
mentS on every hand. He is then either
run out of town by the ever vigilant police,
or possibly may spend night in the ''cool-
err before he is escorted to the train. Per-
haps one in fifty may do this. Next day
the city paper will tell you that 'So-and.
So, discharged convict. tried to paint the
town bright vermillion," etc. The forty
nine 20 quietly about their business, and