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

After services Sabbath forming, our warden
being present. he called upon for an address.
His response was ready, witty and welcome. He
said, among other things: my friends, l hope
you have been as we'll pleased with the sermon
as have. Hearing the story of Hannah is to me
like meeting an old friend. In my early life, in
school, made this gentlemans acquaintance, and
l have not forgotten him. 1 wondered as our
chaplain spoke of him. how much Improvement
has been made in the methods employed by him
over two thousand years ago; how many Humans
there in the world to-day. if the cloaks could
be removed and could see all men in their
true characters.
This same Devil that tempted Christ, has, no
doubt tempted you and me. l have not always
said to him get thee behind me- and you have
sometimes failed to order him off the premises.
Had Christ listened to the request he would not
have gained the world. just as you have failed to
gain what Satan promised you. You max
ing 1910 month, while know men among you
who are capable of earng two hundred dollars a
month.
II am not protesting christian, in the common
acceptance of that term but believe in all that
is pure and just and right. l have the greatest
respect for the christian people. They do much
LUZ yOu W Uettcr YOUR cOuUlClOn. II Is my lnton-
ton to treat you right, and 1 want you to look
upon me your friend rather than your keeper
You have earned these clean clothes you are
wearing to-day, and if you keep them clean we
will have some backing brushes. and perhaps a
necktie, after while. respect you and intend to
treat you like men. Out of $50 inmates there are
not more than ten who give trouble. 1 am
proud to say this, and if see the continued i'm
provement in you conduct, we will look after
some Of these rules for your government here.
They don't just suit me. and think they can be.
improved for your own and our benefit. The best
among you cannot keep them as they now are,
and believe in rules you can keep and preserve
your manhood.
II am not q model prison man. and God forbid
that should become one. if brutality is the chief
requirement. have been here long enough to
note that no man goes from these walls as he came
He is better or worse account of his imprlson.
ment. 1 recognize that you not here to be
punished other than by confinement. You are not
required to do labor that is too great for your
physical endurance, and 1 was pleased to hear a
citizen who has been in the employ Of the con.
tractors for twelve years, say that he had never
seen the inmates work with SO ready will as at
this time. He said you did your work cheerfully
and WE'LL This is gratifying to me and the rest of
the Officers. and we hope you will never change
this record for worse one. There are men here
whom would trust any place. 1t is a shame that
some of you are here but have greater respect
for You than have for many on the outside.
want to assist you don't believe in trying to
drive goodness into a man. l want you to try if
you can't drop all these characteristics Of Haman.
II presume all but those who are not guilty have
some Of them.) Begin now to tell the truth; if
you have petty jealousies and differences drop
them now. and see how much better you can be
by next Sunday than yon are to-day. Are there
any OF you who come to me with complaints about
your fellow prisoners? Or are there any guards
practicing these tactics of Hannah? II so, now is
the time to stop it. am going to begin with you
to reform. am coming to church hereafter.
"You can't help learning something here that will
be a benefit to you-regular habits for instance