Bismarck weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1884-1943, 1895-06-21
A C0yVICTS IDEA.
One OF the Inmates of the State Pen
tertiary Thinks Charity Is
Often Far From Home.
The Horse Editor Has a Say Con-
corning Burleigh County ana
Bismarck Blooded Stock.
Various Items of Local News Picked
Up In and Aaround the Cap
ital City.
From a Convict,

From a Convict.
ED. TRIBUNE: Gould you allow a small
space in your columns for a few lines to
the people of North Dakota from a con-
Wet?
Over one-half of my fellow convicts in
this institution say that evil associates
and drinking liquor landed them behind
prison bars, and when they have served
one term among criminals they are very
often ready for a life of crime, as no one
cares for them, they say. Churches and
other organizations are always ready
and anxious to send men and money to
foreign lands to save the heathens. It
is all right, but why don't they look at
home first apd aid these hundreds of
poor unfortunates who are yearly turned
out on an uncharitable world. Many a
boy yet in his teens, many a man in his
sober years, who is smarting under judi
clal sentence, his pride humbled, his
self confidence dethroned, his judgment
corrected, is a promising subject for
Christian philanthropy. But, alas! In
difference, suspicion and ostracism per-
form their silent work, and the sad story
Is all told in a few words-a second sem
tence. Hundreds of men are looking
through prison bars with fearful, long
ing eyes, toward the pathway of liberty.
But the whitening frown of the outside
world awaits them, and they only emerge
from these shadows into the midnight
gloom'that reigns without. Is it strange
that only a few struggle on in the dark
ness-up the rugged steps, bruised and
bleeding, till they win the summit, where
reigns the sunshine? Is is strange that
some, climbing to the slippery heights,
clothed in darkness, should grow faint
and sick at heart and turn their faces
and footsteps downward toward the
gloomy vortex that awaits them in a land
of gospel light? The exit from prison
life is little less than a plunge into i'm
penetrable darkness. What a startling
fact! What a spectacle for a man! In
the name of imprisoned humanity l ap-
peal to the enlightened Intelligence of
our great commonwealth for a bureau Of
employment, wisely planned and care
fully guarded, in the interest of these
men. 1 appeal to Christian philanthropy
with a zeal that can face indifference
and stalwart opposition abroad, and
brave the perils of sea and land. In
order to save a fetch worshiper in a
foreign land you cannot afford to close
your eyes and fold your arms and allow
men Of a Christian civilization to perish
without an organized effort to save them.
What a stream of humanity is pouring
forth from the gates into the seething
tide of human life! Shall all these rush
past the splendid array of home and
foreign missions without a challenge, in
their downward career? In spite of the
adverse conditions which confront them
on their exit from prison life, an encour-
aging number are scoring a good record
in their endeavor to lead honest and up
right lives. And, could they grasp a
helping hand as they emerge from their
shadows, a far greater number would win
the victory in the battle that awaits
them. ARTHUR L. GRANGER.
Improving the State Capitol.
There have been a number of SUBJ
s~tantlal and desirable improvements in
and about the state capitol building the
past few months. Some of these have
been just completed, while others are
still in course of preparation, and al
together they will add much to the ap-
pearance and convenience of the build
ing. Under the supervision of Governor
Allin, Secretary Dahl and Auditor Briggs,
who are the board CT capitol commission
ers, the place has taken on an altogether
improved appearance. A great share of
the work which has been performed has
been done by convicts, at little or no ex-
pense to the state, and the capitol COM
miesioners are to be complimented for
the earnest interest they have taken in
the improvement of the building and
grounds.
Perhaps the remodeling and reftting
of the state library been the
work mostly wort, Of com.
mendation. It has been changed
altogether from its former appearance.
The wire screen affairs which served
formerly to separate it from the hallway,
have been removed, and in it's place is a
front of plate glass windows, about five
feet square, and extendingin a casing Of
handsomely finished wood, from side to
side Of the library. In the opposite
side, a neat and airy reading and writing
room has been fitted up, and a window
cut through the north end of the build
ing, to give a better light throughout
that side OF the library. There are now.