The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1915-02-18
i. SALMACUNDI :.
By Uncle Goshdingit 1868

SOAAiAOAoCEoC 10 QuoAiSy CudI
some well-meaning and charitable
persons lack, in their desire to re-
lieve. In readmitting the out-go-
ing inmate Of correctional or pen
al institution into society. it is the
sentimental kind of charity that
hampers rather than helps. The
aid that society owes to the released
delinquent--presuming that the de-
linquent is entitled to it's the aid
that is directed with commonsense.
No inmate of fair intelligence pre-
fers The sentimental brand of chart
ty that holds ever before him an at
titude of pity, or the reminder that
he has sinned and thar there is no
hope for him, unless his conduct is
that of immaculacy. The greatest
sinner has no less propensities for
good than the most virtuous, if the
good traits can be trained to domln-
ate, but pity toward the punished
transgressor that is lacking in COM
nonsense will only retard, not
help. The commonsense-c charity
thot provides him with employment
at an impartial wage, and then re-
leases him from an attitude of grave
concern and too evident doubt
Of his qualities to make GOOD, to-
ward him, or possible relapse, are
far more preferable. Any we'll
meant, tho misdirected aid that may
undermine a spirit of self reliance
should, in justice to HIM, be avoid
ed. Meeting him with pat on the
back and bandshake that loudly
proclaims: yes, We know you are
wicked sinner, but we're sorry
we can't trust you to make good"
without you give up your spirit of
independence, and accept our cons
tant show of pity and reminders of
your weaknesses'' is far less SEN
sible than meeting him with the
words: here's a job for you, at
the same wages l give any applicant
for 1t be he ex-,'' or otherwise.
Now it's up to you on the same
footing as any man in the shop, and
no pity enters into the contract; it
is an opportunity. Now 20 to it!''
Glittering gene1alities'' come in
for large share of criticism, but
we must admit that it takes an art
ist to devise them.
1t is rum.red that Uncle Sam is
to establish. an auxiliary corps to
the U. S. Marine service If pro-
vided with diving suits they can
be used as submarines!
If you are shewn an error in spell
ling balloon; will it make an error
plain?
1t is so much easier to shed a tear
at misfortune than to shed a dollar
If, in passing along the street, we
see two men fighting, and stay to
witness the fray, and not lift a fin
ger for, or against, we observe
neutrality. On the other hand, if
one of the brawlers through doubt
full advantage comes within reach of
us and grabs club from our hands
with which he proceeds to batter
his enemy, we again observe neut-
rality. Yea. consistency, thou art
jeweP'-of magic elasticity!
A man was seen to halt in front
of pawnshop; he had asuspicious
looking bulge under his coat, and
after furtively glancing up and
down the street, hastily lodged into
the shop. The proprietor of the shop
approached from behind the counter
with rubbing hands and an enticing,
cherubic smile asked him what he
wanted. The man thereupon took
from under his concealing coat, q
large package, artfully adorned with
ribbon-rosettes and tied with tinsel
cord. The proprietor, upon seeing
the beautiful wrappings, visioned
beautiful contents, and asking the
man what he had in the package.
and if he wanted to make a sale or
negotiate loan. The man there
upon said he wanted to make a sale,
as he could never be tempted to re-
deem its contents.
Well, what Is in the package?"
asked the proprietor.
L have in this package, the fin
est assortment of ego you ever saw;
having discovered | can get along
without it l want to dispose of it,"
An ego eh?' Let's see what |