Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1879-06-13
CODY'S CAPERS.

A Well-Planned Scheme for Escape from
Ramsey County Jail Handsomely Fooled
How the Conspirators Gave Themselves
Away, and What Came of 1t.
Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty. And
it sometimes turns out that the same amount
of vigilance is very effective restraint, es-
pecially when applied to prisoners in Jail.
And that's what's the matter in Ramsey
county Jail.
But to be precise, it may be stated
that for several days there has been the symp-
tom of uneasiness among the prisoners. In
fact, they seemed pregnant IA a body with q
big project. That project was to effect an
escape. VIM. Cody, the horse thief, in con-
6nement for that theft and the larceny of Col.
Princes harness, haa been the leader of the con-
spiracy to effect jail delivery. The prisoners
we're observed to be in frequent consultation by
the watohfal turnkeys, Joe Spiel and Nick Wag-
ner. Nothing was thought Of this at first, but
their recurrence and the studied secrecy main
tanned rather gave the thing away Then, too,
visible uneasiness among the the prisoners was
manifested, and they added a Moses like meek
ness in their intercourse with the turkeys and
sheriffs employees. All this became very no
ticeable, and increased watchfulness was en-
joined upon all hands.
It was needed and to a purpose.
Wednesday evening Cody seemed tired of
waiting and showed his hand before the cards
we're fully ready for the play.
At o'clock the prisoners are locked p in
their cells: From appearances among the pris-
Spiel, turnkey, took tho precaution to
arm himself and also to give warning to Sheriff
King and Deputy Sheriff Harrison, before en-
tering the corridor to lock the prisoners up.
They were on hand, and at the usual hour Spiel
unlocked the outer door and ordered the pris-
IN Thovo nh %bo i
very slowly, and Spiel advanced further in the
corridor, and repeated his command. just at
this time one of the prisoners sought to get be-
hind Spiel and Cody advanced towards him.
Spiel observed their maneuvres, and ordered
both of them off, at the same time half draw
and companion hastily took in the situation
and as hastily drew off to await better oppor.
tunity perhaps. It was just as we'll, for if any
demonstration had been made it would
have been unhealthy for the crowd, al
Sheriff King and Deputy Sheriff Harrison
We're close at hand to afford assistance, if it
had been needed.
That the prisoners contemplated an Eruption
is evident from the above. That they haven't
abandoned their conspiracy was made evident
yesterday. As Officer O'Keefe was
conducting his gang of tramps ct al
to the rock pile, past the jail
on Fifth street, he saw somebody throw some.
thing from Jail window. One Of the prison
ers at once stepped out Of line and picked ur
the object. Officer O'Keefe Immediately or
dered him to surrender it, which he reluctant
" did. 1t proved to be an impression of
key, and On examination was found to be ar
impress of the key which unlocks the eel
door of the Jail. Doubtless it was the lnten
ton to have key made from this impression
and with it the prisoners would release them
selves from the cell, neize the turnkey in tn
corridor, and ultimately get out, if they could
This or some plan like it to regain their
liberty is in progress of conception in Ramse,
county jail. But any plan for such q Jail de
Sheriff King and his subordinates, and tn
watchfulness of Officer O'Keefe, who has tn
outside gang in his charge.