The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1893-10-19

except in Irvine shop No. 1; and into that the
whitewash brigade poured to complete the job
that pressure of work caused them to suspend
the week previous. The belt was repaired by
cementing and had dried out so as to allow of re-
sumption of business Saturday.
Received 9. Oct. II, two from Dodge Co.,
carnal knowledge years and grand larceny sec
Ond degree year; Oct. Is, two from Texas,
cOunterfeiting one, manSlaughter one, two years
EACH One from Minnesota selling liquor to
Indians. Oct. 16, one from Aitkin Co., grand
larceny second degree, one year. Oct H. three
from st. Louis Co., grand larceny second degree.
three years, two years and refOrmatOry plan re-
spectively.
The Saltwater Gazette is considerably off in
saying that there are one hundred and forty ilit-
crates within these prison walls. There are sixty
eight attending the school who cannot write and
some few who are not attending school, but OF the
totally illiterate, who don't know know from T.
there are not more than ten per cent of the pop
ulatiOn. Some men who can read have absolutely
taught themselves how to write by study of the
letters received from friends.
The value of discipline was shown in the
school room Tuesday night when the electric
tary smoker among the illiterates only then per-
feet quiet and silence. The lamps were lit and
by and by the electric light returned and bust
ness went on without the slightest hitch Why?
Simply because the men were out on good be-
haviOr and showed their appreciation of it.
Consideration begat consideration.
The wrecking of the driving belt Friday
shows the consequence of small departure
from right. The little rip. drip of moisture, rap
idly extended to a great tear necessitating the
stOppage of the entire machinery to remedy it,
Our voluntary machinery is stopped for repairs
in here because we allowed little rips in 1.-The
armour of righteousness" Let us remember to
keep close watch over the small things and de-
tails of life and there will be no need to lay up
here or elsewhere. for moral repair.
Texas Tim is nice enough nom de plume but
there is no evidence that it is not loaded. Some
Texas products need handling with care. taran-
tulas. cowboys, mavericks. bad men and tangle
foot for instance. Tim of Texas may be just as
proper as Tim of Minnesota or New York, per
haps more so. This office however is run some
what on the same principle as the United States
Senate; we will suspend rules and extend court
esy among ourselves, but when any Bill or Tim
comes blushingly incOgnitO from the outside we
hump up our back and point with pride to the
motto we have adopted, strangers must be in
trOduced and identified" For this reason, and
others, the world must lose the benefit of Texas
Tins maiden effort.
The temporary stOppage of the twine shop
and the locking of some of the men in their cells
recalled to the minds of some of the old guards
the great times had with the gang constructing
the levee. outside the walls, for the Transfer Co
1t was at a period when there was no regular
work for the men. Some were employed remOv
ing the bluffs for the present wall, and gang
outside unlOaded the flat cars as they came out
The weather was cold, so an extra large cooper
age bOX-car was fitted with stove as waiting
room. In this the men were allowed to smoke
talk. sing or play checkers; outside was silence
and business. Under such conditions the way
dirt flew was a caution. The General Manager
of the Transfer Co. would send down frequently
barrel of apples or enough plugs of tobacco to
go around, so that the men had every induce
ment to good work and did it. Out of 20 or sc
men daily employed for ar months only one
attempted to get away, showing that there is
honor enough among cOnvicts if the right key
is sounded.