The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1895-04-25


another is tailor; another of studious
is successfully canvassing
for the sale of good book, one is es
tablished in trade, respected citizen,
active in good works; another is a
of a local Chautauqua circle;
three have given good evidence that
they have become Christian men, and
have made public profession of their
faith and have united, one with a
Presbyterian, one with Baptist, and
one with the Episcopal church. These
are but indications of some of the pos
sible results of Chautauqua work if
patiently prosecuted and allowed or
helped to develop.
Is it not exceedingly desirable that
Chautauquans throughout our country
should be awakened to the Importance
of this prison work, and the wide field
for usefulness that it offers; and be in
duced to take hold Of it?
A few quotations from those who
have made special mention of Chautau-
qua influences. will indicate the meas
ure of appreciation which it has been
made plain to us, was felt by a good
many of the men.
One writes ''The Chautauqua circle
in this prison is the right thing in the
right place.
Another: "This is my last day with
the class. [ feel more than interested,
and shall go out with better feelings
toward society on account of the Chau-
tauqua and shall continue my readings
wherever may be located
Another: "Some members have i'm
proved themselves wonderfully, while
all, no doubt, have been benefited. AS
for myself, | have gained knowledge
and as long as there are two members
of our class, will be the other fellow.
Another. after his release, said
Hard and severe as my prison life has
been, it was just. l have been strictly
but kindly dealt with; and in view OF
the Chautauqua influence upon me
which l am conscious of, l am thankful
that was sent here
Another: "Whatever | am or am t(
be. owe to Chautauqua; the kindly
influence which led me to feel tina
there were those who cared for me
that helped me to help myself, tha
stimulated me to read to purpose
and encouraged me to hope and to tr.
to be a man again"
: Another writes: 81 have two months
more to serve and then an ex-cOnvict'
troubles begin. I have read all th
Chautauqua books. | know / have no
studied as well as some, but | have re
ceived an impulse to do better from
what I have done
Another: "Y our talk in the chape
: had some impression upon me, bu
r when / received your letter | was III
spired with new zeal of encourage
5 ment. and felt that | owed debt t
| y1u and the rest of those that come t
: instruct us. and for the interest yO
9 take in us unfortunate fellows to hel
raise us Oh level with our fellow mel
J. | have made up my report or meme
randa, and did the best | could, bu
that is not much because | am poo
e scholar
/: Another now in the Minnesota PrisOl
o writes: "The Eierian Circle lifts a
: who wish to secure larger views, int
a the higher plane of learning. All thu
r is necessary is a little ambition and p
h tience, to secure an education an
make the time which the laws hay
l. taken from us. fruitful instead Of d
t, generating.
l. acknowledge is not always obtaine
a. by study; it is the reward of diligel
Is research, the grist that comes from tt
al mill of meditation. BY study we CO
acquire, but it is meditation tn
)e teaches.
N "If we should lift ourselves abo
re- the tainted atmosphere of crime it
is necessary to learn while the opportul
in ty is afforded. 1t is the devolopme
at of the intellect that strengthens t
ly morals and builds up fallen charact
r; like ours"