The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1889-04-25
Sunday In Prison.

There were times in our lives when we
with a sense Of the most complete happi-
ness; times when the six preceding days
were sort of gauntlet we had to run to
reach our goal. 10 the convict these times
are but memory. At present he dreads
its approach as sincerely as he formerly
longed for it. This is not through any dis
respect for the sacredness of the day, but
is caused rather by the continual bore. bore
of mOnotOnous nOthingness that pervades
every part of the prison on that day. A
day of rest? Do not speak of rest There
is surplus of that essential in those pris-
ons awaiting legislative pleasure to supply
every nOmad in the country with energy
for life time. The horse may stamp
about in his stall to relieve his dullnesS of
spirit. If the convict attempts any such
tactics to ease his cramped muscles his
driver does more than simply cry ''whOa!'
10 those who take a real pleasure in read
ing. writing or otherwise improving them
selves. Sunday is enjoyable to the extent
that they feel they are accomplishing some
thing. TO that class who are unable to
read or do not care for such intelligent
pleasure, Sunday is refined punishment.
1t means to them. one hour to worship God,
and the balance to curse their luck in par
ticular and men i'm general.
In the outside world-where all the good
people live-it is customary to hold services
at least twice on the Sabbath, and one night
of each week. Now, does it not seem
strange that so much spiritual instruction
is necessary for GOd-fearing people, while
the real simon pure sinnerS-thOSe branded
by state authority as such-need but one
hour each week? The letter of the law
sends us here to be punished. but the spirit
of the people demands that every available
means shall be used to regenerate, and turn
us out fit to properly enjoy the heritage that
is our due as one of their number. In this
respect is it not the plain duty of those
who formulate the laws to adhere more
closely to the wishes of the people?
In business circles there is saying: 1.-The
easiest way to mans heart is through his
stomach" Something of this spirit will
just as readily reach the heart of the con-
vict. Alleviate his sufferingS of body as
much as possible, and you have sure way
to his soul. AS matter of simple charity,
if nothing more, we should have a good. in
spring musical service for at least two
hours Oh Sundays
1t may be asked why we do not have such
service at present. This question is
hard one to answer. 1t is presumed that
neither of the chaplains are at fault; and it
would be unfair to expect the officers to
remain here all seven days of the week. In
this connection | believe l can name
reason which all will admit has lost us many
a privilege we might otherwise have been
enjoying. In this prison we have number
of men whose sole aim in life seems to be
to chip their name in every water tank and
other railroad property. These men, or
rather animals. will not work for a living
They do not often reach prison, the county
jails being their principal hold. The only
ingenuity they show is in keeping posted
on criminal laws, so that they know just
what crime they can commit in order to
avoid reaching penitentiary. When they
are so unfortunate as to get here they feel
so crestfallen at the possibility of having
to take cold bath that it seems to sour
any good that might have been in them.
They will kick about the air. the food, the
water and everything else they can think
of. When these gentry were free they
could sit all day in a basement saloon where
the air was loaded with stale beer. smoke
and tobacco juice, and feel quite comfort
able. But when they reach prison they are
constantly harping about the surplus or
paucity of air, heat, etc. If they only went
this far they would affect nobody but them
selves. The meanness of their character
only shows ont in full when the alcohol is |
soaked out of their system. They will COM
plain to the officers against their best
friends on the slightest preteXt. Should a
fellow convict become ObstreperOus they
would be ready at wink to pummel him
into insensibility. hoping thereby to gain
favor in the eyes of the officers. They are
of that low. spiritless kind that would sell
a brother for paltry sum, or to save them
selves from any inconvenience.