The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1892-05-19

he prisoner serving his sentence. but
more to the removal of conditions which
produce and develop crime and criminal
tendencies.
The State. as deserved chastisement to
the criminal himself and as an example to
Others must of course visit upon every
criminal punishment commensurate with
his crime. But that State which has de-
prived him of liberty, and the best days OF
life, should show it's interest, its cOnsidera
tiOn and it's sOlicitude, when he faces the
world again free but morally weakened
man. It is the duty of that authority
which has decreed that he shall expiate his
crime to leave him when released, better
equipped to live life of rectitude than
when landed behind prison bars. If it does
not do this, then all laws. punishments and
prisons will have proved in vain.
When the life prisoner enters the prison
gates, or the drop lands the murderer into
eternity, the responsibility of the State as to
their future ceases. Its duty has been per-
formed. But as regards prisoner SEN
fenced for term OF years. the State has a
more intricate duty to perform. On the
treatment of such prisoner may depend
the salvation of the man and the security of
society. Many a career of crime has dated
from the day convict completed term of
Imprisonment and found that he could not
cast aside disgrace. Observation teaches
us that it requires almost a miracle to re
form life nurtured in vice, or keep from a
second term of Imprisonment man who
has buried in prison cell the self respect
with which he was born, and who comes
out bereft of all confidence and respect of
his kind. Think of turning such charac-
ter out upon the world without a cent in his
pocket, or human being he can call his
friend. Think how little encouragement
there is to him, hated, suspected. abands
Oned as he is. to begin life anew. Think
how little encouragement there is to de-
velop the good qualities which he may pos
sess. You cannot. then. be surprised that
criminal once is often criminal forever
The law which would protect and encour-
age such, would be the useful complement
to the law which Furnishes him. Such law
would strengthen the purpose of any
abandoned outcast seeking to change his
life and unlearn the lessons of crime which
circumstances have forced upon him.
1t is midnight. Upon hard couch in a
bare prison cell, wrapped in that sweet
slumber which visits alike the prison dun
geOn and palace chamber, lies solitary
man. Upon his cOuntenance is written the
bitter story of crime. AS the last echo
of some distant alarm dies reluctantly
on the midnight air, he awakes with start
as if forgetful of his surroundings. Half
raising himself on his couch he stares
wildly at the floor, and darkness dense and
deep cOnfrOnts him. He gaZeS from one
side of his cell to the other and seeS-dark
ness. He lifts his eyes toward Heaven and
beholds nOthing-but darkness. Darkness
between him and light. Darkness between
him and liberty. Darkness between him and
man. Darkness between him and God.
How gladly he would welcome pain. sor
row, anything to steal from darkness it's
of his heart, his eyes involuntarily close,
and perhaps as diversion to his mind, or
perhaps in answer to prayer. uttered long
ago. he begins to think-tO pOnder-to
mediate. In few months his sentence
will have expired. He will have regained
his liberty. He reflects on his past check
cred life. He recalls the first step in his
career of crime. He half exults as he re-
members his many narrow escapes and
shrewd eyasiOnS Then he thinks of the
future. What will he do with the liberty
he is about to regain? He reflects again on
his past life and success as criminal. He
realizes too truly his ruined prospects and
the blight upon his name. He thinks of the
discOuragements which beset an attempt at
reform. He is almost persuaded to plunge
again into lawlessness and transgression.
But he opens his eyes, and beholds-dark-
ness. His heart beats faster and louder.
What is there in the darkness that fills him
with dread and apprehension? In the
sepulchral chamber of his troubled thoughts
does he behold the airy form of him who
gave him the name he has dishonored? In
the awful silence does he recall the whisper
of voice, silent now as the darkness itself,
which was once broken with sobs for him
and which never failed to pray daily for his
guidance and protection? The first penitent
tears since childhood fill his eyes. He
makes the final decision there, and that
moment becomes hero. For in the dark