St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1886-05-08
FOR SEVEN YEARS
Sam Mcfarland Says ''GO0d-By''
and is OFF for Prison.

When Sam Mcfarland, accompanied by
Deputy Sheriff Clusett walked out of the
Ramsey county Jail yesterday, he looked
like free man more than one who was
lust about to begin seven years service in
the state prison for manslaughter. 1t was
in the afternoon, and the day was at its
brightest. Sam stepped for moment on
the walk and looked at the SKY and such
trees and grass as were in sight, for they
had come out since his confinement in the
Jail, and this was his first good
glimpse of them. He had on no
handouts and the officer simply
stood beside him while he turned about
for last look at the familiar streets. In
appearance he was somewhat heavier than
on the fatal night when Jack Wade's throat
was cut in the honse of prostitution on
Cedar street. He was somewhat nervous
perhaps from the months of confinement in
the JAIL perhaps from the thought of the
years within the stone walls that lie ahead
of him, and which he must begin as soon as
a quick ride to Saltwater could land him
at the prison gate. The big deputy was in
no mood to disturb him as he stood on the
sidewalk looking half dazed about him, but
it lacked but few minutes of train time
and so the sheriff said come on" and with
a tired look Sam accompanied
the officer down Fifth street.
When the two reached Minnesota
street, where the colored people live in
considerable numbers. Sam stopped and
looked longingly out to where group
stood on the sidewalk.
''Let me go and say goodbye to them.'
he said to the sheriff, as his voice thick
ened, and he seemed to realize that it would
be long before another opportunity came
for him to shake hands with his old ac-
ouaintances. The sheriff looked at his
watch and said, ''Just for minute"
1t was
4 TOUCHING SCENE
that followed. The sheriff took Sam by
one arm and they went half way up the
block, while some dozens of the coored
people crowded around and said goodbye.
Goodbye, Sam, ole boy" said half doz-
en-, as they shook hands with him. ''Y bet
we won't forget yer," and they made
many promises to write. Others filled his
pockets with cigars and said. Smoke these
when you get lonesome, an don't forget to
write" Every one seemed to know Sam.
and as he went away after five minutes of
Misunderstanding, some of the colored ladies
wiped their eyes and said, ''Po' boy; it'll
was a sorrowing crowd that he left
Il want to tell you,' said Mcfarland to a
GLOBE reporter who walked down the street
beside him, that there are things connected
with the killing of Jack Wade that have
never been brought to light. l am
as innocent of the crime as any
man in St. Paul, but circumstances were
against me. 1t will do me no good to kick,
and I'm going to the prison to go to work. as
honestly as I would if | were to draw Il sal
airy. / mean to behave myself and get the
benefit of the time they allow for good be-
havior. / am not very we'll, but am better
than was when arrested. I hope I'll be able
TO stand the prison life, but it's hard to 20,
and it seems q terrible long time to look ahead
to before 1 shall come back to these old
Streets
His voice trembled just bit. and he did
seem to take it hard but it lacked but a
few minutes to train time and the officers
could only stop to let HIM nod goodbye to
such acquaintance as he met, and the two
hurried to the train that was to take the
prisoner OH his last ride until his term fol
manslaughter shall have been served within
the gloomy walls where convicts work and
leep.