The mirror., 1911-08-10

The Mirror made its initial appear
ance in the field of prison literature.
That it has succeeded in filing the
mission for which it was conceived
is proven by the fact that it is, and
has long been established upon a
tirm basis. It would be presumptu-
GUS to say that it makes pretentions
toward high literary merit for the
opportunities in this limited field do
not allow the making of geniuses,
and with the exception of two or
three, none of those who have had
editorial control of the paper have
had any experience in newspaper
work other than that which they re-
ceived here. From the beginning
it has been the aim to make clean
paper; one which would be void of
pei sonalities, and one that would be
read and enjoyed by all. especially
by those who wished to see the con-
dition of the prisoners bettered.
That The Mirror has exerted a
good influence over the lives of the
men confined here is conceded by
all, though to what extent will new
er be known. Certain it is how
ever. they have derived much bene-
fit through its publication, for not
only is it read with much interest
by them, thus helping to keep their
minds in healthy channel, but it
also furnishes medium through
which to express their opinions, the
preparation of which in suitable
form, affords them much profitable
employment during the leisure
hours in their cells. Also each in
mate is allowed to send his copy to
relatives or friends, free of cost.
The Mirror receives about five-
hundred exchanges, among which
are some of the best papers and
magazines in the country. These,
after being read in our office, are
distributed among the inmates, who
thus receive the benefit of excellent
reading matter without cost, and
which they would not otherwise OBJ
tain.
Should our paper have proved in
teresting in the past, there is good
reason to suppose that it will be still
better in the future. That t h e
present editor can inaugurate and
carry forward improvements for
bettering it, or even keep it up to
it's past standard of excellence, we
do not say, but we can assure our
readers. however, without appearing
egotistic, that so long as we edit the
paper we will devote our best ener-
gies to the work, being careful not to
make the same mistakes twice, and
endeavor to treat fairly and impair
TALLY with all.
The Mirror desires to express its
sincere thanks to- Warden Wolfer,
for the valuable opportunities he
has opened to us; for the privileges
we enjoy and for the large latitude
and valuable aid he has given us in
the selection of matter for our col
umns. To the friends who have
stood by us during our short incum-
bency; whose advice and kindly
warning have saved us from making
grave mistakes. To the press and
our subscribers for their kindly and
tolerant treatment. To the officers
and guards who have given us as
free scope as possible in the per-
formance of our duties, and who
have at all times given whatever in
formation it was necessary for us to
know and proper for them to i'm
part. And lastly to our contribu-
tors, whose excellent papers have
enabled The Mirror to hold its own.
We enter on our twenty-ffth vol
ume in the hope that The Mirror
i may be 40 onidAd dnrinr the coming