Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1870-05-05
LETTER FRONCALIFORNLA.
SAN Francisco, April %, 1870


next another of the necessary evils of this
favored State--the Penitentiary. 1t is situat-
cd immediately on the Bay, about ID miles
north of this city, in a very picturesque local
ity and commanding a fine view Of the broad
eypanse of water before it. Like almost cv-
erything in California it has Spanish Saints
name-San Quentin-rather romantic title
for State Prison. BIT its name fits well the
place, for it is really one of the most charm
ing localities around San Francisco. 1t is
protected from the strong winds by the foot
hflis which cluster around it, while before 1t
lays the ever changing scenery Of San Fran
cisco Bay, dotted here and there with the
white winged messengers of Commerce, like
SO many Mercuries soaring through the blue
expanse. Occasionally, also, a steamer is
seen gliding steadily along, its white hull re-
minding one of some enormous water bird.
And far different place is San Quentin from
most Pententiaries, within as well as without.
We took a small steamer at San Francisco
and in about an hour we were landed at the
wharf, distance of thirteen miles from the
city, Here the cars were waiting to take pas
sengers to the beautiful village of San Rafael,
three miles distant. The prison lies on our
left only half mile away. AS we passed
along the road we saw large numbers OF wild
ducks quietly floating in the water just below
us. They are now enjoying season of I'M
disturbed quiet, the game laws being in force
Soon we came in sight of the prison buildings
which did not impress us very much at FIRST,
as that part of the prison which has been late
" erected is nearly covered in front by the
high wall and the older buildings where the
officers have their quarters. The prison is
built in a very substantial manner of brick,
made by the convicts in a brick yard adjoining.
At the right of the main entrance, or gateway,
is a small hill on the summit of which is a
water reservoir, which supplies the prison.
Just in front of the reservoir are two brass
cannons, loaded with canister, and trained
so as to command the outside and inside of
the main entrance. Above the cannons is a
lofty watch tower. Watch towers are also
situated at convenient distances on the top of
tilp prison Wills. anu SSHttiSo pdSS bSt"SSh
them with loaded muskets As we approach
ed we saw prisoners emerging occasionally
from the yard and sauntering off in different
directions apparently as untramelled rs we
were. They had on striped pants and shirts,
but each article of clothing is all of the same
kind and not half of one stripe and the other
half of another stripe. Their heads were not
shaven as closely as are wont to expect of
prison convicts. A short distance outside the
prison wall is beaten path extending around
it, which is patrolled by a mounted guard
armed with carbines. Entering the gateway
we presented a letter of introduction, and
were ushered into the officers dining room,
where we, by invitation of Col. Tut, Capt. of
the yard, partook of good lunch. The Ia
dies in our party were then politely informed
that the regulations would not permit them to
go among the prison shops, so they had to
content themselves with watching the more
favored sex, as we edthrough and inspect
ed the various places of interest. Inside the
walls we found a fine flower garden, cultiyat-
ed by the prisoners, several of whom were
seen walking about the yard as freely as we
were. The prison discipline is remarkably
easy The prisoners are degraded as little as
possible, and the officers say they pro-
coed upon the idea that the institution over
which they are placed, is more for reforma-
ton than punishment. They rarely have oc-
casion to punish convict, and then do not
beat or drown him, but shut him up in the
dungeon. The sleeping apartments are dor
mitores and not single cells. Most of the
prisoners looked happy, and we could hardly
realize that they were convicted felons.
They were generally busy at work. Their Ia
Dor is let to contractors, who pay the State
The remarkably low sum of 40 cents day for
each prisoners work. They are engaged in
boots, shoes, saddles, leather,
harnesses, barrels, whips, BRICKS &c. Every
thing they make commands ready sale and
good price in the market. There are about
500 prisoners, including men from almost ev-
cry nation under the sun. We noticed num-
Der of Cinnamon and Indians. We thought
it rather a remarkable fact that there were
but five female convicts, one of whom is a
Chinawoman. That shews one of two things
that Anna Dckinson's structures upon the
women of California were base fabrications,
or that the men of the State are very gallant.
When women are allowed to vote and serve
in the jury box in California, l fear you will
find greater proportion of their sex at San
Quentin. Butthis will be at a distant day, as
woman suffrage has not yet made much head
way in California and does not appear likely
to unless it is championed by n more respect
ed class of men and women than it now is.
They remind one too much of the fox, who
contented himself with calling the grapes
sour. But am depressing rapidly from the
straight and narrow paths of prison life We
visited the chapel where we found nice cab
met organ and well selected library, which Is
free to the prisoners. The Librarian was a
very intelligent young convict He was
learning the Chinese language, and showed
/ l.. 1. H.