Evening journal., 1915-04-05
URGES UPL|FT,
THOUGH IN PRISON
Workhouse Occupant Tells
UnfOrtunateS TO Work
Tor Higher Things
WANTS ALL TO
RESPECT GUARDS


The classes under the direction OF
the Young Mems Christian Assooia-
tion and the Prisoners Aid Society at
the County Workhousc are making
rapid progress The men in general
show an oagerness to learn
The following composition was
written and read in the class. by one
of the prisoners. for the benefit of the
men, and is a good illustration of the
work that some of the men are
capable of doing:
GOOD CONDUCT ESSENTIAL TO
OUR HAPPINESS.
ITO my fellow schoolmatcs.
"ln the vernacular OF our earlier
school days, this is composition
night and have 1t upon good au-
thority that a number of us are arm
ed with our precious documents,
thus complying with the simple re-
quest made by our teacher on Mon
day night last.
Before proceeding further. how
ever, ! would state that il is no easy
task for one not altogether inoxpcri-
enced In the art of writing compost
lions. to prepare a paper suitable for
this occasion, yet, have endeavored
TO write undorstandingly and i'm the
simplest English. believing. as do.
that you will accept my little con-
tributiOn to our literary feast i'm the
spirit in which II is made.
What most desire TO impress
upon you tonight is the fact that if
we would find pleasant lives during
our confinement here We must of
necessity assume "A respectful attitude
toward our superior officers, and
properly observe the rules Of the in
stitution, knowing. as we do. that the
slightest infractions of the same will
mean both punishment and humilia-
tion for us. Our department will
either make or man our happiness;
we cannot expect TO be looked upon
with favor by those in authority If
we disregard the rules and regula-
tions laid down for our guidance. and
we should ever bear in mind that re-
sentiment will not compel respect
from our officers and guards. any
more than knowledge will compel
purity. Let it also be remembered
that our conduct. be il good or bad,
does not pass them by unnoticed.
Good conduct in here is just as es-
sential to our peace of mind and hap
piness as it is we're we on the out
side. We feel better and We are bet
ter men for having done our duty.
I'VE are not harassed by con-
slant dread OF some impending evil
or some other form of punishment
I likely to be visited upon us. when we
know in our hearts that We have COM
mitted no evil, and II we would escape
these gloomy forebodings and be at
peace with ourselves we must make
the best of our surroundings and
earnestly strive TO become better men.
at the same time trying 10 urge upon
others the necessity of right living.
There is everything to be gained by
retaining our self-respect during our
Incarceration here. When our terms
shall expire we will be better equip
ped for the duties of life il We will
but assert our manhood right here
and now. and show to those around
Us that we can be gentlemen though
We arc confined behind prison walls.
Did you ever stop to think that what
ever may be the opinion formed of
our characters by those who are i'm
charge of us, that II will be so far
reaching as to extend TO our loved
ones. who are innocent OF any wrong
doing and whose lives have been
blameless? Let us then, for their
sake as well as our own, so conduct
ourselves while here as TO bring no
reproach upon them. and follow IL
up when at last we have gained our
freedom.
There is much more that / might
say along this line but time is al
premium during school hours. sin
cerely trust however. that what
have written may not be as pearls
cast among swine for I verify believe
that we all have in us the making Of
good and useful men. and If we will
go to the Lord in earnest prayer He
will aid us in redeeming ourselves.
"In closing, I would add:
Straight is the life of duty.
Curved is the line of beauty;
Follow the first and YOU shall see
The second will ever follow thee"