Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-12-14
From the Rockland Free Press.
TUANKSGIFING At THE STATE
PRISON.

The monotony of prison life was agreeably
relieved on Thanksgiving day by the kindness
of the Warden and his family, who made ev-
cry exertion to make it day to be remem-
bered with pleasure by the unfortunate men
and women committed to their care.
After the religious services in the chapel,
social gathering of all who chose was held
10 large room especially prepared for the
occasion. Some one hundred and forty or
fifty of the one hundred and sixty. four within
the walls ayailed themselves of the privilege
Of briefly renewing old friendships, making
new acquaintance, and enjoying the privi-
leges thus kindly offered by MIR Rice. When
we entered this room we were met by the
Warden, who gave us kindly welcome and
many interesting facts connected with differ
ent individuals. We had supposed when we
entered the room, that we should find full
guard, armed and equipped, to shoot on the
first appearance of revolt. Judge of our sur
prise then, to find room full of young men
and old middle-aged men and boys, with
some few of the weaker sex, mingling togeth-
er in social converse, with perfect freedom,
and due appreciation of the surroundings.
We do not hesitate to say. that promiscuous
gathering Of ''out. siders" to that number
would have made far more noisy and bois.
ferrous party. 1t is true the Warden and his
officers were there, but apparently more in
the capacity of friends to add to their pleas
urc, than as custodians of the state to prevent
an outbreak. The manner in which they
spent the few hours allotted them for social
Intercourse and pleasure, was according to the
tastes Of the different individuals; some we're
seeking out former acquaintances, hearing
news from each other as to home and friends,
others were engaged in singing songs of the
war ETC.. some enlivened by the music of the
l,,,o 81; <rto In hof .ol,f hos,
been called regular double shuttle, and the
exhilaration was very much increased if one
of them was fortunate enough to obtain a
partner sin calico" for a competition in the
four and-aiter. In q short time, space was
cleared for a regular waltz, but as there were
not enough females to furnish partners, a
substitute was found by tying a handkerchief
round the left arm of enough of them to form
on the floor, and then to lively tune, away
they went in graceful whirl, each intent on
making the most Of the time allowed. AS
the hour drew near to close the festivities,
a very nicely frosted guess cake, made ex-
pressly for the occasion by Mrs. Rice, was
carried to each one, his name TAKEN and the
weight guessed was set against it., and the
fortunate guesser became the owner. In
this case four of them named the same weight,
and by the rule of four each one received his
part, yet it was not the only division made,
for we noticed that many one got taste of
that cake. We could but notice the eager.
ness with which they would seek out the War
den to shake him by the hand, and ask and re-
ceive advice and thank him for his kindness
in giving them this social privilege. The
Law has decided that these men are criminals,
some of them of the worst sort, yet if you
had looked upon that gathering and seen
them as they engaged in the various pleasures
of that hour, you would have said they are
still men, and great is the power OF kindness
and love. AT the hour of one, they took
leave Of each other, were formed in line,
marched to their cells, receiving on their way
as nice turkey dinner as could be asked
for, every turkey being dressed and stuffed
under the supervision of the Warden's wife.
Those with whom we conversed, spoke in the
highest praise Of the Warden, his family, and
the officers under him. We can but feel
that Mr.. Rice has taken wise course in re-
gard to these social gatherings of the unfor-
tunate men under his care, and we have no
doubt that each and all of them will be the
better men and women for the change The
discipline of the prison is strict; and yet it is
such that each one feels it power, and be-
ing convinced that it is right cheerfully sub
mits anil does the part allotted to him.
KNOX, ID.