The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1897-02-18
INNESOTA, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1897.

undertaking, commercial or otherwise
few that have the requisite amount
of self-denial, forbearance, foresight,
integrity, energy, and pure grit or cour-
age to face every obstacle, overrule the
timidity or recklessness of those asso-
ciated with them-or the generous for
titude to take on their own shoulders
the blame of their fellows shortcom-
ings, in addition to the errors or weak
nesses they themselves are at all times
liable to.
1t is truly said, in the book Of Prov
erbs that "He that ruleth his spirit is
better than he that taketh city, for,
while the latter may be effected in a
few days or hours, by single act of
military strategy, the former needs a
life time of incessant watchfulness and
care. This subject is of peculiar inter-
est and Importance to each of us as in
mates of penal Institution; for, if we
honestly analYze our own past expert
ence, we shall all, without exception
be compelled to acknowledge that our
presence within these walls has been
brought about by our want of moral
courage; and it is only by the persistent
and energetic exercise of this moral
courage that we can ever hope to re-
sumo and maintain our former rela-
tions with the outside world, if we are
spared to regain our liberty.
1t may be asked in what way have
we evinced this cowardice? The
answer is obvious. If we had had the
resolution to avoid the rum. shop; to re-
sist the allurements of the gambling
den; to shun the vicious pleasures set
before us by fast and dissolute COM
panions; to refrain from reckless and
useless expenditure far beyond our
means, and neither necessary nor con-
ducive to our health and happiness
if we had evinced this moral courage,
should we have been behind these bars :?
The unhesitating and spontaneous re-
ply will be, No.
Again, had we spent the time, money
and talents we possess to the enhance.
ment of the best interest of those near
and dear to us-Our parents, our wives
or our children, instead of selfshly
squandering health, happiness and rep
utation at the shrine of unlawful greed
or still more degrading and soul-de-
stroying pursuits, should we have be-
queathed to our dear ones and our
selves ruined character, a shattered
constitution, and heritage of misery
and regret? Let those parents, wives
and children answer for us-and,
amidst a torrent of agonizing, heart
rending tears and groans-they will
emphatically reply, No.
We have made out clear, indisput-
able case against Ourselves-but,
though we cannot alter the past, it is
not too late to retrace our steps and set
our feet in the right direction. For
once in our life let us be men-men in
the truest, brOadest sense of the term!
Let us first have the courage to ac-
knowledge the error to our own hearts;
we need not necessarily proclaim it to
the world. Then take the next STEP:
"Nail our courage to the sticking-post,"
and renounce our late companions;
take our proper place as the champions
of right and good order, and resume
our responsibilities as the loving,
stalwart protectors of those who are
dependent upon us for sustenance, af-
fectionate care, and mutual, genial
companionship. Resolve to maintain,
under all circumstances, the courage
of our convictions" and all will yet be
we'll with us-for we shall thereby be
able to secure the good will and conf
dence of all worth knowing as good
citizens and honest men. w.