The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-15

most unknown, because no longer nee
essary. And yet we find better order
and less whispering in our schools than
in the days when all communication
between pupils was considered seri-
Gus offense.
And it would be waste of words to
argue that in every we'll ordered family
it is principle of obedience, not con-
formity to any particular rule or rules,
that is impressed upon the children.
1t may be truly said that prison is
not school or family; but the same
eternal principle that holds good
in school and family will hold good and
bring forth the same results in the pris-
on whenever it is combined with firm
and efficient administration; even as
the few rays of sunshine that enter the
prisoners cell are part of the same
sunshine that illumines and fertiliZes
the great earth!
Mr.. Scott then goes on to say that he
believes it possible to educate both
prisoners and guards up to any condi-
tions which might be laid down for
the temporary relaxation of the rule
of silence at certain periods. Atten-
tion is called to the fact that in the
Ohio Penitentiary the prisoners are al
lowed to converse at dinner, provided
the number of reports on the day previ-
Gus falls below certain number, and
Mr.. Scott then goes on to say
Could they not be allowed the same
privilege at one meal-ifno two-each
day because their social natures need a
little play? Prisoners in the idle shops
are allowed to converse an hour each
forenoon and afternoon. Could not
prisoners in the workshops be given a
few minutes or half an hour each day
for the same purpose? Would they
not do their work more cheerfully and
more efficiently, too?
The one awful strain upon the souls
and bodies OF prisoners is the concious-
ness of imprisonment. Of course, they
find relief from this in sleep and partial
relief in work, but do they not also need
the relief and stimulus of free CONVEX
sation with each other? Would not
the abrogation or modification of the
rule against talking not only make
prison life more tolerable, but also tend
to prepare the prisoner for return tc
free citizenship?
Warden Coffin has shown himself al
all times to be in the forefront of that
gallant band of men and women who
are lending their energies to reclaim
those who are lost to the state, and thu
fact that Mr. Scott'S letter is published
in full in the News we hope may be re
garded as an indication that its sug
gestions are favorably considered.
The News and most other prison pap
ers edited by men who have made pris
on work life study, but wko have no
themselves tried imprisonment. We
therefore feel that we may speak with
the authority of experience, and we d.
most emphatically coincide with Mr.
Scott's suggestion. 1t is the continual
ly enforced silence which causes meI
to lose their reason while in prison
Those who are mentally strong ma.
survive, but many men are sent t
prison who are mentally unbalanced
not necessarily insane, but suffering
from more or less acute mental defects
TO such men the pail of continual 81
lence is fatal. The lingering spark
gradually eXtinguished, and the victim
is either sent to the asylum or else ling
ers harmless and hopeless idiot O
imbecile in the prison.