The New York herald., 1879-12-26
IN THE roMps


turkey and chicken with vegetables Of various kinds
in proportion. He also sent supplies to the prison.
ers in Essex Market Jefferson Market. Yorkville and
the prison about noon. Deputy Warden Mark Fin.
ley who completed his tbirtieth year of service in
the Tombs Christmas Eve, was superintending
the preparations for the prisoners dinner in
the kitchen Of the prison. Two immense copper
caldrons were placed on Q raised brick
platform and were filled with . rich soup. in which
foated chickens. onions. potatoes and other In
gradients that filed the atmosphere Of the kitchen
with most sppetizing aroma. Mrs. Foster, tho
matron of the prison. who has been there almost as
long time Mark Finley. came In occasionally to
how the preparations for dinner were progress
ing. and lent hand in making the feast as great
possible. Dark and dismal the exterior
OF the Tombs Prison is, and likely to give
rise in the popular fancy to the idea
that It is inside as bleak and comfortless
pated on entry within the walls Of the building.
The prison proper seemed yesterday to the report
ers eye about as snug = place as q tramp could
John 4. Hennessy justified the reporters notion
by saying that some fellow who ho been recently
months sentence solicited the judges Of Special
sions to send him to the Tombs for extra ten
oe o dis xars all
oners. but the uninitiated visitor would
have thought so from the free and easy manner of
the men. Wednesday evening all tine fowl were
cleaned by Mrs. Foster and her help. that time
lost in preparing for the dinner at Break
fast. after the usual routine. occurred at eight
O'Clock. and at haf-past ten religious services were
held on the second tier OF the prison. Rev. 8. q.
Law preached an appropriate sermon; Miss Betker
played on the melodeon, and choir. composed Of
Miss Gusse Miller Miss Agnes Klein and Miss Lin
coin. did the vocalistc part OF the work.
PERHAPS THEIR CHRIsrMAa
Chastine Cox and Pietro Balbo, the two convicted
murderers. were in cells respectively Nos. and
The reporter approached Coxs cell and said. "How
do you feel. Coxr
His face close up to the grating and there was
rather unpleasant look in his eyes as he answered,
IL feel as we'll as know how
"How do you like your quarters in there" was
further question put to him rs the reporter took
note of the many pictures distributed the walls
Of the cell and the general air Of comfort for
prison apartment that the place exhibited.
II have got to like it," said Cox, in q querulous
tone.
finish his question, Cox interrupted him by say
ing. II don't wish to talk no more. and just want
to listen to that preacher.'
walls of the prison reverborate with his theological
eloquence
Balbo. the Italian murderer under sentence of
death. was much more cheerful.
At noon dinner was served and the great crowd of
prisoners sat down to it WITH except In occasional
instances, very cheerful expression OF face. The
Tombs for the time being lost all it's associations
prison. and the assembled multitude at dinner
seemed as happy as il they lived in luxury and free
dom on Fifth avenue. Keeper Hennessy furnished
tho list of prisoners the Tombs yesterday as
lows :On the first tier 28; tho second 81 on the
third 29 the fourth. 20. and in the yard devoted
to drunk and disorderly characters. 40; in the
prison. 80, and boys, II; total 800. Of whom there
were 2l2 males and 76 females After dinner the
prisoners were INDUCED in walk about the corri-
dors for two hours and then there more reli-
gious services. DIR. Heath preached q sermon, and
choir composed of ladies' OF the City Mission, in
clnding Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Stelas and Mrs. Davis,
sang variety of hymns. These ladies
deavored to make Christmas as cheerful possible
for the inmates and placed wreaths OF evergreen over
every prisoners cell. When the music and preach
ing were over the prison reverted to its old routine
but the prisoners could hardly lose tho reinem-
brance of having spent at least bright day
W thin tho dismal Tombs.