Sacramento daily record-union., 1888-09-29

the grounds TO prevent their escaping !
should they attempt such thing, but
there is no foreman to direct their labor or
to insist on the performance of any special !
task, and now let US go round to the other
side of the prison and | will take you to
post of observation where, unseen by them,
we can watch their every action"
Proceeding around the rear of the
prison we ascended an eminence on the
south side of the wall and entered a guard
house, where the Captain, after inviting ME
TO be seated, handed me spyglass, observ
ing as he did so: This is one of my look
outs by which / am enabled to keep pris-
oners working outside the wall under con-
slant surveillance although they are not
aware of the fact and it would be impos-
sible for them to loiter away their time or
commit any serious breach of discipline,
such as fighting among themselves, without
lly knowing it. And now | have business
at the Warden's office that will prob
ably detain me half au hour, but will
return for you at the expiration OF that
time if you can amuse yourself here during
the interval"
So saying, he left me to perform my
self-imposed duties as watchman After
removing my seat to a comfortable position
near the window, lighted cigar and
proceeded to scan the greup of prisoners
previously mentioned. The powerful glass
enabled me to scrutinize their minutest
actions; every stroke ,ef their picks, and
every shoyelful of earth they removed was
plainly perceptible; and | could even see
them handing pieces of tobacco to each
other. One Of the party was evidently
I
could see him occasionally emphasize his
words by gesticulstion, while the others
would laugh heartily; yet through
all they continued working as willingly
and cheerfully as any body of free laher
ers | have ever seen, and while watching
theEa / could rot help doubling their
identity with the incorrigible scoundrels
and irredeemable ruffians we never here
spoken of save in terms of contumely and
detestation. Turning to the guard who
was pacing a platform near me, | asked
him by what magic those turbulent spirits
kad been brought into such complete sub
lection.
" By no magic at ali SIR" he answered;
IL it is simply by appealing to their good
sense and better nature They are clearly
shown the benefits of industry and good
conduct, and encouraged to perSevere in
the right course. Severity is never re-
sorted to to enforce obedience until other
methods have failed but they are given
to understand that discipline mas. and
will be maintained under all circum-
stances"
Further conversation with the guard
was prevented by the return of Captain
Chambers, with whom was made con-
tinuation of our tour around the premises
Leaving the guard-house we proceeded
for short distance along the beach and
crossed the old brick and lumber yards,
large portion of which has been reclaimed
for vegetable garden. After pointing out
various important Improvements lately
effected in that portion of the grounds. the
Captain led the way past the old stables and
cowbarn to a small ravine near the head
OF which the party of convicts l had been
observing were employed. By walking in
the center of the ravine we were enabled
to approach sufficiently near them to over
hear their conversation without their per-.
ceiving us or having any idea of our
proximity.
Spaniards, Italians, Indians Frenchmen
and Americans were talking cheerfully to
ing with surprising zeal and alacrity, and
strange as it may appear, such portions of
their conversation as | could understand
related almost entirely to the work they
were engaged on.
I" say, Emanuel" called out one, 'do
you think the Captain wants to build a
culvert here"
don't know, Bill; but he will be
along here some time this afternoon or to-
morrow, and l think you had better not
fill that hollow till you see him." was the
answer
Well, if he wants one, wish he would
let me build it of stone, and would make
a job for him." said another voice.
"Well, tell him so, and he will most
likely get you to do it, replied the one
supposed to be Emanuel
| don't like to speak to him about it.
he might tell me to mind my own bust
ness"
Not him." called out one to the right
of the last speaker He likes to hear a
mans opinion about any work he is doing,
and will always speak clvilly to you"
And thus they continued working away,
and chatting about the place, as if they
were salaried men and took deep inter
est in their employers welfare instead of
prisoners expiating their offenses by COM
pulsory labor. Retracing our steps short
distance down the rayine, we emerged from
it. and came in full view of the party, who
had not the slightest suspicion that we
were In any way privy to their previous
conversation. As we approached them
each one stood up and saluted us in a
manly, straightforward manner and with
out exhibing any of that cringing servility
that is equally degrading to both parties
Good morning, boys how are you get
ting along?" said the Captain in a cheer
ful, hearty tohe, just as the superintendent
of any large mandatory on the outside
might address the men under him.
"Good morning, sir; very well, thank
you," was the respectful answer from all.
Captains keen eye instantly detected an
uneyeness in portion of the road sup
posed to be completed
Glow is this boys, the road is too mar
row i'll that place." he said
Il don't think so, sir; it is all twenty
one feet wide" one of them answered.
mo 1t isn't; just bring tape line here
and let me see you measure it."
Upon DelnS measured the road In that
spot was found to be several inches too
narrow.
'There now, see my eye is better than
yours" said the Captain; "but never mind
this time it is not serious mistake and
can be easily remedied, just put couple of
cart loads of dirt there but be more care
ful in the future, and n ever leave a lob
till you have finished it. Learn to be ac-
eurate, boys, and the habit will be of ines
timable value to yen through life."
And thus he passed on, speaking an en-
eoaraging word to those around him. but
always maintaining an air of authority
and plainly showing them that while he
was determined they should acknowledge
and obey him as a master, he was also
their friend and solieitous of their well
fare.
At neon l visited the prisoners dining
room with Captain Chambers. Passing in
before the prisoners had been admitted, |
observed that before each seat tin-cup of
tea was placed, beside plate, the latter
containing liberal slice of iuicy rosst
beef. Dishes Of bread AID vegetables
were placed at convenient distances OF
the tables, which were also supplied with
the ordinary kind of condiments. sucb as