The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1893-06-01
Memorial Day In Prison.

Memorial Day was appropriately observed by
an GRAFTON. patriotic songs, music and a brief hour
of liberty. At "a. NJ. the inmates were assembled
in the chapel hall, and a few minutes later the
services of the day were begun by song by the
prison choir. which was followed by a prayer by
Chaplain Albert. After the choir had rendered
another song. Warden WOlfer arose, and in few
well chosen words, introduced the orator of the
day, the Rev. w. S. Vail. DR.. Vail is known to
most of the inmates here. and was welcomed by
| the clapping of hands. The speaker touched
briefly on the most important battles of the war,
| beginning with the shot fired on Fort Sumpter
which proclaimed to the world that our fair
| land was entering upon the horrors incident to
| civil war. In retrospect ne carried his hearers
| to the battles of Gettysburg. Bulls Run, Fort
| DOnelsOn, Atlanta, Kenesaw MOuntain-On and
| on, until peace was restored and the war-wOrn
Union veterans marched triumphantly in grand
| review at the Nations Capital. The speech was
| interspersed with pathetic Incidents, showing
that even amid the strife of war, mans better
nature is only dormant, and is easily awakened
by an act of herOism or devotion to duty. A
fitting tribute of respect was paid to the memory
of those who offered up their lives as sacrifice
that future generations might enjoy the blessed
heritage of a free government. And in conclusion,
not forgetting his sacred calling, he urged us to
listen to the voice of that "better man that
dwells within the heart and cultivate those
virtues which strengthen and support the body,
mind and soul. That the speakers remarks
were well received was evidenced by the hearty
applause given him at the conclusion of his adj
dress.
Warden WOfer again arose and said he was
| happy to state that nothing had occurred since
the last holiday which would justify him in de-
priving the prisoners of the usual privileges ac-
corded them on holidays, but, on the other hand
| their conduct had been so exemplary that he
| considered they merited what little liberty it
was in his power to grant. The chapel exercises
| were then brought to an end by the cOngrega-
ton singing America On leaving the chapel
We were formed in the usual order and marched
| to Lemon Park, where the order break ranks -
was given. The North Hill band had taken pos
| session of the new summer house lately erected
| in the center of the park, and the enlivening
strains of music greatly enhanced the enjoyment
of the occasion. The allotted time was spent by
the boys in friendly greetings and conversation,
and more quiet, orderly body of men never
came together. 1t is true that some of the men
showed an evident inclination to pluck the
| "treeS" in the park for buttOn-hOle bouquets.
but when told what they were. they quietly de-
sisted. At twelve O'Clock the steam whistle
sounded, the men fell into ranks and marched
into the dining-rOom, where a dinner consisting
of rOast-beef, mashed potatoes, boiled eggs,
pickles, cheese, pumpkin-pie, and coffee with
milk and sugar, was served. The afternoon was
spent by the inmates in their cells, the privilege
of writing letter being granted to those who
desired it.