The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1915-06-03

Several years ago young man came to this
state and found himself in very adverse circum-
stances. He stranger in strange land. He
could not get employment. He had no land
every hour Of the day he was practically lowering
between life and death because of absence of these
necessities He was to proud to beg, so he STOLE
He was sentenced to prison for ten years, but was
pardoned after having served four years in prison.
The young man interested himself in the
Mirror and ina short time gained recognition from
magazine men and newspaper men throughout the
country writer and poet of unusual ability.
These magazine men then took special interest in
this unusual writer and soon brought about his
freedom. The young man was also musician of
exceptional ability.
The following is sample of his poetry. The
same was written at the time of his release from
here:
AS LEAP FORTH.
AS l leap forth
Into strange, kind world, a moment halt
My footsteps; and the chance that makes
my worth
weigh with that mischance they called my fault.
This joy that springs
From the dark swamp of hideous misery
l am not worthy; but the gay thrush sings
Triumphant, and the sun smiles down me.
Unreal it seems,
Half ecstacy half WEAKNESS and pain;
For so l fear this haven of my dreams
Shall vanish, and the storm come back again.
Past, it is past.
Before the sweep of dawn the shadows flee.
l, from the heart of life long since Outcast
Return, in body as in spirit free
The ''Silent City" population was accorded
the privilege of haf-hoiday last Monday. The
fact of Decoration Day coming on Sunday, the
following day was celebrated throughout the state
and country.
During the week there was much concern ex-
pressed as to the weatherman's view of the situa-
tion-some believing that we would have inclement
weather, basng their contentious on previous days
of similar nature; while others were inclined to
believe that Monday would be an ideal day-which
it was.
Yes, it certainly was one splendid day for a
holiday! And the management was not slow
about getting the yard; for just as soon as
breakfast was over, which was about 7:45, the in
mates were taken from the dining hall direct to the
park in order that they might enjoy the day to their
hearts content. The baseball team as soon as the
order break ranks given, repaired to the dia-
mond to warm-up" for the contest with the visit
ing team which was scheduled to take place at
900 sharp.
And not alone was this all. The prison band
was out on the yard bright and early and furnished
some splendid music for the day, in order to make
things just little more pleasant for us; and we
almost forgot for the true being that we we're in
prison. except from the fact that our thoughts we're
of our loved ones at home and from whom we are
temporarily separated
After the baseball game, the prison whistle an
nounced that the day of recreation was over, and
we went from the yard to the dining room where
sumptuous dinner awaited our arrival Special priv
ilege to write to our dear ones was granted, and
each inmate wrote to his mother, father or sis
ter, or to the faithful and ever-oving wife, Thus
the day ended, and only the memory remains
To the management of the institutions we ex-
tend our sincere appreciation for the privileges ac
corded us on this day, and assure them that each
inmate will put forth his her best efforts as time
goes on as further assurance of appreciation of
that which is being done for them to make life less
strenuous while here.