Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1908-02-25


equilibrium as 1t were: and It is dur
ing these first few days that he's
likely to get started wrong again. II
may be due TO associates picked up
in his natural longing for compan-
ionship. to whom he may possibly
make known his situation. and by
whom he's more than likely advised
of the futility of any attempt to be
upright, or ii may come from other
causes; however 1t is generally during
this time that his good resolutions are
in most danger of being cast to the
wind.
A COMMON EXPERIENCE
Again, suppose he is so eXcep-
tionally fortunate as to secure en-
ployment Immediately. 1t is reason
able TO suppose that he don't relish
the idea of going to a prospective
employer and saying, I'm Just out OF
prison, / want to be on the square
now, and l want work. say he is
not very apt to do that, for few In
deed are the men who are capable Of
laying such a case before one in need
of employees with good results. So.
we suppose, if he secures work 1t is
without his employer knowing of the
late prison experience; but Just as
soon as he finds IL out--and the ways
in which he may are alrcost innum-
erable-farewel to the job. This may
be repeated several times-provided
our man is determined-but at last.
discouraged, he gives up the fight.
feeling that Il is no use to try to
make an honest living.--and what Will
he do next. you say? Reason 1t out
yourself, as to what course he'll pur-
sue.
NOT OVBRDRAWN.
Now some may think the picture a
little overdrawn. Ask the thousands
coming out of prisons annually If IL
is. Theirs one thing the public should
remember and that is this: 1t is not
conviction and Imprisonment. or the
treatment in prison, that make men
bitter enemies toward society. but IL
Is the treatment afforded them on the
outside after the debt to society has
been paid.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
1.-THE question then is, Can anything
be done to help matters? We an
swer by asking a question or two.
Could Prison societies be organized
in each state. such as now exist in
a few of the eastern states for the
very purpose of helping these poor
mortals to help themselves? Does 1t
not seem reasonable to suppose there
are many philanthropically inclined
persons who would gladly donate to
such a society, was there only few
to start the movement? II we COM
pare the probable cost with the enor-
mouse expense of criminal prosecu-
tons, will not that show such plan
worth while from a financial stand
point?
The writer, of course. knows not
how other wardens stand on this
question: but as for our little colony,
We all know the warden here would
heartily approve of something prac-
teal along these lines; and we sim
cerely hope that those of other states
would feel the. same In regard to this
matter.
Some assistance must come from
the outside so let others speak
OUT OF course there are many in
prison who do not need. and would
not accept aid. on leaving their place
of confinement. but even these should
be willing TO do all in their power to
help along a work which is bound to
prove beneficial to humanity.
TEACHINGS OF THE MASTER.
''The good that has been accom-
plished through the promotion of re-
lgious work in prison is certainly
beyond question: but Is IL not a fact
that the gospel as often preached In
our prisons Is rather inclined to lead
many to believe that II Is vague
something entirely in the abstract
Have we not sufficient proof that the
religion preached by the Master was
practical, as applied to our present
existence, in that He said, Al things
whatsoever We would TINT men should
do To you. do We even so to them and
does IL not behoove those who pro-
fess to be His disciples TO take some
thought of that teaching as relating
even to those who have strayed from
the paths of rectitude?
thousands of the detained will
look forward to the next session Of
the American Prison association with
feelings alternating between hope and
despair. II society wishes TO protect
itself against the so-culled criminal
class and II followers of the Lowiv
Nazarene would save souls, ! say for
ever do away with that brand of re-
ligion savoring so much of Depart In
peace. be ye warmed and fed
Practical Christianity Is what
counts"
EVANGELs COMMENT,
The Evangel makes the following
editorial comment on the foregoing
article:
1--WE want to commend to our read
ers, careful consideration OF the fol-
lowing article on practical Aid for
Prisoners" written us In response to
our suggestion given in the November
number. Coming as IT does from with
IN Prison walls II has special signi-
flcance. We heartily endorse All that
our brother has said The editors OF
the Evangel stand for this kind of
practical aid for men while In prison,
and after their discharge. We would
like To see prison society in every
state, which would look after the in
teIests OF these unfortunate ones and
help them buck TO society and a
place among their fellows"