, 1881-12-31
The "voice" From the; ;Tombs Again
Speaks.
The RETREAT, Dec. 26th, 1881.

EE hkIhEAI, bcC- SUN, AooA'
Mr.. LocAL:-Not having the tear OF
the waste basket before its eyes the
"Voic." mildly approaches and gently
asks Were you ever in Jail I 1t
means, of course. as q visitor, for no one
would be guilty OF arresting poor harm
less newspaper man. Ii the answer is IN
the negative, then come and see this one
Ii i, no wonder that q certain class en-
deavor to secure quarters here for the
winter months, for it is comfortable, cozy,
and secure. Whoever planned the ''Re-
treat had the comfort Of the inmates i'll
his mind, for not draft Of cold air, not
a disturbing noise prsvadss the place to
interfere with the peaceful and quiet re-
pose of the honest q occupants In the
centre of the basement is an immense
she ;t-iron tank, so riveted as to be almost
solid, cut into cells about nine feet square
there are twelve Of them-each intended
to quarter two guests Completely en-
cireIing these dormitories is spacious
hallway where the unfortunates are per
mitted To intermingle during the day,
amusing themselves by debates, singing,
dancing, story telling, the discussion of
their cases and matchmaking the
meddlesome officers and odious laws that
interferes with the legitimate pursuits OF
a muchly oppressed class.
As this "Voice" has 10 pass through
the hands of our worthy superintendent,
it fears that his well known modesty
might hesitate to let it go were he spoken
of as he deserves. hence it will but briefly
refer to his treatment of his boarders.
Taking into consideration the pecnliari-
tie, Of his charges, it cannot be denied
that his consideration for their welfare
and comfort Is everything that could be
desired, having in view their security and
disinelination to he disturbed by any out
sidera Any reasonable request is in
stautly granted. Should they want tc
write letter, | Al er, envelopes and stamps
are furnished, and the letter is delivered
at the pos, Office or any part of the city
II an increase or change of food is de-
sired, if an extra blanket is asked for, Ol
even If change of clothes is wanted, Mr.
Thompson is ever ready to comply witt
our wish No fattery is intended the
Voice but utters the sentiments of al
when it asserts that, If we must have :
keeper, VT have one who is willing to dc
anything consistent with his sense oi
duty to render our POSITIONS as pleasant
as possible In this connection permit II
to state that the Voice" hopes this COM
munication will not encourage outsider,
to look with longing eyes toward tai:
/ "Retreat" As a comfortable harbor OF
refuge for the winter months. In a few
days the gang" will parade daily, regard
less OF the weather, and ornameated with
ie~elry, for the purpose of performing
labor on the streets and in the Court
House square They had better consider
that it is much preferable to do similal
work, having their freedom, even thougl
they earn but their board ane clothes
Your editor in-chief called On the IN
mates, and made their hearts glad ant
their stomachs ache by liberal supply 0
reading matter and a generous quantit,
of fruit Such kindness displayed towar,
men who are here, for the most part. be
cause they were unable 20 furnish bail
and Of whose guilt or innocence jury
set to Judge, is an action worthy Of tn
man and one not soon forgotten Som
Of US may safely pass the ordeal Of tn
court, and then the kindness and consid
Grafton Of your chief may be reeipro
Gated in a manner that will show no,
fully his disinterested consideration is ap
preciated. May the SIArEsNAS flourish
and that it way be increased to double it
present size is the sincere wish Of the in
mates Of the "RErRgAT."