THE CHAUTAUQUA CIRCLE
There is in existence in the Minnesota State Prison a Chautauqua circle, being a branch of the main organization, conducted entirely by the inmates and the presiding officers elected from the members thereof.
Election of officers occurs once a year. Meetings are held fortnightly in the prison chapel, at which time several papers are read and discussed by the members. At the conclusion of the meeting a critic chosen from the circle reviews the program, points out various errors in composition papers or commends them as the case may be.
The membership of this unique organization numbers about thirty, and as old members withdraw new ones are selected from the better educated prisoners. Meetings are always conducted in an orderly manner, not a snigle serious violation of the rules having occurred since the organization—about twenty years ago. Discussions at times becomes exceedingly spirited, especially if a paper is read that attacks the pet hobbies of the several members.
As an educational feature of the institution the Chautauqua circle is accomplishing excellent work and deserves the sincere patronage and commendation of the prison authorities.
BAND AND ORCHESTRA
Like the majority of the better-class prisons, Minnesota's penitentiary has the honor of having within its walls a well-equipped band and orchestra. They are in charge of an experienced citizen-music teacher, and have made [pg 78] remarkable progress since organization. About nineteen members compose the band, mostly men who have a long time to serve.
The orchestra provides music for the services in the prison chapel, and when entertainments are given provides the musical numbers on the program. Of late years it has attained a degree of efficiency that has been commended very highly by prominent visitors to the institution.
The band gives a concert each morning during the summer months and also during drill exercises, which take place in the yard every Sunday immediately after chapel service. Concerts are also given in the park on holidays, when the men are enjoying outdoor freedom, which the inmates appreciate very much, helping wonderfully to break the dull, routine monotony of prison life. The band and orchestra cost the state very little, its instruments are paid for out of the fees received from visitors, who pay a twenty-five cent admission to see the institution. This amount is donated for the benefit of the library fund.