The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1891-07-02
90 straight after having been aided by the

60 straight after having been aided by the
society. 1t is reasonable to suppose that
some of them would have done we'll with
out assistance. Still there is no doubt that
the good results of such work more than
justiies the continuance of the societies.
Connecticut has probably one OF the most
efficient organizations in existence in this
country. In one of its annual reports the
method of working is described as follows:
The association has a standing commit
tee, known as the committee on visitation
and discharges. This committee is CON-
posed of five members of the association,
who freely give their service in the work.
They meet once each month, in the
Office OF the warden of the state prison
and have an interview with each prisoner
who is to be released during the next
month. The following circular is sent to
each prisoner who is to be discharged. 1t
is sent in advance of the visit Of the commit
tee:
Dear Sir: You will soon be discharged from
this prison, and we. as your friends, offer you
such assistance as we can give. Our object is to
aid you in obtaining employment If you have a
trade and desire to work at it, we will If possible,
aid you to get work at your trade. but if this
not be obtained, we presume, of course. that you
will be glad to accept any opportunity to earn an
honest living. We do not advertise you as a dis
charged prisoner, nor do we in any way place you
at any disadvantage We have assisted a great
many persons as they left this prison; many are
now doing well, respected. happy and prosperous.
On the contrary, some have gone down, and re-
turned to prison, simply because they would not
be sober and Industrious man that will totally
abstain from the use of liquors or beer. keep
away from barrooms and disreputable places. will
surely succeed; man that will not do this need
not expect to be permanently successful
We will call and see you before you are dis
charged and if you have any plans or arrange
ments for your future. and desire our assistance,
we will talk it over with you and see If we can
aid you. 1t is not our purpose to give you money.
get work. or to reach your friends or home if you
desire to do so. Be ready to tell us when we call
to see you. just how you think we can best assist
you.
The warden. the deputy warden and the
chaplain meet with the committee, when
prisoners are to be examined, and, from
their knowledge of the history and general
characteristics of the prisoners. are enabled
to give such information as assists the COM
mittee and the agent in dealing with those
who are discharged. The agent of the as
ISOLATION is the secretary of the committee.
and sits with them at each meeting, and
makes complete record of each case. The
agent meets each prisoner on the morning
of his discharge, in the office of the warden,
and accompanies him to the Office of the as
ISOLATION in Hartford. where the final ar
engagements are made for carrying out what
ever plan the committee have decided upon
as most likely to benefit the newly dis
charged prisoner. 1t is our promise
to each man who needs it, to stand by him
with material assistance, until he can find
honest employment. provided his conduct is
what it should be.
The good work of this association has
won for it the commentator of the state
officials. 1t is the opinion of most prison
wardens, chaplains and all those who have
to do with prisoners that they need and
should receive assistance in securing foot
hold in the world.