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.