The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1895-04-04
SALTWATER, MINNESOTA, APRIL 4, 1895.

barren lives with the things of JOY and
hope, inside of, as we'll as without, prison
walls.
"From the Warden we have very en-
couraging words. He thinks that the
good effect of Chautauqua and Chau-
tauquans is plainly to be seen among
the men. He reads all letters which
are sent and received, and these breathe
Chautauqua influence. Friends to
whom letters are sent express their
gratitude for this influence.
"Of the good behavior of these men,
the Warden remarks that not one has
been reported for any misdemeanor
since taking up the work last October.
They are serious and in earnest, dill
igent at their work, respectful. cleanly
in person, fulfilling all prison require
ments. What further evidence do we
need of a changed condition? What
more can we ask as the fruit of our
effert? They are trying to do better.
What more does our heavenly Father
require of us? These men drop just
word every now. and then. 81 am
keeping up with my reading" Il am
sticking to it, in the message they
send.
"Jhere are those who fear that we
may in some way interfere with punis-
ment. In this civilized Christian CEN
tury, there should be none who simply
feel satisfaction at the punishment of
the offender, but rather a rejoicing at
anything looking toward reformation.
1t is said by one noted for his words OF
sound wisdom, that This is the epoch
of redemption The epoch of judg-
ment is in the future"
"YOu have no idea how these men
look for our coming, how they long
for another Chautauqua meeting.
"In this new life they need cheer
and encouragement. Help them to
work out their own salvation.
"It seems to me that this door has
been opened so wide for us that none
can mistake the call
In his annual report on the affairs of
the prison, the warden said: 81 desire
to express my gratitude to the Chau-
tauqua Literary and Scientific Circle OF
Lincoln. for the noble work they have
done among the convicts under my
, charge. 1t is astonishing what an in
terest this association has awakened
among the men, and what a vast i'm
:, provement their work has accom-
plished."
The chaplain also, in his report said
> "Especially are we under obligations
. to members of the Chautauqua Lit
. erary and Scientific Circle, who have
. rendered services which are of ines
y timable value to the cOnvicts in thi
> prison.
OF the three succeeding years i
;, would be gratifying to say something
perhaps good deal, but time will no
permit any thing more than the brief
est summary.
a The Circle has been increased t.
% sixty. of whom eleven are colOred an
one is an Indian; the books and mag
# aZines (fifteen sets of the former an
4 twenty copies of the latter have bee
,e provided each year in season for tn
X class to commence their reading
N promptly on the first of Octobe
" and the class exercises have been col
Quoted with regularity and increasin
is interest and profit; perhaps with d.
n. gree of Improvement in some respect
Is as might be expected to result frol
or experience had.
he Aside from the required reading
sh and regular class exercises upon tho:
readings, a variety of other meal
N have been availed of as auxiliary hell
ot to enlist and maintain interest in tt
re subject matter Of the studies, and
r.. indicate to the men that their was
lie heartfelt purpose to make the exc
no cises of such character as should +
dound to their real welfare.
be To this end we have from time
-y- time secured the services of several
~ the professors of our university al
ed other citizens of ability, to speak
sh them, generally on subjects in the Ii