The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1912-05-23
TERMs:l 6M onths Fifty cts.
"GOOD WORDS"
Mail Order Journal

A new monthly magazine has
made its appearance, but it is one of
peculiar character. 1t does not
contain advertising, nor solicit it, or
make it's circulation known. It Is
issued by the inmates of the Federal
PeEitentiary at Atlanta, Ga.-by
permission of Attorney General
Wickersham. The writer's sign their
contributions, not by their names,
but their numbers, although the ed
itor, whose number is S542, announc-
es that
OF all the sad words of tongue or men
The saddest these-we're in the pen.'
The contents of the first number
show that the mission of the publ
cation is to bring sunshine into the
prison gloom.
The first issue consists of four
pages, and geographically compares
favorable with many small country
newspapers. On the first page is
photograph of the new administra-
ton building of the penitentiary
and several articles devoted to the
Department of Justice in dealing
with the problem of the prisoners,
the work of the prison farm, where
fresh vegetables and fruits are raised
| for the use Of the prisoners, and the
tuberculosis camp, where patients
receive the open air treatment.
The editorial page contains many
spicy paragraphs about general top
les and there is serious editorial
article urging the necessity of study
and work to improve the mental
condition of prisoners and advising
them to learn trade, so that they
may lead honest lives after their re-
lease.
The prison poets" also have re-
sponded to the impulse of spring,
although viewed from the inside.
Here is No. 3542's contribution:
The umpire stood on the baseball field.
Earning his daily bread.
| Decision raw
| Unwritten law
| Poor umpire-hes dead.
No. 3542 handed this one to the
poets:
No matter where must abide.
| You'll always find poet;
AT least that's what he thinks he is
Although may not know it.
I've roamed this wide world DER,
North, south, east and west.
| But never have been able
! To quite escape this pest.
At last in prison. was sure.
! Ilwould not find his likes;
But you cannot dodge the critter.
They've got him here in stripes
! Here are several of the editorial
paragraphs:
The most despcable individual we know of is
he gossip.
The man with crouch and work to do is
engaged tor a lively jog with the devil.
Don't waste your time telling people who you
were or what you are; show them what you are
going to be.
Discussing innovations at the At
anita prison instituted by direction
of Attorney General Wickersham,
the paper says:
Modern prison methods which aim toward the
reformation and rehabilitation of the who
have been too weak to withstand temptation have
been adopted by the Department of Justice The
striped suit, the shaven head, the rock pile. the
insufficient supply of fresh air, the rule of 81
1ence" in shop. cell and dining hall and other
methods of punishment that tend to lower and de-
grade prisoner not used in the big Atlanta
prison. In some respects the United States Gov
ernment is in advance of other Governments.
parole of prisoners upon the expiration of one
third of their sentence; large, comfortable and
r we'll lighted cells containing running water and
all necessary toilet facilities; school hours five
days each week for illiterates and even advanced
, | grades, musical training under competent di-
rector, music with meals. concerts by the prison
orchestra and even vaudeville performances from
a popular Atlanta theatre once month a well
selected prison library. an outdoor camp for tu-
!, bercuOSS prisoners, recreation grounds for base
ball and other sports. holiday for the prisoners
' every Saturday throughout the year. religious
services every Sunday. the privilege OF purchas-
ing daily newspaper. cigars. tobacco and other
necessary supplies. free pipes tobacco and match
es. large farm dairy. shops where the prison
erS may learn trade, M dern hospital service
and correction methods un Ter supervision If but
one man."