davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22
! $1.00 per year. in advan, g
l Six Months cents.

relling are the invariable results and
blows or assaults terminate the indulg-
ence, hence the restriction of this par.
ticuiar privilege, as indicated above.
Nevertheless, in this, as in many 9TH
er penal prohibitions made respectable
by antiquity, we rob 1t of its sting and
the denial of free communication and
interchange of thoughts are not, to say
the least, complained of by the prison
ers in this institution. Gross violations
are alone noted and reported by the
guards, and in these cases the punish
ments inflicted are also of a stingless
or admonitionary character.
1 fully believe with you in expert
menting or rather in exploiting the
ideas of advanced penology and keep
ing we'll in the lead of comforting priv
ileges and awaiting the responsive ap-
probation of the prisoner rather than
compelling or looking to the prisoner
to earn the privilege or amelioration
before it is conferred. The state of
Ohio has set a noble example in this
particular in the enactment of good.
time laws, the parole law and the many
other humane and advanced steps TAX
en- for the amelioration of the prisoners
condition, reclamation to society and
his rehabilitation as citizen and the
responsive appreciation of the criminal
has justified them all, as evidenced by
the 20 per cent. of the men paroled.
who keep their paroles and are honor
ably discharged with citizen papers.
That the public not alone tolerates
but favorably regards the many radical
ly humane innovations in prison man
agement and prison discipline, which
have taken place during the past few
years is due to men like yourself, who
without money or price, but alone ami
mated by the most philanhtropic and
unseltish motives, have, with voice and
pen, labored for unfortunate and erring
humanity. Very sincerely yours.
E. G. COFFIN.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22
A REPLY.

The following is the reply of Warden
Coffin to that part of the letter of Mr..
Scott, which we published last week
From this answer it will be readily seen
that the system of silence is really not
in operation in the Ohio Penitentiary,
for although the rule may nominaIly
exist it seems to be merely used to pre-
vent the prisoners from abusing the
privilege of communication
In the matter of permitting the pris-
oners to talk or converse during work
ing hours in the shop. l desire to OBJ
serve that the restriction now imposed
is solely confined to the prohibition of
talking at meals except by permission
when the punishment report is below
the number of 10; in the ranks march
ing to and from meals and in the shops,
except when it is necessary in the fur
therance of their work or task.
Owing to the crowded condition of
the prison we have been compelled to
put two men in each cell of the new
hall. Thus HOO men can talk from
locking-up at or near 6 P. NJ. until $50
P. NJ. to their cell-mates. In the shops
the men working near each other are
not reported nor punished for exchang-
ing remarks on the nature or the exig-
encies of the work intrusted to them,
but they are prohibited from leaving
their positions in the shop without per-
mission to talk or communicate with
their fellow-prisoners. 1 understand
that this rule is of almost universal ap-
piication in the largest factories and
workshops where free labor is employed,
and that it works no special hardship
to the honest and non-criminal toiler.
The objection to talking in the peni-
tentiary workshops is not so much
based upon the tendency of gossip to
lessen production, or the production of
inferior work through the inattention
of the loquacious, as understand it to
be in the free shops and factories. We
object to unnecessary talking and pro-
hibit it with punishment provided by
the rules because our experience has
demonstrated that where prisoners in
dulge in talking, argument and quar-
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22

the heavy battery detected crink in
the wall, which is nearly twenty feet
thick and twenty-five feet high, and by
inserting a pick pried out one of the
large stones. Captain Geary was sent
for, and under his direction a large
opening was made in the wall 1t re-
vealed an L-shaped chamber with a
depth of twelve feet, height of fifteen
feet and a greatest width of ten feet.
On the damp ground were found frag-
ment of human bones, and the eXplOr-
ers were forced to the horrible cOnclu-
sion that some unfortunate prisoners
had been walled up and left to die. In
the rear wall was niche used for a
light, and there was still traces of the
blackening due to the flames. A meat
tin of modern make was the only thing
besides the bones found in the cavern.
None of the Spanish prisoners and
none Of the insurgents could offer any
explanation as to the place. None Of
them had ever heard of it, and those
who were permitted to enter exam
ined it with unfeigned curiosity. The
suggestion that it was barbarousIy
made the living tomb of some unfortu-
nate offender against the Spanish rule
seems tenable, as it is isolated from the
other dungeons and distant from the
regular battle-ground. There is anoth-
er uncanny place inside the stockade of
Fort St. Phillip. 1t is the wall against
which condemned prisoners stood to
face their eXecutioners. 1t is dotted
and furrOwed with hundreds of bullets,
and stands as an uninscribed tablet to
reign of blood. Volley after volley
has been sent against it, and countless
victims fell before it to die in their own
blood. Near the wall stand group of
old brass mortars that were cast over a
century ago, and long row of old
smooth rifles"
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22
IMMURING ALIVE.

That the ancient and cruel Gus
tom of executing prisoners by i'm
muring them alive has been continued
by the Spaniards at Manila appears ev-
ident from the following discovery re-
ported by Martin j. Eagan, war.corre.
spondent of the San Francisco Chroni-
Gle, who says: can immense cavern, the
use of which is problematical, had been
discovered in the north wall of old Fort
St. Phillip. Some of the members of
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22

these isles appear almost unapproach-
able, as they are surrounded by jagged
and formidable rocks. On the land
side, on the other hand, is deep and
still water, with anchorage for the
largest ships. The islands are easily
recognized by their peculiar high and
rocky appearance. They are small and
the largest, the Isle Royale, "may be
circumambulated while smoking a
small cigar" says traveller.
Very dangerous criminals, who are
considered incorrigible are confined on
the islands of St. Joseph and Royale.
On st. Joseph are confined especially
those suffering from diseases, but also
others. The prison is located on top
of hill which overlooks the entire is
land, and the prisoners are employed
at planting or in small industrial mat
ters, such as the manufacture of cocoa
nut oil.
On the Isle Royale is the residence
of the cOmmandant, and there is also
located the necessary storage
Here is also coallng station for the
French navy
These islands are considered healthy
compared with the main land, although
the prisoners suffer much from scurvy.
Although attempts are made to check
fbQ r9V9rpc of fbic Tioooca bx, fI,o nco
of fresh vegetables as much as possible.
The Devils isle has been until very
lately the place of confinement of a
few leprous convicts who gathered the
crop of cocoanuts and herded a small
flock of goats. The existence of these
untOrtunates was terrible, isolated as
they were, and yet avoiding each other.
They seldom saw the face of an out
sider 1t was only when boat from
one OF the other islands came out with
q corpse in an open coffin that they en-
joyed the privilege of looking on hu-
man beings. The corpse of some dead
convict would then be lifted out of the
coffin and thrown in the water where it
immediately furnished feast for the
sharks. And 81 this manner these un-
fortunates had Me pleasure of Witness
ing occasionally rehearsal of the cere-
mOny which would inevitably attend
their own funerals.
The lepers have disappeared from
the Devils isle, which is instead used
as place of confinement for Alfred
Dryfus, who is here isolated with a
guard of ten soldiers and an officer.
Two of these are always on duty and
are cautioned to watch their prisoner
closely and observe his least act His
hut was formely located in a depress-
ion but has now been moved to the top
of hill. 1t is surrounded by stock
ade of 40 square metres, within which
nothing grows, and the palisade of
which is two metres high. This en-
closure is the prisoners world, and
the little piece of heaven above is his
only outlook. He cannot even look at
the sea. A narrow door is the only
means of egress and at this always sta
toned guard with loaded revolver.
The hut is 1Ox3 metres and divided
into two rooms. In the outside room
are the two guards, and the other, which
has two windows, we'll barred, opening
on the stockade, is the real prison of
Dreyfus.
All communication with the island
is carefully guarded, and no boats are
allowed to land except the one which
once in two weeks carries provisions
thither.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22
Written for The Prison MuYOr.
TWO CASES.

Scene-The office OF the great GRIM
inal lawyer E..
Enter a man about 40 with thread
bare coat and careworn look on his
face.
SIS this Mr.. E?"
Eyes, what can l do for yOu?"
"Sir, am in great trouble. 1 have
been book keeper for the firm of W&
Co. for five years at salary of $40 per
month. 1 have a wife and four chill
dren of which the youngest is but a
baby. At her birth the precarious
health of the mother necessitated the
engaging of expensive medical assist
ance and professional nurse, which
put me in such financial straits that L
yielded to the temptation to borrow
500 of my employers money without
their knowledge, intending to repay the
same from my salary when able. The
shortage has been discovered, am in
formed by friend, and it is intended
to have me arrested tomorrow morn
ing. Oh, my poor wife and children!
What shall 1 don'
"My friend, am afraid 1 can do lit
tie for you beyond making an appeal
for the mercy of the court, which 1
shall be glad to do.
exit, threadbare cOat.)
ENTER gentleman handsomely attired
and wearing diamonds.)
"Mr. E, believer"
cat your service, sir"
81 am Mr.. T., secretary and treasurer
of the Widows and Orphans Annuity
Association. have came to consult
you about somewhat unfortunate
circumstance which confronts me. I
have invested very heavily in real es-
tate in the hope that 1 would realize
handsomely by the advance in values
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22
TWAS A SHAME.

Clary was tramp printer from
choice. In going through Kansas some
years ago he stopped at almost every
village on the Atchison road through
out the length of the state, where he
thought there was any chance for
printer to get work.
This was at the time when the boom
in Kansas had busted and almost every
paper was filled with mortgage fore
closure notices, which indicated that
the loan companies who had loaned
money at IL to 20 per cent were TAX
ing possession of the homes of the
Kansas farmers.
Clary is not lover of loan COM
panies. He would seldom get much
work, but he would linger around the
printing offices, waiting for his chance,
like the cat waits for the mouse.
What do you suppose the villain did?
Why when no one would be looking
he would change the numbers in the
descriptions of the land in every mort
gage foreclosure notice in the paper.
He never said anything or called the
attention of anyone to this, because he
knew that the farmers were then too
poor to help themselves. But he antic-
ipated that the time would soon come
when the land ir Kansas would be
worth many times the money which
was called for by the mortgages which
were then being foreclosed on them.
If the description of the property in
the mortgage notice is incorrect, then
the foreclosure is invalid, and the orig
inal owner can reclaim the land by pay.
ing up the mortgage.
Now that prosperity has returned to
Kansas people who lost land in the
neighborhood of the Atchison road
would do we'll to look up these printed
notices, for Clary spoiled the prospect
i've titles to over a million acres of
Kansas land.
He is one of the criminal lunatics
that you read about.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22
x>spoEFRfcM
I99gSl4z%9GS@@s~ f.
Written for The Prison Mirror.
The "Con's' Tale of Woe.

We each have our song of sorrow
And each his tale of woe,
We cry: "Our lives are utter wrecks
because we reap as we SOw.)
The judge was partial, the state unfair,
The sentence. Oh! brutal you know,
Lots of folks aint no better than us
Only we didn't get fair show.
Now johnson the banker stole whole
town,
And Smith isn't any too fair,
There's lawyers, deacons and preachers too,
They aint all on the square.
When we're discharged, what then can we
do?
Well be forever getting "eX-cOn'd,"
Well simply have to go out and steal
Or die in the Slough of Despond.
Not so, my friends, we still have chance
To win both name and home,
And we needn't worry about others respect
If we're sure we merit our own.
No evil can doom but the evil we love
And wish to continue in.
Our first transgressiOn was a mistake,
A second would indeed be sin.
Heed not the scOrn of the righteous fool
Who'll snicker and point and laugh,
We may yet be garnered as precious grain"
When they are considered but chaff.
SO away with signing and vain regret
We've His promise of peace and love
Convict is buta name given by man
It's never been heard up above
NAUGHTY Boy.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22

'Ts easy enough to be pleasant,
When life flows along like song;
But the man worth the while is the one who
will smile
When everything goes dead wrong.
For the test of the heart is trouble,
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth the praise of the
earth
Is the smile that comes through tears.
ELLA WHEELER WILCOX.
The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1898-09-22

" Tfitten for The Prison Mirror.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
CHAPMAN.

Threshing was commenced in this
vicinity by Cunningham's crew on M
Hogan's field north Of town, averag
ing 20 bushels per acre. Mr.. Hogan
is one Of our up-to-date farmers and
always gets the best yield.
Snyder & Fenstermacher are build.
ing granaries for Mr.. Stickford tC
hold his immense crops.
Corn is looking fine. Most is in
tassel, the late rains helping it much.
Mrs. D. Z. Common, Of Navarro, is
visiting her sister, Mrs. Frank Stan
ley.
Chas. Fensterma cher spent Sunday
at home. He reports the shocks SO
thick in Mr.. Woodford's field that
some Of them had to be moved to get
the machine out Of the field.
Students are securing rooms, pre-
paratory to school work.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
SOLOMON.

Mrs. Butler and son Fred, Roy
Townsend and Howell Brunson Of Kan
sas City spent the Fourth with friends
and relatives.
Miss Cora Hopkins returned to hel
home in Topeka Tuesday after visit
ing friends three weeks.
Frank Gregory leaves today for Al.
berquerque, N. NJ, to take charge Of
section men.
Miss Della Rankin returned home
from Parkville, Mo-, where she has
been attending school. She gradu-
ated last week.
Miss Grace Walters OF Kingman,
Kas., has been selected as assistant
principal, Miss Matson having re-
signed.
The color bearers Of the W. K. G..
entertained the Relief Corps today at
the home Of Mrs. Aldrich, this being
her birthday.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
- . - -
EAST NEWBERN.

Miss Mary Houlton spent few
days in junction City last week.
Born, to Mr.. and Mrs. CHARLIE
Whittier, boy.
Frank Malone and family, Of Her
ington, are visiting at c. L. Murphy's
Born, to Mr.. and Mrs. Peter Winnis
girl.
Mrs. A. Myers and son, Frank, O.
Abilene, who have been visiting In
this vicinity the past two weeks, re-
turned home.
Miss Winnie Rudy has been visit.
ing at home.
Mrs. VIM. Galligar, who has been
seriously i'll for the past nine weeks,
is slowly improving.
Born, Friday, June 8, to Mr.. and
Mrs. Ed DIETRICH, q son.
Harvest is finished in this vicinity
and threshing has begun. The yield
will not be as large as anticipated.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
NEW CHILLICOTHE.

The wheat is badly damaged by
chinch bugs and the wind. Dat,
have fallen down until many pieces
will be left uncut.
The baptism was postponed unit
the conference at Detroit.
There was good rain here Satur.
day evening which was very much
needed. Some fields of corn in tassle
will be helped by the rain.
W. +. Browning of Oklahoma is
visiting his brother, Z. j. Browning.
Mrs. "A. F. Hart who went to Col.
orado Springs and Utah for her health
has been quite sick but is better at
present.
Mrs. Chas. Jameis who was oper.
ated upon for catarat Of the eve is
getting along nicely.
Most Of the farmers spent the
Fourth in the harvest field.
Miss Jeffcoat returned home last
Thursday.
Mr.. and Mrs. Dan Baer attended
services at Probasco school house
Sunday.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
MAY AS WELL QUIT.
Kansas 10th Regiment Is Left
Again.

Ahnbds 6VlH ne6lMeIJ III LeIl
Again.
The goth regiment has been count
ing on going to Manila with the sec
ond half Of the fourth expedition to
leave July 25. A dispatch from San
Francisco says Major General Otis has
practically finished his plans for the
second half Of the fourth expedition.
The three vessels comprising it will
sail from that port July rs. The bulk
Of the Third brigade has been selected
to go. Colonel Berry, commanding
the Seventh California, and Colonel
Kessler, commanding the First Mon
tana, have been notified by General
Otis that they will sail on that date
The rest Of tho expedition will be
made up Of either the South Dakota
or Ffty.iirst Iowa troops, with the
South Dakota's given the preference.
1t begins to look as though the Kan
sas boys may as well come home and
help put in the wheat crop.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
WAR TAX ON MARRIAGES.
A Revenue Collector Says It Il in
Force

Revenue Collector Kellogg, Of Mis-
souri,, has decided that a government
tax Of 20 cents would be imposed on
all couples married after July II
they followed the general rule and
procedure. The license when issued
requires no stamp but when it comes
back for record, with the certificate
Of the minister filled, 1t becomes sub
ect to the war tax and needs a 10
cent stamp to make it legal and bind
ing. Then II the minister issues q
marriage certificate to the couple
just starting out to navigate the sea
Of matrimony-as all well regulated
couples require-another lO-cent
stamp is needed.
Mr.. Kellogg looked the matter up
carefully before giving the opinion as
to the construction OF the law and he
is very certain he is right on the sub
ject. The law enumerates many Diff
ferent kinds Of papers that are to be
stamped and then tells Of "any other
papers" in such way as to leave no
doubt the marriage license certificates
are included. Papers requiring
stamp and not bearing it are not COM
petent as evidence in courts Of law.
The Kansas probate judges will con-
tinue to let the weddings 60 without
stamps-except for the regular fee.
Read DR.. Smiths ad in this issue.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
TALM

Thomas Elwick, Of Colorado, II
visiting his brother.
During the extreme heat last Thurs
day, M. Grice lost a valuable horse by
over-exertion.
W. g. Anderson, of Abilene, will
address the Epworth League next
Sunday evening.
Frank Ayrcs, while cutting hedge,
had the misfortune to cut his knee
cap, laying him up for few days.
John Stewart is clerking for John
Fulton during the absence Of Miss
Blatchford.
j. H. Norman is home after spend
ing some time running his shooting
gallery.
One of the sights not often seen in
this section Of country is that of a
pet deer, owned by W. D. Fulton.
The deer was captured few years
ago by Mr.. Fulton while down in
Oklahoma, while it was yet fawn,
and ever since the deer has been upon
his premises and has been curiosity
to this neighborhood. Every spring
he sheds his horns which spread to
width of three or four feet. The ami
NAL is regular pet and can tell the
persons he is accustomed to having
around.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
They Have New Wheels.

Following were the purchasers Of
new bicycles yesterday: Rev. DR..
Blayney, j. A. Thomas, +. J. Forney,
W. W. Ryan, Bud Hahn, James Simp.
son. H. L. Humphrey, A. C. Emig, j.
johnson, T. H. Malott, D. Korn, j.
A. Graves, j. d. Harshman, George
Makins, Mrs. Drisko. &. G. Huffman.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14

DR.. Smiths cancer advertisement
has the right ring to it. He gaAran.
tees to cure any case Of cancer he un.
dertakes or receive no pay for bis
trouble. lfyou orany your friends
are afflicted write to the doctor fol
full particulars. Consultation free.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14

DR.. McChcsney representing Dr.
Goes private sanitarium of Kansas
City will be in the city Wednesday,
July l3 and Thursday IA. The doctor
will be at the Central Hotel, where he
will be pleased to see any of DR.. Goes
old patients, or anybody who may
wish to consult regarding any afllic-
ton. Consultation with the doctor
is free.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
CARLTON.

A birthday party was given for S,
W. French at his residence west OF
Carlton, on the evening of July II.
All report good time.
Miss Ella Draffen and Mrs. 0.
! Dratfen left last week for Hartford,
Kas., to visit relatives.
Quite a number Of young people
took their dinners and spent the day
at Elm Springs last Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. c. Baumgaurd Of
Dayton were visiting with H. Strunk
and family last Sunday.
Quite number of our citizens are
on the sick list. We hope for their
speedy recovery.
w. Y. ullllland LOOK a "Trip TO Abb
lene last Friday.
George Mitchell left for Salina last
Tuesday evening.
A few Of the friends Of Mrs. Met.
calfe celebrated her list birthday
with her last Friday evening.
E. Ireland spent Saturday in Abb.
lene.
R. D. Hunter and family, of Hol-
land, visited with friends in Carlton
last Sunday.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14

DR.. Smith has made some wonder
full cures in cancer cases and guaran
tees to cure any case he undertakes
or receive no pay. He has cured
Others and can cure you Read his
ad, then send to him for further in.
formation. 44-6
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14

n you are afflicted call at the Gen.
trail hotel Wednesday and Thursday,
July IS and IA, and be examined and
get such information as you need con-
corning DR.. Goes sanitarium.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14

You can get your
choice of anything on
the table for $l.OO in
shoes and oxfords,
some of which cost
$500 to $3.50, brok-
en- sizes, at w. w.
Davis.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
LLOYD & N0TT0RF'
Mrs. Keel Elected Teacher.

The board OF education had a meet
ing last night and elected Mrs. j. +.
Keel teacher for the west side school
at $35 month. She is an excellent
teacher and will make q success.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14
In the Salina District.

The division Of the State into dis
tricts under the bankruptcy law
places Dickinson county in the Salina
district together with about 2S other
northwest counties.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14

If you are afflicted with any disease
requiring either medical or surgical
attention, call at the Central Hotel
Wednesday or Thursday, July IS and
IA, and get an opinion Of your case to-
getber with such information as you
may desire concerning DR.. Goes SAN
itarium.
Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1898-07-14

The Mitchell wagon has been sold
in Dickinson county for twenty-five
years and has an established reputa-
ton. A carload at Hodge Bros.