The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1915-05-07

defects which were the result OF neg
ligence rather than intent
Last year. two young women vol
unfairly entered the women's prison
in New York and went through the
entire program mapped out for pris-
oners convicted of forgery Maggie
Martin. $685. related her experience
in detail and il Is forming the basis
for improvements in prison life for
women An equally important bit OF
literature having bearing upon
prison reform has lately been made
public in an article written oy =
woman who served a three year term
in Bedford Reformatory. New York
She went in a thoroughly bad girl.
apparently capable of any sort OF
crime. She had run away from
home. and after checkeTed career
of several years. was arrested in New
York. with a man accomphce. TOT
burglary. Her life at Bedford tanned
and reformed her. She left 1t with
habits of thrift and industry. she
developed literary talent. which was
fostered by a play she wrote for pro-
duc.ion in the Institution Sh9
learned TO take pleasure in gardening
and il many of the forms of handl-
work taught, and has now the eA't
pressed desire of living correct and
useful life
The quiet OF prison life sometimes
develops latent literary talent. A few
years ago, prisoner in a federai
prison sent a little poem to WE'LL
known magazine. II was so well APP
precia1ed that other contributions
were asked. Upon his release he was
given D regular position upon the
staff. which he is still filing salts
factorily.
One of the most popular short
story writer's VINO has appeared upon
the horizon during the last two years
is man sentenced to prison upon the
charge of embezzlement. During his
confinement he began writing stories
which had great human interest. A
few months ago, he was released up
on parole with the understanding
that he endeavor to refund the
amount OF his defalcation- He has
agreed TO apply $4,000 4 year TO
that purpose until the amount OF
$50. 900 be paid. AS he had maya
to be filed within TWO years there
seems every prospect that he viii
fulfill his contract.
!. The released prisoner is the man
against whom every hand seems
Turned. and a strong effort is being
made TO change public sentiment IN
This direction. The eX-convict has no
citizenship and rev rights IN the id"
It is hard for him to obtain employ
ment under his own name. If he
takes an assumed name and builds
up good reputation. he is constantly
facing the possibility of being ex-
posed, as happened in Philadelphia
year or two ago to a man who had by
diligence and application become
elected to the city council under an
assumed name a mans right to
citizenship can be restored two
years after his release upon satiSfac-
tory evidence of good behavior by re-
liable witnesses But IL is hard to
secure any position, where his be-
havior could be certified to under his
convict's name. and he cannot apply
for reinstatement under his old namo
If he has won his good position under
an assumed one.
Prisoners are now being advised IN
most cases to take their own name.
and employers are being constantly
urged to give the ex-convict a chance
One of the largest automobile manu-
facturers in this country is row CIV
ing employment to convicts who Will
openly acknowledge themselves as
such, and ne has given an order FOR
bidding discrimipation against them
on the part of foremen of workmen
He goes upon the assumption thai
The mans fall from virtue was Que .
the fact that he was down and out.
and he gives him an opportunity 20
make good.