The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-05-05
COnyictss Wives,

Within the walls of state prisons it has
been observed that the affection of wife for
husband varies, as rule, in the various
grades of society. 1t has been proven by
numerous and undisputed examples that in
the higher walks of life the wife of the con-
relatives to desert him and the mother the
last. On the other hand, in the humber
paths it is remarkable to note the tender
devotion with which the wife clings to the
husband. 1t is wonderful that in instances
wherein he is the most despicable wretch
and hardened brute, she is faithful with a
love which burns brightest when the dark.
days hang over him. 1t has been my privi
lege to witness many of the cases of un-
fathfulness of the first kind, and have
oftened wondered as to the cause. OF
course there are exceptions, but they are
indeed few. have cOnversed with num-
ber of persons who have devoted their lives
and labOrS to the solution of social prob
lens, and they have appeared surprised at,
and often doubted, the assertion, but it is
true nevertheless. l could quote large
number of examples with which are con
nected names the mention of which would
surprise you. Perhaps it is the social
standing which the wife has enjoyed, and
for the loss of which she hates the one who
has caused it, then it may be that her rela-
tives influenced her. l have seen wives
come to husbands during the first few
months of their confinement, and NiObe
never shed more tears than they. Those
same women within few months have
turned and married other men. Nor is this
confined to what are known as the best cir
cles. | know case of a young man in New
York who had been convicted of rObbing
his employers and sentenced to term of
years in Sing Sing. He had been ''patron
pirate" for one of the large dry goods
houses and an all around confidential man.
He had married young woman. perhaps
not more than twenty years of age. and
| they lived in elegant style in an uptown
flat. Finally the blow came: he was dis
graced, convicted Of crime, and sentenced
to prison. Throughout the trial the wife
was constantly at his side, and her tears
aroused visible sympathy from all con.
cerned in the case. Upon his conviction
her grief was distressing to witness. Dur
ing the first year of his confinement she was
regular in her visits, being on hand every
visiting day; and her interviews with her
husband were loving and tender. An uncle
of the prisoner who could not come on any
day but Sunday, was granted the privilege
of seeing him. as he was settling some bus
mess for him. On those days the wife
would come and sit in the Office while the
uncle went into the next room to see the
prisoner, saying she was content if she was
under the same roof with him, and could
hear the sound of his voice. The guards
admired her devotion and spoke of her with
words of praise, often allowing her to stay
with him some moments over the usual
time for interviews. This proceeded we'll
enough for time, but soon the visits be.
came less frequent, she came no more on
Sundays; the regular day was too often
skipped; and after while her visits ceased
entirely. Can you believe 1T, that very
woman. who had displayed all this love,
was found living with another man by the
husband when he gained his liberty. This
is but one example of many. On the other
hand, l have witnessed a host of cases in
which the wife has been faithful even when
the husband hurled back her love with
curses. and in some instances refused to in
terview her. It has been my sad duty to
see wife cling to convict and in express
siOns mingled with tears and caresses en-.
treat him to say one kind, one gentle. one
loving word that she might depart cOntented.
Can it be wondered at, then, that so many
graves are filled with broken hearts? Is it
not also to be marveled at that confidence
IL