The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1895-06-20
Second Timers.

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Second Timers. y
In April issue of Up 10 Date, we Ii
noticed an article on second timers, i
which we, as inmates of this instltu- S
ton should duly consider, as the adj 7
vice contains many things that are t
essential to our general future welfare. l
By obeying its precepts, we will be
prone to see the detestableness and in
of crime; that any toler- s
ance of it on our part is productive OF ;
misery and degradation Our object
in writing this epistle, is to give others
our candid convictions, and II posi-
BILE to lead them to believe as we do.
We have found by experience that 1t
requires no greater effort to do right
than it does to do wrong. We have
met adversely after adversely, and by
a tirmness of will have triumphed over
them to be rewarded by at least clear
conscience. Is it not more satisfactory
and profitable in the end to DO right
than to do wrong? 1t is not mlsfort-
une that causes us to commit crime, 1t
is the will to do so; on the contrary the
commission of crime causes years OF
misfortune and suffering. There is no
occasion for disparagement on the part
of any one discharged from prison. We
admit that the path of the ex-convict us
not adorned with roses, and the odds
are against him, but no more so than
the poor unfortunate people who were
never behind the prisons wall. They
as a class, have resisted the tempta-
tons in time of adversely to commit
crime, and by so doing, have gained a
respite to bear the ills they have, rather
than to fly to others unknown. AS
senting to their lot as inevitable, with
an honest aim and resolute will, sup
ported by the hand of Almighty Prov
idence, they conquer their poverty and
Y misery and the respect of a scrutlnlz'
+ ing public. Why then should we have
e less courage than they? Their battle
!. in life is the same as ours, it would be
4 unmanly and cowardly in us to lei
n ANYTHING stand in the way of our sue
!. cess. It behooves us when we go forth
n to face the world again, to be resolved
:. on attaining that standard that VIII
+ place us on equal standing with tn
a most respectable and law-abldlng Cit
v izen of the country. and thus by max
y mo an honest endeavor to redeem
q ourselves from the baser elements o
4. humanity. we will find it more favor
Il able to our success. We will have tn
10 succor and sympathy of the intelllgen
h class of society to assist us IN on
g efforts to attain that status OF mOrallt
N which is essential to the advancement
of a better life. We should bear
mind that society and law are not OF
enemies peace and law must
bo maintained. and that life and prOpert
n. must be protected. Society is tt
Of nnion of persons in some common Il
air terest. and each of us constitutes pa
ot of it.: then whatsoever is beneficial
,rt detrimental to it, is also beneficial
he detrimental to us in proportion. IT
to Stunning that law is essential to the a
nd vancement and maintenance OF tn
nd common interest, it is our duty TO
an serve it and obey it. Some may al
ore what interest have we in common WI
q society. we are the out-cast, the
Tn horred, the prosecuted? ave a
emit created equal with certain inalienat
the rights-that among these are life, Il
art. erty and the pursuit Of happlnes
,ial The purpose of the law is to prote
ted these rights, it should punish the
in guilty of any infringement and p
VET tect the innocent.
the No man has right to commit crl1
me- it should be opposed with the great
at nossible resistance. Those of you
and may be fortunate enough to gain "
ded liberty, need not be discouraged by
hat tale of woe that we frequently n
n Il from those who return to the prlso'
that that they are constantly pursued
,ast the police, that some one is ever a.
in. for an opportunity to expose ana