The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1876-02-16
PRISON PRATTLE.
IDEENESS OF THE CONVICTS AMI
FEARS OF ITS INFLUENCE.


FEARS OF ITS INFLUENCE.
THE CROOKED WHISKY MEN NOT USED TO
THE REV LIFE-THE EXCELLENCE OF
THE PRISON AND IT'S FARE-AND SPIRIT
UAL AFFAIRS NOT NEGLECTED..
The New Albany Ledger-Stsndard sent
reporter to the State Prison South, who re-
considerable attention at present. There are
5l6 convicts imprisoned there, about Is of
whom are negroes. In age the convicts
range from boys of fifteen to men past
seventy. 1t Is a sad sight to look upon any
human being when deprived of his liberty,
but it is particularly so to witness smooth
faced, hslf-grown boys, and aged, white
haired, decrepid men wearing prison stripes
and shut OF from the outside wOrld-in a
word, buried alive. There are few boys
under eighteen years of age at this prison,
the contract between the state and the
Ohio Falls Car Works Company ceased,
the convicts have been idle, with q few ex-
ceptions. Such state of affairs has never
occurred before within the history OF the in
stitutiOn. 1t is a matter to be regretted by
all, yet it can not be remedied. The car
company is bankrupt and powerless TO fill
its part of the contracr, and the state can
not agree to furnish labor without pay and
security. Some of the o0nvicts express q
Q6SlI6 IOT WOrR, W0ll6 Inc great majority are
satisfied with the present condition OF affairs,
and would not complain IL matters remained
so during their term OF service.
IDLENEss Is THE DEVILS MAKE-sHIFr,
and the hours of leisure enjoyed at the
prison, 1t is feared, may result ia harm. The
prisoners are kept separ ate, as we'll as can
be, and are divided of in different depart
ments and portions of the premises Some
are in the car shops, in the blacksmith
shops, in the COOK house, in the halls, ETC.,
and no tear is anticipated by the officers o.
an insurrection. The most desperate char
scters are kept in their cells and closely
watched. Rodifer is kept chained in his
dungeon constantly, and others of like char
acter have no opportunity of plotting
with and demoralizing others.
The crooked whisky men seem
very lonely, huddle together and APP
pear very much out Of place, and are doubt
less very awkward in their present predica-
ment. They have nothing to do with other
prisoners, and while they fully realiZs their
situation, they can not reconcile themselves
10 their fate. Their clothing is new, clean
warm, but of a rougher texture than they
have been accustomed to. And the black
and white stripes are so much less honorable
and patriotic than the stars and stripes of
our glorious union. These men watch
closely every visitor that passes within their
and dishonored. They feel as though she
eyes OF the world were upon them and that
the verdict of the commonwealth is guilty
and served them right" AS our reporter
passed in the direction where these men
were, Hill, the ex-deputy collector, calling
him by name, said, "Is that you? please
come over this way when you get time"
Complying with the request, quite a con-
versation ensued, in which
HILL PROTESTED HIS INNOCENCE
and complained at his treatment by the
United States authorities and "the witnesses
who swore TO lies, especially John w. Bing-
ham," "Why," said he, "is's too hard that
should be disgraced and deprived OF my
freedom, when did more than any man in
my district to ferret out the whisky frauds.
was working for the government in good
faith, never took cent of money unlaw-
fully, and this is all the thanks I get for
for 1t. Politics had great deal to
do with the matter, and Just at this
time when the republican party wants
votes and the appreciation of the public,
they must do something to make an hon. /
est appearance. was in the way of these
crooked men, and they took the means they !
did to get even, vent their spleen and crush |
me. must make up my mind to serve my |
time, but tell yen IL Is terrible. Things
will come even yet and somebody will get |
their deserts"
THE ooEDITIoH OF TIE PRISON.
Since Capt. A. j. Howard assumed the
wsrdenship of the Institution there has
been quite a change in the condition of the |
prison and prisoners. The sanitary eondi-
ton Is much improved, and more care is |
paid to the health of che convicts. The
yards, walks and eurbing have been put in /
better shape; the drainage is much better;
the bedding and the clothing is as clean as |
the circumstances and the old rattle-trap /
building will allow; there seems 10 be less
Of the sickening prison odor than heretofore. 4
and every precaution Is taken to insure 1
health and necessary comforts. As result 4
but few are In the hospital, add those are
chronic cases.
DINING ROOM AND BILL OF FARE.
Dur reporter visited the kitchen, and dining
room the other day, and was surprised to
iad the quantity aud quality OF the food
Ierved at regular meals. The bill OF fare Is,
or breakfast, bread, meat, hash and coffee;
inner, bean soup, water, bread, potatoes,
)nions, sour krout, and occasionally other
supper, bean soup, bread ind
water. The bread, coffee and vegetables are,
n quality. as wholesome as any in tbs
Market. Everything about the kitchen and J.
Is as clean a well-Iegulated
lotel and, in tact, much cleaner than some q
an boast of. The dining-room will accom- |
nodate about 400 persons, and Ii is sight t
Djoyed by few TO witness that number of t
hungry men in prison.uniform, marching 1
n in single file, keeping the lock step, each '
nan with his right hand on his leaders I
boulder. As they march In they take their