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

by his experience. The benefit to tbon-
sands of people throughout the land
through the influence Of cnautauoua
circles that were rapidly being organ
lzed, suggested the idea, "why not
give the prisoner the consolation de-
rived from the companionship of books.
something that will instruct him, COM
tort and console him in his hours of
misery. The result of that noble
thought, is our well equipped and intel
lgent ierian circle. The idea was
unique, and at first received but little
encouragement. But with persist
ence that reflects honor upon the noble.
people who could see nothing but the
very best possible. results from such
line OF study in prison, as is required
IN systematic chautauqua course of
reading, consent was obtained, officers
were selected among the inmates. and
regularly organized circle established.
In series of papers, recently published
IN IHE MIRROR, from the pen of Mr..
L. I'll. Leavltt, of Lincoln, Neb., a COM
plete history Of the circle in Saltwater
can be obtained, and it will be unneces-
sary to go over that ground in this pa
per. That the Circle has demonstrated
the wisdom of those who were instru.
mental in its adoption behind the walls.
IN an educational sense, the many
bright and sparkling gems of thought
That have appeared from time to time
IN our Chautauqua column, amply
prove. That it has been of incalculable
oeneht to those who have conscien-
tleusly followed the course of readings
the letters from members. following
this paper, will speak for themselves.
We have endeavored to show in our
preceding columns the
GREAT IMPORTANCE OF EDUCATION
towards reformation. How the un-
lettered can be benefited by taking the
mind away from the baser motives of
life, and creating a desire to learn
more of the better side of human exist
ence. Whether we have succeeded in
our efforts, our generous readers must
decide. 1t we have not clearly pointed
out the great benefit our school has
proven to many an anxious heart and
willing mind, it must be attributed to
our inability to make clear, that, which
we have positive knowledge is absolute
fact. But when men with fair de.
gree of education, and intelligence of a
high order, over their own signatures.
"thank God for the blessed privileges of
the Chautauqua circle" we must
believe in its power, its good When a
man with no other desire, than to show
his appreciation of kind and benevo-
lent action performed toward him,
heartily declares that the companion
ship of the books received from the
Chautauqua circle, bringing him, as
they have, into contact with such noble
characters as Plutarch, Timoleon,
Caesar, Brutus, St. Augustine, Schiller,
Benjamin Franklin, Lord Brougham,
Sir Walter Scott, Thomas a Kempis,.
Jeremy Taylor, and Madam Roland.
nave transformed him, from an un-
thinking animal to thinking and de-
man, we must believe in it's
.fficacious power for good. Yet such
are not only made, but
heir truthfullnesS is seen and felt in
he conduct and actions of those who
lave become members of the circle, and
Who have conscientiOusly followed the
tudies and actively participated in its
work.. There is nothing to be COM
jared to good books to turn to for in
truction and solace whether IN Joy
r sorrow. in prosperity or adversely.
A GOOD BOOK
will always make deep impression
pom mans mind. 1t will warm the
cart, fill him with enthusiasm, and
irect his efforts into those channels
hat will influence his character. 1t
rings him into contact with minds
hat are ripper and wiser than his own,
nd he, unconsciously perhaps, be-
ONES moulded into happier, better
eing. Who can read "The Imitation
Christ" and not be the better for it?
That lessons are to be learned from
t. Augustine; laying bare as he does
re innate viciousness, deceitfulness
nd selfishness of the human character,
nd then teaching man how to over
'lne these defects. Many man to-
ny can attribute all that is good in
m to the influence of some good book.
he noble thoughts and aspirations
eaned from the pages of those great
mes of wisdom, have rescued many
'ung men from the pernicious inf1u-
ices of the prize ring. the gamblers