The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1890-06-05
What You Can and Cannot Do.

What You Can and Cannot Do.
After reading the several communications
on the above subject have come to the
conclusion that there is something radically
wrong in the treatment of it.
Now think that there are many things
man can do after leaving this institution
by which he may obtain an honest living
for himself, and family if he is blessed
with one. If you have trade or profess
sion you choose to follow, on leaving here
you are not at all likely to see the inside of
an institution similar to this again as con-
vict. But it is not to those who have this
means of obtaining living that we must
show the way. to what they can do on
leaving here. rather to those that have not
such means at their hands. What can they
do? My opinion is, that they can prepare
themselves here to obtain a position out
side. Commence at once the study of some
subject of which you desire to become a
master, pursue it steadfastly. allow your
self no respite. and you will in the end find
yourself capable of obtaining an honest liv-
ing when next you are free. If, however,
ever, then create an interest for some one
thing, bring your mind to bear with full
force upon it, and gradually you will find
your interest increased and your mind re-
vert naturally and eagerly to the subject.
will mention few studies that by perSe-
verance can be mastered here without the
aid of instructors. If you desire to become
lawyer, commence the study of law; if you
have taste for the study of medicine, mas
ter it; if you are mechanically inclined
study mechanical physics. The study of
electricity and chemistry is open to all, and
those who make special study of these,
will find them never failing source of rev.
enue. The field of advancement in these
two latter studies is without limit, the por-
ton already laid bare. having no compare
son with the discoveries yet to be made.
The study of telegraphy is one that will al
ways give you employment the instruments
necessary to give the practical knowledge
can be had at a small cost. Bookkeeping,
shorthand, penmanship, all can be mastered
thoroughly while you are here. If you
cannot get the necessary books from the Ii
brary they can be procured for little money.
You have plenty of time.
With these opportunities before you I
think you will agree with me that there are
many things man can do on leaving this
institution that will not lead to prison. The
way to find out what you can do is to I'M
dertake something while you are here.
How many of us are wasting these very
moments! You have novel In your hand,
you pass the time suitable to yourself, but
why not throw down the novel and COM
mence to read and study something that
will benefit you and keep you out of such
institutions as this. When you do COM
mence, remember that it is only by constant
study, increasing and unfagging interest
that you can taste the sweets of knowledge.
Having made commencement keep on.
and when you feel unable to master the
task, think of King Bruce and the spider.
Bruce having been defeated in his attempts
to free the Scottish people from the English
yoke. after many trials gave up in despair
and flung himself down in cave where he
observed spider make many unsuccessful
attempts to gain its web, getting so far each
time and then falling back; but with final
effort it commenced the ascent of it's silken
thread and as it mounted higher and higher
the king became more and more excited,
till finally the spider regained it's web.
Bruce with this lesson on perseverance,
went forth again and conquered the English
at the battle of BannOckburn.
would like to hear from those who do
and those who do not agree with this plan.
LEONARDUs.