Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1885-09-03
LOUIS REIL'S PRISON LIFE.
HOW the Can adfan Rebel Takes His
Punishment

HOW the Cam adfan Rebel Takes His
Punishment
Few State prisons in modern times
have been guarded so rigidly or with
more vigilance than is Louis Rel.
who at present occupies the guard
house Of the Northwest meunted POI
lice, says Regina, n. w. T., cores
pendent. If the swarthy leader OF the
half-breeds ever had any thoughts of
escape, he must have realized long ere
this how hopeless such an attempt
would prove. Few visitors, as was the
case with the writer, have been fortu-
nate enough on the occasion of first
visit to catch glimpse of the now
famous prisoner The disappointed
sight-seer must in consequence cons
sole himself with a glance at the sur
roundings. The various dwellings,
including the officers quarters, front
upon the square, and possess small
flower gardens. Evidences of neatness
and taste are visible On every side.
Fences inclOse each house, and a
plank walk runs about the outside of
the grassy square, which is as smooth
as any eastern lawn. A dozen figures,
in the dashing uniform of mounted
policeman, sitting on chairs or re-
cling st their ease on the low verenda
OF an ordinary frame building situat-
ed IN the center of the south cad Of the
square, reveals the prison of the cap
tive leader. The guard house, indie
pendent of the addition just complet~
ed, like the other DWELLINGS,. is
constructed of wood, 60 feet ia length
by twenty feet in breadth. On eater
ing the door the privileged visitor
finds himself In the guard room,
where the men detailed 10 guard the
prisoner spend the long days and
weary nights. The iron doors at the
lower end of the apartment, which is
small, open on either side, Tespectful~
ly, TO corridors extending to the south
side of the building. Facing either
passageWay are five narrow cells that
admit the light of day through mas
slve iron bars. Rel occupies the one
nearest the guard room, on the east
side of the temporary jail. His invis-
lble companion is Connor, the Prus-
sian Jew, recently convicted OF a
brutal murder at Moose Jaw.
The instructions of the guards are
dehnate, not man being permitted
to hold converse with the prisoners
unless spoken TO. The policemen Sc
lected for this duty have been forbid
den to mention the recent troubles to
Rel, and have received imperative
orders that no person but the com
handing officer or surgeon must be
admitted to the guard house. In con
sequence the prisoner, as he sits in
confinement, has full scope for his
thoughts, with their chain Of undoubt-
edly bitter experiences. The cell the
prisoner occupies is 6 feet by feet
IN extent, the sole articles of furniture
1t contains being a small iron bed and
a low chair. Pen and ink and other
writing materials are deposited in a
corner, while on the floor lie the heavy
shackles which cucumber the prison.
ers feet every time he takes exercise.
According to all reports. the life led
by Rel is simple one. He is an early
riser, and is invariably up and dressed
before reveilIe at o'clock, seemingly
undlsturbed by the weary tread Of the
seatry, who PAGES up and down the
marrow corridor day and night. He
scarcely completes his toilet when he
sinks down upon his knees beside his
bed, and remains transfxed like a
statute IN prayer for hours at time.
Although perhaps disposed to think
unKindly Of him at first, his jailers
have since become impressed with his
gentleness of manner and the appar~
ent sincerity of his devotions, and
now regard him as a man whose mis-
guided zeal has brought him into the
clutches Of the law. At s o'clock. or
occasionally little later, breakfast is
served IN the cell. Rel so far has not
permitted his anxiety of mind to in
terfere with his appetite, and the way
the bread, meat or potatoes, as the
case may be, vanishes before him, is
reported to be really astonishing. He
receives the usual rations accorded q
mounted police, daily, as follows:
One and one-half pounds of bread,
one and one>half pounds Of fresh
meat, one pound of potatoes and tea.
After breakfast the prisoner, WHO is
not allowed to read the newspapers,
inous and curiously worded letters to
his family Or to his admirers and
champions. He is in constant tele-
graphic communication with friends
in Montreal and Quebec, and particu-
larry in the latter city, and is apprised
Of every movement undertaken for his
defense. A few days ago the prisoner
wired friends in the ancient capital
urging them to endeavor to obtain a
trial IL the province of Quebec. on the
ground that more justice could be ex>
pected, besides saving enormous ex-
pense. The epistiles he indites to his
brother, wife, and little children are
also reported to be models of affection.
Usually at $50 o'clock daily he goes
out OF doors for exercise. He has no
definite hour for that purpose, but has
only to make his pleasure known
when he is accommodated. Before
starting from the cell he fastens on
the heavy shackles, and accompanied
by two policemen, bearing loaded
rifles. slowly saliies forth to eniov the