Lancaster daily intelligencer. [volume] (Lancaster, Pa.) 1864-1928, 1889-12-04
A NEWSPAPER IN PRISON.

Tho Convicts at jackson, Mich, to Pub
Iish n Weekly journal.
Jackson Special In Chicago Tribune.
The latest scheme advanced ut the Michi-
gan penitentiary for the entertainment
and mental Improvement of Warden
Hatch's reform convicts Is the publication
of weekly newspaper, to he printed.
only. 1t is TO be the official organ of
prison reform, and each issue Will
contain able essays and editorial com
ments on the best plan of running peni-
tentiary. The idea was suggested by War
den Hatch and was elaborated To the
prisoners at the regular meeting Of the
Prisoners Literary Society and Social
union. The journal will be the product of
a Joint stock company, limited, the capital
stock being al 800 nearly all of which has
already been subscribed and paid for. No
gotiations have been begun for the pur--
chase of press and an outfit oftype, and
the initial number of the long felt want "
will make its appearance on or about Janu-
ary ].
The editor and general manager has not
vet been chosen, but ~ the stockholders
are about evenly divided between Tom
Norvin, the Adrian thief, and Attorney
Eugene Converse, the Battle Creek forger,
the question will doubtless be submitted
to ballot. Both are keen, forcible writers,
and either IL eminently fitted 10 grace the
editorial chair. Contributions from the
facile pens of other gifted writers who are
either permanently or temporarily sojourn-
ing within the walls will make the journal
breezy and entertaining.
One feature of Warden Hatch's ideas Of
penitentary management that has pro-
vokc cd much unfavorable criticism Is his
system of admitting visitors To the prison.
ANY one who desires 10 see the conv lets ut
work or at play can gain access from until
o'clock any day of tho week by paying
the price Of admission. As tho visitor
drives up to the door of tho prison he sees
u window much tho same rs the ticket
window in the lobby of u theatre.
Over this Is the sign, I'm large letters
Admission tickets, % cents" Aftor
securing tickets visitors are placed in charge
of experienced guides and conducted
through the institution, the guide describ-
ing the interesting features and pointing
out some Of the most noted prisoners. The
exhibition IL TO the average sight-seer more
uniquely interesting than an ordi
nary theatrical performance, and j
| Is conducted much upon the same plan
Some days the box office receipts are large
| there being seldom any week day that les
| than fifty admission tickets are sold. Altel
| being shown through the work shops vis
| tors are taken into the cell houses, wher,
| Mt one end is fitted up sales counter fo
| disposing of the manufactured products o
| the prisoners. After working hours ar
| over eonvicts are permitted TO spend par
| of their recreation hours in making toys
| tides and small articles for household or
namentation. These are displayed upor
| the sales counter, and u convict Is detailed
| by the warden to act as clerk and dispos
of the wares to the visitors. The profits -
| to the prisoners
The objections raised to this indscrimi
nate admission of visitors arc that 1t max G
a show house of II penal institution, anC
| criminals sent there for punishment ar
| treated like freaks in n dime museum.
| is also more than suspected that some o
| the visitors, who are conducted through
the prison in squads and with but httl
espionage, frequently smuggle in and Civ,
| to the prisoners tools with which to brea
| out.