The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1868-10-31
Speeches BY Messrs. Wilson, Jackman,
REID aud Dorm blazer.


man, Esq, Superintendent Of Machinery Of
the Chicago, Alton and St. Louis Railroad
the delegates in attendance on the Fiftl
Annual Convention Of the Brotherhood oil
Locomotive Engineers, in company with I
few invited guests, assembled at the depot
where . special train attached TO the new
and magnificent engine "Major Notion =
was in waiting to carry them down The
line as far as Joliet Permission having
been previously obtained, to visit the Psui-
Tertiary, the company on their arrival we're
courtsously recei I'd by John Reid, ESQ,
one Of the Commissioners for the State, who
Afterwards kindly accompanied them In their
tour Of observation. As we believed the
readers of the ADvocArs would be inter-
ested to learn what We saw and heard, we
made few memoranda for their special
ediicstion, which will be fouOd below.
rHs PENrEsrlARY.
This building, which IL supposed to en-
close the concentrated villianV of Illinois,
is situated in the immediate vicinity Of Jo-
let, 81 miles from this city. 1t IL large
imposing and substantial structure, built Of
freestoue, covering an area Of Is acres, and
contained at the time of our visit 1,l27
convicts, 20 being females ell Of whom, OF
at least all rot incspacitated by sickness Of
disease, are employed at some mech anical
labor.
The lodging apartments Of the prisoner,
are situated ia what lie known as the East and
West wings. The former contains 500 cells
five tiers in height, and ia intended only to &C
commodate as many convlcts, though owing
to the crowded condition Of the prison
many Of them are filed by two occupants.
This, however, 10 simply a matter Of neces
sity, as 1t 10 considered more safe aud pru-
dent to keep them as much apart a,
possible. The west wing contains 400 cells
four tiers in height, and Is in many respects
the most desirable location of the two
Both are models of cleanliness, however
the corridors being airy and roomy. The
ventilation is excellent, and the air as sweet
as the prairie breeze, in striking contrast to
that of the pest holes IN our County Jail
Many OF the cells, contained mementoes Of
other days; some Of them the portrait CT q
mother, who was sorrowing for her wayward
son some the likeness of fond wife, who
doubtless often thought and talked of bel
convict husband, and others the image Of q
babe, who lisped the name Of father. but upor
whom the eyes of the inmate had never
rested, while here and there Bible might
be seen, whose well read pages showed thai
even the outcast could find consolation in
its promises, when all other sources had
failed
RULES FOR THE coSvIcTs.
VIII ! new convict is brought in, he ID
washed and his clothes changed. He is then
taken TO the chapel, when the rules Of the
prison are read and explained, item by item,
partic ularly that part relating to discipline
They read as fU.Iows:
The first duty of the convict is obedience,
and is will be for his interest to Joey all rules.
l. All conversation between convicts and "a
miliarty between cuayiets aud guards are strictly
prohibited, and all unnecessary noise must be
avoided
2. The convict must not speak to any visi-
tors, or receive from, or give to them anything
whatever, without the permission of the Warden
or deputy Warden.
S. The convict must not leave his place OF
employment for any purpose whatever, without
permission Of the officer in whose charge be
may be. as
4. If sick or unable 70 work be must make /,
known TO his officer, and aes a. be may direct,
but be win not be permitted to lounge about
the sheps or yard a
! .. The convict must al eye approach an Of
scer in . respectful manner, always touching
his cap or forehead, and must not gaze, motion
or laugh Of any person whatever.
I 6. He must not have (without special per
mission) pen, ink. pencil, paper, or knife, nor
carry 70 The shops Or yard any food nor make
any alteration 10 his clothing.
i. He must be prompt 10 taking his lace In
the line, march lock step, With the right hand
upon The shoulder Of the man in advance, 10.
promptly obey Biz orders, and not leave the
fiss without permission Prisoners passing
through the yard must walk In file, re yer
abreast 81 se1sii "a a - aq
0. On entering the cell. he must close the
doos. and stApd With right hand on it until the
count " made. he must not spit upon the door
or wails Of the cell, or upon the gallery, nor
mark. scratch or Ia any manner deface his cell.
or any article therein He must keep In good
order and clean the furniture OF Mis- cell, neither
carving anything out or In without perSnissiot,.
nor rap upon the door Or cell, except Ia case Il
siekness or absolute necessity. . or v1 j
9. AZ the ringing Of the morning ball, be
aaust turn cut, dress, make NO the bed neatly,
and be ready for marching Ont IA The signal
he must open the door. step out and stand erec,
sntIl oedered - march. s!sx I,
TO- In Chapel, .stEict and silent attention
must be given y ths services .E
H.. Forsmsp M shops ID Which oyeftofk d
allowed, HiIl slow every c0nsics VINO performs
. hir and reasonable task tse Be tzsd by ~
forsinSn and approved ~ shs vsrdsn, y 4 ~
sopahls rate Of payment for oyerwork, tet ~
hs hsk peSlormeA his task efnlls IN = Atialsftosy
spd xcrkmsnlfksman ~ ss2 fal BED
ii ID. n any tenxic& making sDferwerAs shet
by essslesupsus ~ Ipleufien d,~soT ~ dap.na
histse,s ~ ~ natssisla b h YPfkiaG e.. ths
velus ef sssk teelsgps pefSpj ~ 1hell ~ de1pet.
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