The mirror. (Stillwater, Minn.) 1894-1925, 1918-06-27
The Tempering Wind

i Reasonable Suggestions, concerning the
advisability Of allowing the fallen man to
fight for his country.-By Percy vere.
A news article in several of~the weekly
publications that reach US through the
medium of exchange, contains this infor-
nation: Mrs. Maud Ballington Booth has
petitioned President Wilson to allow select
ed men, from the different penal institutions
throughout the country, an opportunity to
redeem themselves by permitting them to
enlist and fight for the freedom of their
country.
The President has promised to consider
the matter and will make known his decision
in few days.
Speaking as one, who, by his actions
against society, has been justly deprived Of
his liberty, and believes that if he was given
an opportunity he could once more take his
place in the world and become man among
men. We believe that once an American
always an American is phrase that can
well be applied under existing conditions.
There are no avenues open for us to show
that we believe in our country. The buy
ing of Thrift Stamps, Liberty Bonds, and
helping the Red Cross is no criterion. The
theory of patriotism, as applied by these
acts, only demonstrate that we are interest
ed in the cause of humanity.
What is needed to show the world al
large, is practical trial, and feel safe in
saying that they would not regret the ex.
pertinent. 1t would not be a case of "any
port in Storm" but human test of the
manhood of the individual.
1t will do no harm to pause for mo-
ment and consider the good that has been
accomplished by the men behind the bars.
Literature, Science, Law, Machinery, and
the Arts, have been benefited by acts and
deeds of his. The lock that holds him Sc
cure is an invention of one of his kind.
Literature cherishes more than three hundred
different volumes covering every subject Of
the universe, that have been contributed by
the men behind the walls.
One of the most daring regiments that
ever fought battle in France, was COM
posed entirely of men who had made mis-
take and desired a chance. To say that
they made good would be- a mild way OF
putting it. An officer with years of ex-
perience was proud of the fact that he was
allowed to lead such men into battle. Every
country in the world has experimental with
them, and fail to find one instance re-
corded that says they did not make good.
More than fifty per cent of the intra-
mural population are first offenders, and the
average sentence for this number is from lS
months to five years. A large percentage
of these have only short time to serve.
Some will think that the reason of his be-
ing so eager to fight, is that death would be
preferable to confinement Such is not the
case; no where in the world could you find
healthier number of men. Very few cases
of sickness are brought to the attention OF
the officials. The death rate is low, and
the men know the reward of cleanliness.
| The idea predominant in the mind Of
every true American, whether behind the
bars or enjoying his freedom, is get the
Kaiser, and get him quick. Every little bit
helps, and we who are in the prime of life
want chance to redeem our name, so that
when the war is over and these Mother s
sons come marching home from the bat
tie fields of France, and ask us what we have
done for our country, we do not want to
bow our heads and say:
"Alas we have done nothing-but time. -
Surely this must not be part of our debt to
society. Give us a chance and let those OF
US with the good American blood flowing
through our veins redeem ourselves.
The Little Mother believes in US, and
the public believes in her. She would no,
espouse a cause unless she knew it was fol
the good of all.
Our President believes in us, his acts Of
justice are all tempered with mercy, and
let US hope that he will listen and favor the
pleas of the "grandest little woman in the
world, who believes in God, our Country
and our Flag.