The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-04-17

at once when l came here if l went about
playing the meek martyr role, and l might
even be in better circumstances than l am
had done so; but l would always be
pointed out as a mark of their charity, and
this is what the eX-cOnvict must avoid.
Charity is charity only when it is done in
quiet, unObtrusive and unheralded manner.
The eX convict cannot speak as freely as
he could before he had compound prefix
to his name. In fact he must continually
carry about with him an air of secrecy. TO
illustrate the necessity of this | may relate
a little experience l had here since leaving
Saltwater: One Friday night about II p. m.
1 was hurrying back to the place where 1
was employed and it was necessary that l
should be there by 12 at the latest. l had
one more call to make that would detain me
fully 20 minutes and as was nearing the
place voice hailed me with 'HellO, there,
--, where are you gOing?"
Upon examination l found that the per.
son who saluted me was lately discharged
prisoner, and 1 naturally enough stopped to
speak with him few moments. We were
near corner and there was still a large
number of people on the street The young
chap was in a talkative mood and began to
tell me of matters at the prison. His voice
was strong and resonant and he used official
titles. such as Warden. Deputy, etc., so
often that it attracted the attention of
passers-by. intimated that it was need
less to mention officers names as by doing
so passing pedestrians would mark one or
both of us as prison birds. But he kept on
in the same strain even when a policeman
was passing; and to get out of the matter
as gracefully as possible l mentioned. in
tones loud enough for the policeman to hear
me: ''All right, as soon as 60 to the Of
flee in the morning I'll tell Mr.. - (men-
tiOning a well-knOwn lawyers name) to
call and see him in the mOrning;" and then
bidding hurried good night l sauntered off
in business like manner firmly convinced
that the policeman could not think l ever
had had any connection with prison.
And this necessity for secrecy extends
still further. If letter is received from
friend in prison it must be at once burned,
for it will not do to carry such things about,
at least the eX convict thinks and feels so.
The discharged prisoner is haunted be-
ing. The cold gray walls are ever in his
thoughts and continually warn him that he
has lost caste, that he is a different being
from ether mortals, and can never again
hold his head as high as UNCoNvICTED
criminals, no matter how helnOuS the Of
fenSes of the latter.
that the discharged prisoner can feel that
he has paid the penalty for his crime and
thereby squared accounts with the world,
and may begin the battle of life anew. But
he is always an eX-cOnvict, and this means
that he is always social Outcast in a gen.
eral sense and if he once becomes diScOur-
aged he is doomed to failure.
1t seems strange to me now that any one
can be so thOughtless as to risk the price
less boon of reputation for the sake of the
few dollars that is the booty of dishonesty.
But men will continue to sacrifice every
thing for the magic wand of gold. No
thought is given to the value of reputation
until that jewel is lost; then we cry and be-
wall when it is too late.
In conclusion l would say that it is quite
possible for the ex-cOnvict to redeem him
self in part, but never entirely under the eX-
listing social conditions He can gain the
respect of his fellowmen, but he can never
again have the standing he had before 60
ing to prison.
My advice to all eX-cOnvicts is, do not
tell every one to whom you apply for work
that you are an eX convict; in fact do not
tell any one unless you know we'll who you
are speaking to. If man employs you in
a trusted position and you want to be hon
est with him you may explain the circum
stances to him after you have proved your
worth and ability; and if he is reasoning
man he will understand your plight and re-
Spect you the more. But don't be cOnfiden-
tial with every Tom, Dick and Harry, for
one OF the things that are better left unsaid
is: L am an EXCONvICT.
A More Important Case.