The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1895-09-05

REV. J. S. KICKER, of Faribault. who
preached to us while Mr.. Albert was
absent on his vacation, has written his
impressions of the city of Saltwater
and the penitentiary for publication in
the Faribault Republican. We quote
from the Republican that portion of
the article which refers to the prison
as follows:
''Some Of the readers of the Repub-
ica7 have been to saltwater and the
penitentiary,' and others may go! and
still others may be interested to know
something of this picturesque town
and the peculiarly interesting institu-
ton which finds a home within it's
borders. * ;. x * x &
"But interesting as is the city, and
the great logging business, its chief in
dustry, the most interesting thing in
saltwater is the State Penitentiary, a
model institution, one of the finest and
most ably conducted prisons in the
country. The prison is situated in a
ravine little above the level of the
lake. 1t is surrounded by stone wall
twenty feet high, along which armed
guards are stationed. The prison proper
is long building, constructed of stone
and iron, and absolutely fire and burg
lar proof Abandon hope all We who
enter here unless you have right to
come out, for it would be about as easy
for one to rise from the dead as to get
out of this stronghold without the con-
sent of the authorities,
ut was my privilege to preach to the
prison congregation on exchange with
the chaplain, Rev. J. H. Albert. 1t was
fine congregation, numbering three to
four hundred, attentive, appreclative
men. It was fine congregation in
quality. The men, with few exceptions,
were bright, intelligent and good look
ing. A minister is put to the test when
facing such body of men; no gOody-
goody talk is wanted. but downright,
manly, noble teaching. 1t was a con-
gregation of men. There are but three
women in prison now, and aside from
twenty to thirty lady visitors the attend
ance was exclusively masculine. Talk
about only women going to church: you
had better go to the penitentiary.
"There are so many things of interest
to be said in connection with this i'm
portant institution that it is difficult to
bring such an article as this within rea-
sonable limits. Itwould be like leaving
Hamlet out of the play, however, not
to speak Of the prison discipline. One
is first of all impressed with the neat
ness and cleanliness found everywhere
in the dining-rooms, the kitchen, the
cells, the hospital and the work shops
Disorderliness is a misdemeanor and
affects ones standing. The prisoners
are divided into three grades according
to conduct. Those in the first grade
perfect in conduct, wear a neat gray
uniform, have little better food and
are accorded other privileges; those in
the second grade wear plaid uniform
and enjoy fewer privileges; those in the
third grade, the worst cases, wear the
conventional striped uniform. 1t is an
encouraging fact to note that on the
first day of August the first grade en-
relied 1872, the second grade 129, while
the third grade numbered only -! AL
entering prisoners are put into the
second grade, regardless of the crime
committed or the term of service; from
this they are promoted or degraded &C
cording to their behavior. 1t may be
readily seen that such system, wisely
kindly and firmly administered, tends
to promote good behavior and to work
out the highest end of penal service-the
reformation of the criminal
Cali the prisoners are required te
work ten hours per day; the binding