The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-04-10
Consistency.

Ideas and theories regarding the beauty,
happiness and benefit both morally and
physically, derived from the better life we
should lead when released, have been freely
advanced and discussed in these columns.
1t is not my intention to add to the advices
so freely and generously offered, but to
write few words on the subject of ''Con-
sistency," as a farewell to those inside as
well as outside these stern walls.
Within few days shall have completed
my sentence and passed through the prison
portals to liberty and freedom. AS 1 sit in
my cell thinking of what the uncertain flu
ture may have in store for me, the thought
presented itself: Shall be one of those,
who. in the mad delight of liberty. forget
the manly resolutions regarding reform,
and in glass of whisky drown the first
round of the ladder to success, and drift
slowly and aimlessly out to that sea ''com-
posed of crime and recklessness, iniquity
and sin," and be cast upon the shoals Of De-
Spair and on the rocks of Death!
TO write or converse in earnest and elO-
Quent language denOuncing ones self and
freely acknowledge ones faults; to bitterly
repent of past misdeeds, curse whisky and
its consequences and advance theories re-
garding the government OF fallen and erring
unfOrtunates of ones own standing and
sad circumstances suggesting and pointing
out system of moral and physical i'm
prOvement, shows that one has awakened
to the fact that the yawning abyss under
his feet has been discovered. To do those
things frankly is noble and heroic, and de-
,0fn Info f0 f,,r,, hoo oly ic
too late, to profit by tie direful discovery
and for the future map out and follow
far different course than has been hitherto
pursued. But. alas! the minute liberty
has come, many such men, as they walk
down the street with elastic steps and de-
lriOuS feeling of freedom, must needs step
into grOg-shOp and celebrate the happy
event by taking drink. 1t awakens slum-
bering and almost forgotten habits, and he
sips cOmplacently of the very liquor he de-
nOunced so severely and manfully only a
few days or weeks ago. No matter how
earnest he was or how strong his desire or
determination to do better and avoid such
places. the person who was acquainted with
his good resolutions and later on witnessed
his going back to his old habits and vices
without making an effort. cannot but set
him down as a hypOcrite and sycOphant.
1t is a very delicate matter to draw the line
of distinction between hypocrisy and weak
ness of character where it rightly belongs,
and wise person refrains from so doing.
But very few are thus considerate; the ma
jority quickly pass judgment and act ac-
cordingy.
1t is deep desire in our hearts that So
ciety should give us a heartier welcome and
more freely extend a helping hand upon
our release; but if we persist in drowning
our good resolutions in whisky and are
ready to forget and overthrow the happ-
ness and peace pictured to ourselves in the
lOnliness of our cell. that would be ours in
establishing our tarnished name and honor,
by freQuenting low dives of disreputable
character and minging in the gayities of
vice and sin, we have no right to expect
anything but GOODNESS, dsdain and sneers
from society. 1t is we who must inspire
confidence, faith and goodwill. not repul-