Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1871-08-31
A Visit to the Prisoners.
From tho Paris (Aug. ~ Correspondent

From tho p [1 (Aug. ~ Correspondent {
There stands in the Rue des Cnantier
at Versailles a large three-storie
granary, surrounded by a walled-i
court, tho entrance to which is guarde
by sentries. In this building are lodg
ed upward of 400 women and chill
dren who were arrested during the lat
events in Paris. The women we're TO
the most part of the very lowest type
with brazen features, slatternly attire
and unkempt hair, evidently not the
result Of Imprisonment or hardship, bu
a normal condition. On the left as w
enter there was corner set apart 70,
visits, where few women of bette,
class were receiving some Of thei,
friends. and under canvas screens
erected against the walls had been ex-
temporized a range of kitchens, where
cooking was going forward actively.
The prison rations consist of bread, soup
and vegetables. with meat occasionally ;
but beside this cart comes to the pris-
on door every morning with al sorts of
provender, and they are allowed to buy
a. much as they can afford The result
is that some Of the more enterprising
and speculative have established a sort
Of restaurant, where tolerable array
Of dishes was exposed upon bank Of
earth leveled for the purpose.
Altogether, the courtyard looked like
a gypsy encampment, and the very
Bohemian aspect of its female popula-
ton was quite in keeping with it. 1
observed very few occupied in sewing
or industry Of any. kind. They were
basking in groups in the sun, talking
and laughing loudly, or strolling about
linked together, and apparently without
a care in tho world Some were wash
ing their own and their children's
clothes, the latter running about half
dressed till the process was concluded.
These ganains have proved more
desperate and incorrigible than their
elders, and it is possible they may, with
that preternatural acuteness which
characterizes the juvenile Arabs of the
street, have contributed their share to
the incendiaries, and even to the resis.
lance behind barbados. Those below
10 years old are not liable to trial, but,
even if they were, it is not probable
that they would be punished. Except
ing in very aggravated cases among the
older boys, those who have no homes,
where there is prospect Of their re.
will be sent to schools Of
in the country. was told
by Lieut.. Marceau, who has charge Of
the establishment, chat the conduct Of
the women was often. riotous and dis
orderly, and were it not for the exercise
Of a strict discipline would lead to out
breaks. In a court at the back a bath
ing house has been erected, with tubs
and a plentiful supply Of water. As
to the first story, found my
self in vast hall supported by iron
columns. all round which were ranged
upon the floor straw palliasses. This
room was well lighted and ventilated,
the floor perfectly clean, and the wo-
men were lying on their beds or sitting
upon them, working or chatting. One
aark-eyed, tiery-looking young woman,
with jet-black hair and an almost olive
complexion, was writing. She was
Of Ia Cecilia's, and had shot
IN officer aud fought furiously behind a
barracade. A friend who was with me
Jaw her captured and brought into the
Prevote Oh the night of the 23d of
May. Part Of this room was screened
IF for the children, who were similarly
accommodated. The floor above was
arranged in like manner, but the high
,st Of all was not used as dormitory,
out partitioned off into Offices, in which
he examinations we're carried on, while
IN altar showed that on Sundays it did
luty as church. Here [ met two
Sisters of Mercy, who told ME that they
observed marked improvement in the
women from day to day; that now the
greater number Of them attended mass
md behaved reverently, while their
anguage was less coarse and violent.