The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1913-06-19
VOLUNTEER PRISONERS
LEAGUE ANNIVERSARY
Brief Review Of What Has Been
Accomplished by League; by Maud
BaIIington Booth.

Volunteers Gazette, May 2l:-With
this number we present to our readers multi
tudious evidence of the prolonged and in
effaceable good that has been accomplished
by that branch of Volunteer work known
as The Volunteer Prisoners League. 1t
might be possible, in the face of one or
two isolated instances, to deny the good
accomplished, but when confronted with
the mass of testimony such as is presented
in this issue alone, one cannot refute or
overlook the far-reaching and benevolent
object of this branch of work. Here are
men, some of whom but few months or
years ago were considered past redemption.
To come out of States prison meant to
them to come out into the midst of bias
ed society, with the brand they had re-
ceived all too quickly recognized, blighting
their present hopes, as well as crushing
their future prospects. These men to-day
cannot only say, "We are helped" but
can point to their present positions from
which they send their correspondence and
their messages, as evidence of the fact that
the man who has friend to strengthen his
resolutions to do right, and who is lovingly
led to God for the strength to carry out
those resolutions, can be re-instated in So
ciety as useful and trusted member of its
ranks.
One of the most remarkable features con-
nected with this work is that some of the
men who gave the least promise of redemp-
tion have become the greatest testimonials
of its efficiency. Not alone those who
were criminally disposed, but those who
were counted among the most criminal in
character and intent, have been benefited
through the loving administration and
helpful Intervention of this branch of work.
1t is now becoming quite customary to
meet with those in different sections of the
country who have been known in States
Prison as the most difficult to manage and
the most incorrigible in habit. Those
who have served long terms are to-day in
trusted positions, and those who formerly
could win no charitable words or hopes are
the trusted servants in firms and houses
which would have formerly closed their
doors and ears to the appeal of the prisoner.
Furthermore, another remarkable fea-
ture, one with sound and business like
principle, is that 1T HELPS MEN TO
HELP THEMSELVES. None will deny
that great amount of good has been
achieved in helping man temporarily, or
tiding him over tight place or difficult
circumstance; but this branch of work does
more-it first inoculates or inspires hopes
in him to do something in the future, and
then opens the avenue or door to attaining
position in which a man can help him.
SELF For example, only recently we fol-
direct from State Prison to Headquarters.
A situation was found for him shortly
after he had entered Hope Hall, but it was
necessary for him to have the outfit requir-
ed before entering the position. This was
supplied him by Headquarters. He went
to his position, was found to be useful,
and has since given entire satisfaction He
now no longer needs help, but has begun
to help some of his bretheren This is the
practical side of the work..
Again it must be remembered that this
work is NOT MERELY A LOCAL ONE.
1t is not confined to one prison or one
community. 1t belongs to, and effects,
more or less, the whole country. What
other philanthropic Institution in the forms
of our homes for women and children, ho-
tells for working and poor men, fresh-air
camps for city-waifs and suffering children
do in OTHER localities, this does in the
forty-two States Prisons into which it has
entered.
The saving and reforming of these men
does not belong to one community or
neighborhood, but to all communities.
1t also influences more or less all communi-
ties, in that every man redeemed to society
and life of honest effort is one more SER
want of the public good, and one servant
less of public harm. The thanks, there
fore of all our countrymen are due to the
earnest laborers in this benevolent branch
of work.