The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-09-25
Work For Ex.COnvfcts.


Work For Ex-COnvicts.
The case of man recently discharged
from the Saltwater prison has been attract.
ing good deal of attention among some of
the citizens of st. Paul, because of the OBJ
vious difficulties in the way of reform and
advancement on the part of person under
these circumstances. The case in question
was apparently worthy of careful consider
alton, as the prisoner had, by good behav-
iOr. considerably shortened his sentence,
and was ambitious to reclaim himself as
far as possible. The difficulty he encoun-
tered in finding work brought up the ques-
ton: How far is the state responsible for
the welfare of its discharged prisoners, and
is any provision made for their finding
honest occupation after their release?
A reporter of the Pioneer Press called
upon Secretary Hart, of the state board of
charities and corrections. for official infOrma-
ton on this subject. Mr.. Hart stated that
when the st. Cloud reformatory was organ
lied its board of trustees was authorized by
law. either as trustees of the refOrmatory
or through some prisoners aid society, to
be organized by them. to assist discharged
persons in finding employment. During
the last legislature law was passed by
which the board of trustees of the reform
atOry and the state prison board might ap-
point state agent to assist prisoners, the
salary of the agent to be paid in equal
shares from the funds of the two institu-
tions. Neither of the institutions have
been financially in a condition to carry out
the plan. and accordingly no agent has
been appointed.
1.-The provision for discharged prisoners in
Minnesota" says Mr.. Hart lis more generous
than in most states. AS general thing states
prison gives a man his release suit of clothes
and S. or sometimes $40 in money. 1t frequently
happens that a man comes out of the saltwater
prison with S25 or $50. Sometimes they come out
with 5000 or $500, enough to give them good
start in life. There citizens of saltwater and
also of Minneapolis and st. Paul, who interest
themselves personally in such cases. and have
had considerable sums put into my hands at diff
ferent times to use in cases Of need.
There should be, however, special provisions
made by the state for the aid of prisoners, and
though there are difficulties in the way of its sue
cess it is achieved in some states and ought to be
in Minnesota. One obstacle is the fact that the
discharged prisoner is independent as any other
American citizen, and is inclined to keep away
from anything that savors of organized charity.
1t is apt to be the more worthless fellows that
avail themselves OF Sucn nelp, altnOugn IL neeQ
not be conducted in a manner to emphasize the
mans peculiar relation to society.
Another difficult feature is the securing of an
agent who is adapted to the position. 1t can be
easily seen that man of extremely good judg-
ment and no small amount of tact would be re-
quired for such an Office. There six or eight
organizations of this kind in the United States and
those in Philadelphia. New York. Baltimore and
Boston quite successful. In England there
fifty or sixty of these societies, and as they
conducted largely in cooperation with each
other and carry out a severe system of surveil-
lance, they are very successful. The St. Cloud
reformatory cannot release a man on parole until
some occupation is found for him, and if for any
reason he loses his employment he returns to
the reformatory until further provision can be
made.
1.-The board of charities and corrections has
urged the establishment of society or
agency for this purpose, and it is very desirable
that some more definite provision of the kind
should be made.'