excessive than in any other portion of the State. I was told that
a number of these female convicts were very desperate characters, while
others of them, driven to deeds of desperation on account of poverty,
committed acts that for a time placed them behind prison bolts and
bars. Something should be done to aid these poor women, when their terms
expire, to get a start in life. If something is not done for them, it
will be but a short time when they will drift back again into crime and
prison.

The author of this book believes that it is all right to send money
to India and other remote countries to aid the heathen, but instead of
sending it all away to lands beyond the seas, he thinks a portion of
it, at least, could be well expended this side the briny deep in helping
some of these poor unfortunate convicts to get another start in life,
and thus lift them out of a life of crime.

WHISKY AND CARDS

Felix Bagan's history shows the career of many a boy, when thrown into
bad company. At an early age Felix was left an orphan. When his parents
both died he had not a relative living that cared anything for him.
Taken from the grave of his mother, who died shortly after the death and
burial of her husband, the unfortunate lad was placed in the orphan's
home in St. Louis. Here he remained for several years, and acquired all
the education that he possessed. After becoming old enough to do some
work, he was given to a farmer, who took him to his home in the country.
Possessed of a genial disposition, he soon made many friends. He was
highly esteemed by the lady and gentleman who adopted him. He was honest
and industrious. It was on election day that his down-fall took place.
In company with several young men, who resided on neighboring farms,
he went to a small town near by to pass the day. Being invited to
participate in a game of cards, he and several of his companions found
their way into the back part of a saloon, where the day was spent in
drinking and gambling. Toward evening a dispute arose about the cards,
a drunken fight was the result. Bagan, half crazed with drink, drew his
knife and stabbed to the death one of his companions. The young man whom
he murdered, prior to this had been one of his best friends. When he saw
the life-blood of his companion ebb away, he came to his senses, and
was soon sober. He wept like a child when he saw his friend sinking away
into, the arms of death. The awful deed was done, and nothi