Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-11-29
STATE PRISON CRUELTY,
Patrick Coffey's Thrilling Story Re-
ceives Confirmation.
TEE TESTIMONY OF A MAN
Who Saw His Back After Deputy Hall
Had Put on Croton Oil.
EFFORTS MADE TO KILL HIM.
The Sudden Death Of Pat Stack-Was
it Murder or Suicide?
STATEMENT OF AN EX.GUARD,
Who Pronounces Cofey as Of a Good
Disposition if Treated Kindly.
WORK FOR THE LEGISLATURE
The Sudden Death Of Pat Stack-Was
it Murder or Suicide?
STATEMENT OF AN Ex.GuARD,
Who Pronounces Coffey as Of Good
Disposition if Treated Kindly.
WORK FOR THE LEGISLATURE
20 Investigate These Charges in the
Interest Of Humanity.

The statement of Patrick CT fey, released
convict from the prison at Saltwater, pub
lished in Mondays GLOBE, has produced q
profound sensation throughout the State.
It has met the reception in official quarters
which the GLOBE announced as probable
that is, 1t has been denounced as incredible
because it came from convict This was to
be expected, and it is because men in charge
of prisons know of this advantage which
they possess, that they arc emboIdened to
deeds of cruelty which otherwise might not
be attempted.
A cloud OF witnesses are rising up to prove
be barbarlties practiced in the State prison.
Because men have committed crime it does
not follow that they should be tortured, or
that they should have no hearing, if wrong
has been done. As work Of mercy and
humanity the GLOBE gives these men hear
ing, trusting that their statements may lead
to thorough investigation. These charges
have reached proportions which prevent
their being answered by the plea that the
author has been a convict The managers
of the Saltwater s'hel'' must come to the
front.
Il Prison Guard WAC Can u Tale Unfol6
Yesterday representative of the GLOBE
called upon Mr. William aannegan, now
living in Minneapolis. Mr. Hannegan was
for about year one of the prison guards
and, as such, had unusual facilities for know
ing the truth OR falsity of the charges made
by Mr. Patrick CofTey.
Mr. Hannegan stated that under ordinary
circumstances he would have no hesitation
sn giving the GLOBE all the information in
his possession. "But," said he, "you will
readily understand that since the GLOBE has
made these open and public charges against
the prison management, it is more than
probable there will be an authorized
investigation into the manner of doing bust
ness at the prison, and shall probably be
called as witness. It seems to me there
would be manifest improperly in first
giving my evidence through public news
paper
The GLOBE man conceded that there was
some strength to the position, but asked him
if the public did not have something of
claim on the knowledge he might possess,
as the State prison was a public institution,
supported by the commonwealth.
MIR. Hannegan---Yes, that is true, and
will say now that the public shall have all the
knowledge possess when a Legislative COM
mittee or any other legal tribunal may ask
for it. have some knowledge of the man.
ner of doing business at the Saltwater
prison-very much more than Mr.. Coffey
gave in his statement to the GLOBE, and
some of it is anything but favorable to the
management, bat am not seeking the noto-
riety of a newspaper quarrel, and shall judi
ciously hold my peace until legal tribunal
shall cali upon me.
Reporter-Did you know MIR. Coffey while
you was guard at the prison, Mr. Hanne-
gan?
at tee prison, Mr. Harmegan?
HI did, personally.
Rep-What was his character ?
HI was brought into daily contact with
him during nearly my entire service at the
prison, and among all the convicts, there was
not one who more quickly responded to
words or acts of kindness. [ never had the
slightest difficult with him. He oteyed
orders almost before they were given, and
seemed always to strive to gain the good
will Of ali who we're in authority. There were
a great many more outside the prison walls
who were worse than Mr.. Cotfey.
Rep--How about the Younger brothers
while you were there?
H.-They were given all sorts Of favors.
Now, lust look here, old fellow, the first thing
you know you will be interviewing rae, and
don't propose to be interviewed. l have
some knowledge that would be unpleasant
for the prison management, but propose to
keep it ia here, Significantly tapping his
breast.) If anybody having a right to de-
mand that knowledge, should ask for it, l
am ready to come down, but not otherwise.
Rep-Well, all right, boss bat don't you
think the GLOBE has struck bonanza in
opening up the affairs at the State Prison to
the public gaze
H.-Exactly! You bet they have if they
only follow it up close and get at the bottom
facts. Its q lead that will bear working
10000 feet below the surface of the earth.
That was all the GLOBE man could get out
of Mr.. flanagan. But it is very evident he
keeps something back, hoping and expecting
thata careful investigation viii take place.
Mr.. flanagan was appointed by Gov.
Piiisbury more than two years ago, and
served as guard between six and twelve
months. He was not discharged, but left
because of an attack of fever, and when he
recovered the place was filed. He is an
Irishman and Republican, and a warn
friend Of Gov. Pilsbury.
81 minnesota Heli''
To the Editor of the Globe.
EAU CLAIRE, Wis, Nov. 26.-I hope yor
will pardon me for writing these lines, bu