e observance this year was
in exact contrast with that of last, the one bringing gratification and
pleasure, the other, gloom and punishment. The workmen and other help
desired prison work to cease that day, for their enjoyment, which was
granted. But, instead of studying any means for giving a moment's
pleasure to the inmates, they were locked in their cells for the day.
But I spent the hours with them, going from cell to cell, and making
efforts for removing the intolerable tedium, not unfrequently hearing
the contrast between the last Fourth and this, alluded to with deep
sighs. It would have been great relief to them could they have continued
their work in the shop for the day. Hence, the remark of one and
another, "How cruel to keep us shut up here!" "Oh, how much more
agreeable to be out at work!" "I would rather work four times as hard as
usual than be confined here." Thus, they expressed themselves. If
punishment was the purpose, that was effectively obtained.

50. _Chaplain's removal from office._ The custom had been for the
chaplain to remain in office till resigning, or for an indefinite
period. This seems to be needful, if he is the right man, for it takes
time for him to become acquainted with the inmates and establish himself
in their confidence. Frequent changes in this office is bad policy.
After serving in the place a while and finding so much interest
connected with this department of labor, I decided to throw my whole
energies into the work for a time and see what fruits could be gathered
therefrom. I was also at no little labor and painstaking in a change of
location, moving near the institution, to be in close proximity to my
work. Things progressed till, a few weeks after the March election of
'71, a Democratic neighbor remarked that, should his party come into
power, I should have a competitor, the next summer, for my office. It
was understood that the competing gentleman's plea was, that, more than
twenty-five years previously, he had been appointed to the place and
served nine years, but when the Democratic party lost the power, he was
set aside; yet he had been living all these eventful years true to those
principles, and now on the party's return to power he should be restored
also to his former place. It was understood, too, that he had received
the promise of the position on this contingency. The new Governor
obtained his election, after which Democratic friends of the city and
elsewhe