The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1891-03-19
Thou Shalt Not Work.

The JOurneymen Plumbers Union of
Boston recently discovered plumber at
work in this city who did not belong to that
organization. and an investigation disclosed
the fact that he was graduate of the Con-
cord RefOrmatOry Industrial School, who
was trying to earn an honest living by do
ing fair days work for fair days wages.
To the horror and dismay of the Union, it
was further discovered that me was only
one of the many who. through the efforts of
the prison authorities. was endeavOring to
become a respected and useful member of
society. We quote from report of the
meeting of the Union:
This information naturally caused much
indignation. and it was proposed by the
members of the union to take some means
of protecting their craft from an influx of
'jailbirdS.
committee was appointed to investigate the
matter. and instructed to obtain the fullest
information possible.
But it is only when the concluding words
of the committee are reached that the superb
effrOntery and righteousness of the affair
appears: 1T is simply abOminable. dis
graceful and criminal" say these intelligent
and liberal minded citizens of Boston Ito al
low such state of things to continue, and
whatever may have been the policy or the
intent of the OriginatOrs. whether from mis-
taken zeal as phlanthrOpistS, or under
whatever theory that can be advanced. it is
no less crime if allowed to continue one
day longer than is necessary to expose its
dangers to society at large and its democrat
izing influence on the honest youth of our
city and State. We therefore urge upon our
fellow members the necessity of at once de-
viSing some MEANS by committee or other
wise, to reach the legislators or those hav-
ing authority to investigate the condition of
affairs in the institution. and to confer with
other trades-whOse welfare and interests
are equally as ours at stake-sO that we can
bring such influence to bear as will result
in the adjustment of this nefariOus system
before it becomes firmly rooted in our
midSt'
That is to say. these wOrkmen think there
is only certain amount of work to be
done. and if they allow these reformed men
to come into their trade, their own jobs are
in danger. Self preservation is the just law
of nature, and they are Indifferent to the
fate of men outside of their union. This is
utterly needless and selfish. but it is neces-
sary from their point of view. They must
look out for themselves. 1t does look to
the wOrkingman that job at any price
must be fought for. His idea is to keep
down the number of men. The right idea
is to increase the number of jobs. tax the
Spectator (who employs no labor. out of
existence. Bring mines. forests. building
lots into the market by taxing the site value
of land. and exemptng all improvements.
and there will be no lack of jobs and your
unions will not proceed against these poor
prison tainted men. driving them from
earning an honest meal back to prison to
live at the expense of the institutions. This
idea is all wrong, pitfully wrong. Set in
dustry free. make it honorable. Work is
limitless. and production Unreasonable.
once special privileges and land monopolies
are bOlished.-Living Issues