Of the Reformatory Inmate Tory at Cheshire, Conn
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+~++++++1'+11!~ -~- ~*********~+ + NOVEMBER 1914 + ~ ~ t T E CHRON CLE ; + + r A Monthly journal devoWd Edited by and Published in :!: ~ to the Spirit of Reform and to the Interest of the Inmates ~ + the Onward and Upward Lift of the Connecticut Refonna- + + of the Reformatory Inmate tory at Cheshire, Conn. + ~ + + + + + -.~r .... ~. ' . ,( > v · SPECIAL NUMBER DEDICATED TO THE WELFARE OF THE MEN ON PAROLE FU -4 1916 GREETINGS The Chronicle believes that the Press, as a moulder of public opin ion, can be, if so utilized, the great est force for good in the world. In accord with its belief, a copy of this issue is being mailed to every news paper of importance in the State of Connecticut. mqr <t!f1rnnirlr DEVOTED TO THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE REFORMATORY, "WITH MALICE TOWARD NONE AND CHARITY FOR ALL." VoL. I CHESHIRE, CONN., NOVEMBER 1, 1914 No.lO OPPORTUNITY ~ ~~~~;?,~!~.uE,.~~~!:!;!!. DIFFERENT VIEWS OF WHAT THE REFORMATORY OFFERS I of the Reformatory-especially the membe1·s of the I teachmg force--are requested to read the followittg in BY AN OPTIMIST BY THE EDITOR I the sincere hope that theymoybenefit thereby.--Editor) HE COURT sentences you to the Co'1necticut Re· A YEAR is but a period of time by which man mea- A MAN may resolve and decide to put aside evil T furmatory, where it is hoped you may learn by its sures his life. As our year here draws to a close and to lead a better life; he mc.y exhort, preach. advantages to turn from a poor beginning to a life of we can not help but think v. hat a momentous thing to write strong and convincing articles, and even implore usefulness to the community." us its passing is. Each sunrise brings us that much his fellows to do certain things; but if he does not per- Judge pronounced upon me words to nearer life, liberty and happiness- that much nearer sonally act and do the things he resolves to do and the above effect about eleven months ago. I heard the the moment when an opportunity will be given us to asks others to do, all will be in vain. The personality words with some question. Advantages? In a penal in- redeem the past and write with unfading letters in of a man is felt regardless of conditions. Especially is stitution? In my ignorance I said the thirig was impos- that r~cor~ wh:~h all men keep _in .~he inner chambers I this true in reformatory and prison ~urroundings. sible, but I've learned since thtn that there are ad van- of the1r bemg: I am a man aga1.n. The cold facts of existence here stnps one of all tages in all I do; it only remain~ for me to find them. The year will be gone, never to return, but it can masks, and actions speak louder than words. And let me say right here that I am an average in- never be forgotten. How can we forget when we Personal example, therefore, here as elsewhere, is mate and what I say of myself applies to us all. counted the seconds which made it a period in the the most powerful and effective influence that one The theory is that a man busy is better off and cycle of time's endless and eternal journey? Here we Ihuman being can bring to bear on another. It is more worth more, mentally and physically, than a man idle; appreciate more than anyone, anywhere, that . silent, potent than all argument and preaching. What a man therefore when I come here I must work . .Not useless never-resting thing called Time. To us it is not that actually and habitually does--his prevailing habits work--in the shops; in the yard, on the farm--all relentless, remorseless, unfathomable miracle that and actions--is obviously what he is; what he say;> work is for a definite purpose or as a means to an end. makes life too short and limits the achieve!Jlents and he is and believes in and what he does is often quite No more working only when I feel like it or throwing possibilities of mortal man. It cannot fly too swiftly different. The person who talks against things evil, up jobs every two or three months on some trivial for us, as we do not live, we only exist. may be forcible--even persuasive, but if, after di pretext. 1 have my place and 1 must fill it, or make Th~ugh our thoughts _are concentrated on. the fu- gesting his eloquence, you find or know of hi~ do~ng 1 way tor someone who can. I say MUSJ. or I face a ture 1t would not be am1ss to pause and consider not 1 the very thing he talked against, you forget h1s h1gh mtgilty unpleasantalternative that quickly makes me only the past year, but the other years of our short and righteous views in his practical conduct and one s.!e my mistake. life. Let us think of how we employed them, how we is more likely tu imitate his behavior than obey the 1 cannot become a useful member of Society until have lived, and how we will continue to live. In the principles which he professes, but does not follow. I learn HOW to study and have at least the ground years that have passed we have deviated from the path On the other hand, the man who makes no profes work of an education. Here I find my need provided that leads to happiness. We know that only too well. sion of being good and of being on the square with his for by a graded school. If I cannot read or write, I may It is right that we look the situation squarely in the fellows, but does good and is square, whether it is Jearn; if I have been to the fourth or fifth grade in face, admit the truth and confess the wrong. We have observed or not, is likely to have more followers and sch:wl outside, I may continue here to the point where not been diligent and industrious to do good. We have accomplish more of true benefit than the more ardent I would be qualified to enter high school. So here again not considered the feelings of others. We have not persuader to moral perfection, that ever filled a page I have the ground work on which, if 1 am ambitious, I kept our bodies te.nperate and healthy, or our hearts in a newspaper or attracted attention in the Yard by ·may build when once again I return to the outside clean and our minds pure. We have been, though his fine argument-- and then does nothing else. world. cruelly negligent in · caring for and protecting those There is invincible strength in such a man's position No man may become great or good unless he have dependent upon us. We have followed tracks which he blows no trumpet; he rears no standard; he goes great or good thoughts. One way, probably the best Jed us into error, vice and sin, and finally brought us simply and quietly about his own business; and does way, to acquire right-thinking minds is as~ociation here to nothing-- worse than nothing, disgrace and what he thinks is right, because that is what he prefers with good clean books. It has been truly said that any shame-- almost ruin. It is up to us now to decide to do, independently and unobtrusively. It does not oc man, when alone, could be in no worse company. The what the final record of our Jives shall read. cur to him to be concerned as to whether his fellows only way while here to turn my thoughts from my own We were not put into the world and made a part of regard him as a fool, a freak or something worse; as to sordid world is to find companionship in a good book; the universe to do nothing, or to forever mi~spend our whether they applaud or they condemn him; he does and that is possible by using the library. Therefore I lives. Everyone of us in some way or another can do not seek to compel them to adopt his mode of life, and may find a book to fit my every mooc--serious,gay, some good. We can be useful even here. We may in he will not be diverted from pursuing that mode on studious--and with the assurance that it is clean some degree be of worth to the world by encouraging, account of others' disapproval. If he be religious [in and wholesome-one which I may read with profit. advising and instructing each other. Be cheerful under the broad and deep meaning ofthe word] he keeps his Every man, no matter who he is, where he is, or restraint, resigned under disappointment, charitable accounts for the eye of his Creator; and is amply con· what he is, craves friendship. That is fundamental. for the faults of others, and challenge the world to pro- tent if the balance shows fairly true and indicates hon He may shape or change the whole course of his life duce anyone who will bear our Jo~ better than ourselves. esty of purpose. to good or bad according to the judgment he uses in Those of us who go out can with our experience ac- Men who manifest strength of this kind here, as choosiTlg his friPnds and companions.