The tribune. [volume] (Beaufort, S.C.) 1874-1876, 1875-11-10
A PRISON ON THE MOUNTAIN,

A PRISON ON THE MOUNTAIN.
Tho Most Remarkable of all Penal Institu-
tions--A Novel Industry and it's Bene aciaI
Enccts--Tho Terrible Dark Cells-In.
Eenuity of the Prisoners.
Among the mountains in the extreme
northwestern corner of the State of New
York is located Clinton prison, the
smallest of the three penal institutions
under State control, but in some respects
much the most interesting to the OBJ
servant visitor. It is by no means easy
to get to Donnemara, the little town or
hamlet which has sprung up around the
prison gate. BY divers ways of cars
and boats, through many delays, an
noyances and ye1ations, one gets to
Plattsburg. Thence one must drive six
teen miles to reach Donnemara. This
comparative inaccessibility is the real
reason why convicts dread Clinton prison
more than either Auburn or Sing Sing.
They Like to see their friends now and
then; to feel that they are within easy
reach of their former homes, and not
that they are practically exiled. Hence
the constant petitions from prisoners
here to the inspectors for transfer to the
other prisons. But the discipline here
is not, as it has often been represented
by such petitioners, more severe than
elsewhere. In some respects it is even
more indulge Mt, necessarily 80 from the
character of the industries in which the
men are employed, and though their
work may be harder, it is certainly better
calculated for the development Of what
ever manhood the men may possess than
are such petty avocations as shoemakine
and shirt ironing. ~
Clinton prison is situated upon the
side of q mountain. Before it lies pretty
little valley shut in on every side by
mountains, the rugged outlines of which
are at this season softened by dense
foliage OF varied hues. But in winter
time this must be very bleak and
oheerless prospect. Ten thousand acres
OF land in the immediate vicinity are
the property of the State. twenty-five
acres are inclosed for prison purposes
by stockade of heavy planks twenty
feet in height, and upon this wall. at
ten points, are posted lookout stations.
where guards sit all day long with Sre-
peating Winchester rifles in their hands.
revolvers in their belts, and loaded mus
kets by their sides, to frustrate any bold
endeavors at escape. When the old log
stockade was standing, prisoners not in
frequently managed to shin up to the
top, drop over on the outer side, and
escape to the forest. But the smooth
planks are much more difficult to climb,
and few make the attempt. Besides.
Capt. Herwerth, sergeant of the guard,
has awakened spirit of emulation in
workmanship among his men, and the
convicts naturally are shy of tempting
toward themselves the demonstration Of
snch skill as the guards frequently dis
play in. their target practice. Even
should prisoner reach the woods his
chances for getting away are barely even.
But should he miss friendly aid, he will
be liable to wander about in the dense
forest until hunger drives him back to
the prison, until somebody picks him MP
for the sake of the reward for his recap
ture, or until sheer accident brings him
back to his point of departure.
1t is related that upon one occasion.
some months ago, a couple of convicts,
who secreted themselves in the big mine
until after dark, managed to get over the
wall and struck out into the forest. Thew
travelled hard all night, through close
thickets and over rocks, and in the gray
light Of morning found themselves Just
beneath the prison wall, having strug-
gled along in q circle on the mountain
side through all these weary hours. In
sheer disgust they stumbled around to
the gate and voluntarily gave themselves
up. OIN lTI
The distinctive peculiarity about this
prison is that it is the only { ne in this
country+or. indeed, with a single ex-
ception, in the world-wherein the
mining anil manufacturing of iron is
carried on. Within the prison walls are
now two mines, one belongingto Messs.
Watson & Co., of Plattsburg-to whom
the State pays royalty. of one dollar
per ton on all separated ore from 1.-THE
other belonging to the State exclusively.
The first of these has been worked with
varying. regularity for fifteen years past.
In 1859, the owners having demanded an
increase 4 their royalty from seventy
five cents to one. dollar per ton, which
the prseon authorities refused to pay.
the mine was permitted to fall into dis.
use and fll up with water, 80 that when,
In 1871, under new regime, it's rework.