The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-11-28
Continued Iron First Page.)
EnliThtened Theory.

deIlStICS Will w WIFI lIIIu. vi 10 IL CApOSlSu
that such a method will produce il change?
There is nothing in stone walls or iron
bars or in force or mere drudgery that can
purge the soul 1t is rather IN the lofty
character of the governing power that edu-
Gates.
Discipline, to be of permanent value.
must be internal of the life, not external by
force.
The heart is to bp reached and restl aimed,
and not merely the body. n cheerful hon
est compliance without force in prison indi-
Gates condition of character absolutely es
Sential to compliance outside PRISON.
Education can be obtained in prison from
schools. lectures. from literary meetings, in
which the men read their own productions,
from books. and many diversified methods,
but most of all by The personal contact and
lofty example of the official force including
the malchlesS power for good, the crown
ing glory Of the work which belongs to the
rugged, piOus man selected by the state to
manage the religious department.
Crime cause will be found to reach way
back to the beginning of human history. 1t
manifests Itself in the manifold weaknesses
and the evils that detle the soul.
Gospel truths have stood the test of time.
and have been the everlasting rock against
which the evil forces of the world are pow
ereSS. 1t is the one great power for good
that should never be denied to men in
prison.
| do not ask for the gospel and it's preach
ing and teaching in prison. nor would l &C.
.cept it, TO the exclusion of any other good
thing. nor would it be permitted to obscure
the working of any practical appliance in
prison management. On the contrary. I
would demand that its preaching invite all
advisable uses. Nay more, that its methods
be anxious to adopt and its spirit cherish
both unconsciOusly, and by approval of the
most genial plans, every useful instrument
of reform.
The gospel of the Son of God as it is and as it
should always be presented, includes all these
things, leads to them, lays good foundation and
says to all prisoners, des st from crime. be honest
go and work and live, be respected. be honored
and be saved by the truth in the wisdom of things
and by the love and pc Ser of the living God.
might be more definite but not more compre-
hensive or better understood by you should say
something further on the prison chaplaincy and
the necessary character and qualifications of its
incumbent.
l recognize the need of the department of the
chaplancy in the person and calls for a chaplain,
but he must be of pety, education, YER
satility and nerve, and one whose simple presence
recommends and imparts power to prison dis
cipline, and the duties and privileges of his de-
partment must be well def ned and impossible but
flexible to give and atur alness to their
application.
From my experience and observation in prison
management, devoted as l believe it should be to
the elevation and betterment of men. as a primary
object submit the following statements as at
least desirable if not initial:
l. Motives in the way of improved physical con.
ditions. such food. extended privileges, free
dom OF action even up to the safety line. which
shall create the impression of. and really be a
friendly inter in the welfare Of the men that
they will understand.
2. Punishment which is absolutely necessary
and corrective only to be avoided if possible con-
Quoted with such care as to produce the idea of
interest in the welfare of the man who SUFFERS and
with the real idea of his permanent good.
3. Education continually. In shop or CELL in
schools and meetings, in lectures and in personal
contact. until the whole place is permeated with
an atmosphere of constant progress 1t is written
everywhere. All activities are modified by it,
Every interest yields to it. Privileges and CON-
forts depend upon it. until the men find them.
selves compelled to accept it.
4. Gospel teaching and the religion of Christ
which is to reSenerate as well as to REFORM
over all this the warden must give a constant
tireless supervision. Others may purchase the
supplies and attend to necessary business matters
of the institution, but no man must come between
the warden and the rights, interests and feeling
of his men. The same vigorous hand must be felt
at every point He must that his religious
and educational departments are literally sup
piled with appropriations for equipment. and he
must defend them with strong hand from the
encroachments of financial interests, which would
very naturally suppose that the repairs to "a main
shaft, or the mixing of a bed of mortar as of more
consequence, than the growth of a human soul
All men in prison not criminals. Some of