The Tiffin weekly tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1859-1868, 1860-01-13
The closest shave OF MY Lie

The State Prison at C-is, overy
way considered, under better organic
ed and surer system of administration
than any similar institution | have known.
| have seen many, and looked somewhat
closely into their methods Of management
and discipline, and have often seen much
to approve; but the prison at C---sur-
passes all the rest. Visitors, Of which,
very properly, but few are admitted, arc
amazed at the regularity, the order, and,
most singular Of all, the air of security
and exceeding quiet that prevails.
As we wandered through the chambers
in the frecr part Of the prison, we came to
one from the window ofwhich man was
looking so anxiously that he did not hear
ua enter. When he turned around his
eyes were glistening with tears. The
warden said he did nothing but stand at
that window at all times when he was un-
occupied. He was a sailor, we lear ned,
whose offense was that he had beaten al
most to death a comrade for speaking
slightingly about his wife. He was in
for three years, six months Of which had
passed, and he was one of the best men
about the prison. They had found out
that he was accomplished-that there was
no better barber any where; so he was ell
evated above his fellows to the extent OF
a dignifed position and the responsibility
Of razors.
"He has shaved me many a time bet.
ter than could do it myself. Would you
like prison shave, gentlemenw said the
warden.
thought there was something quite
taking in the idea, and acknowledged my
self to be touched fayorably with the prop
osition.
"Johnson, you will shave this gentle
man." said the warden.
threw of'my cloak and settled my.
self comfortably in the big chair. John.
son made grave preparations.
/ always hated razor. II Is a vii.
laiDous necessity. wonder IL any body
thinks il delightful, that Kissing Of the
sharp steel over the cheek, and that slow
sorape over the throat, with the skin drum
tight.
When my face was shining with the
soap the warden said,
ave will leave you for five minutes
Mr.. H. Is that time enough, JohnsonP
"Quits time enough, sir" answered
Johnsonl"
The prisoner andI were left alone
My Companions went away in another al.
rection from that we had been pmsuing
and the warden swung the door wide open
as he passed through, leaving II unclosed
From my position ] saw them walk along
the top Of the wall, until they came TO :
corner, where they spoke little with the
officer in charge. They then moved on
officer and all, out Of sight.
Upon each corner Of The prison wall q
guard is always stationed, well armed, 10
watch that no attempts at escape are
nude The moment this one disappear
ed felt a sort Of faint shiver OF the razor
against my lip. Immediately after my
barber ceased operations, walked leisure
" 10 the door and looked out, and return
ing, paused an instant at the window
where we had found him when we enter
ed. Then he came back 10 me and 70.
aumed his work. / felt vaguely alarmed
( Presently the prisoner spoke. His
voice was very low, quite 8 whisper in
deed, and be cut his words short. But how
distinct they werel
EDO you hear me, siri" he asked.
eyes," said /.
"its tickliah thing, this shaving, ISM
lit!" said be. "But my hand l. alwayi
steady. can do what please with /
ruz0r-iust what please. Be good o