St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1889-05-30
CLEANED AT SALTWATER.
Deputy Warden westby's Narrow Escape
from Death
AT A CoNvlCT's HANDS.

The Latter Lunses at the Deputy With a
Big Knife---General
News.
Deputy Warden Westby had an en-
counter yesterday with cranky con-
Wet named Ambrose, which nearly re-
suited in fatal injury to the prison
official. In the morning Ambrose had
been released from his cell to carry his
night bucket to the usual place in the
yard. On his return he met the deputy
nearly opposite his cell, No. 4O3, in the
north-and-south corridor, occupied by
the barber chairs. Ambrose intercepted
Deputy Westby and complained that he
was bothered by witches, or
some mysterious agencies and
wanted especial protection from them.
The deputy replied: "NOw, you know
dered him to pass along to this cell.
Ambrose then whipped out long knife,
and raising it high made a terrific
plunge with it's blade full at the depu-
TVS breast. But simultaneously the
officer sprang back, and selling bar
ber's chair interpOsed it between him
self and his assailand, Guard Tom Al
exander and one of the convict BARRIERS
in the meantime overpOwering Ambrose.
The latter was then taken to the "sOli-
tary" department of the new cell room,
as punishment. A GLOBE reporter call
ing later overheard the deputy
speaking to another official about
the occurrence, and asked Deputy
Westby, if he (the reporter) could be
allowed to see Ambrose as he was at
that time. The deputy quickly assented,
and accompanied the reporter to the
solitary. Ambrose stood squarely upon
his feet, his hands manacled together
and fastened to a bar of the cell door
at height not above the center of his
breast, or at least low enough so that
he stopped occasionally in order to rest
picture of good health and is most
less than $50 pounds. He showed that
he had been well used and carefully
handled. He soon caught sight
of the reporter, whom he knew
as such, and at once began wild talk
to the deputy about the evil presence of
a MUD reader there day and night, who
made his life a burden, etc., adding:
II know I am now doomed to de-"
Ambrose was sentenced in Ramsey
county to five years for forgery. and has
about three years yet to serve. During
his time here he has done no work, be-
ing afflicted somewhat with asthma.
He has also been more or less Of a
privileged character, but latterly has
been kept in his cell on account of his
cranky and unruly conduct. Deputy
Westby, who is an exceedingly kind
and cautious official, though at the same
time strict disciplinarian, believes
that Ambrose is merely feigning in
sanity. However. he would not permit
any rough usage to the prisoner after
dungeon. The weapon used was table
knife, such as the convicts have in their
cells for use at meals, except that this
was sharpened and pointed, so as to
make it a deadly weapon.
A big sensation will be created by the
issuance this morning of lot of alter:
native writs of mandamus requiring the
county treasurer to receive from pc
titioners money tenders by them for state
account. municipal and school taxes,
without their paying the special assess
ment levied by the city council for
street grading purposes; or else requir-
ing him to show cause to the contrary.
1t is claimed such assessments are
Illegal and void. Fayette Marsh, who
.engineereS the movement. says writS on
application of sixty taxpayers, will be
issued by the court, representing $685.
OGO of special street assessments. The
hearing will be before Judge Met luer.
Friday morning.
81. III. HARRISON and E.. W. Durant. Jr.,
accompanied by D. w. Morrison, Of
Minneapolis, started yesterday for a
point fourteen miles from Gordon,
where club of which MessrS. Harrison
and Durant are members. have pur-
chased 1,4OO acres including a trout
stream and lake, all for sporting pur-
poses. These three gentlemen went to
locate a site and superintend the build
ing Of a lodge on the happy hunting
grounds.
+ Fire catching at the northeastgcorner
OF the Duluth freight depot in the base
ment portion, threatened the destruc-
ton of that building at II O'Clock yes
terday, but was extinguished with lit
have originated in sparks from one of
the lake steamers which ties up at the
depot docks.
Two highly suspicious characters,
well dressed and claiming to be from
Chicago and looking for work, were
spotted yesterday by Chief of Police
Shortall as night workers, and Judge
Nethaway gave them thirty days each
on general principles.
Moritz Bergstein, at some risk to him
self, manfully sprang in and rescued
little Leslie Preble. who, while watch
ing operations at the depot. fell into
the lake and started to sink in thirty
feet Of water yesterday.
The entertainment given yesterday
under directions Of the Sisters of st.
Joseph, by pupils of st. MichaePs
school. was well attended and proved OF
exceptional interests and merit.
Three of the cars for the street rail
way arrived yesterday, and are hand
some affairs. The rest of the cOnsign-
ment will be along in few days.
Prof. F. T. Wilson was reelected SUI
perintendent of schools by the board OF
education Tuesday evening. No other
application was filed.
Mayor Durant has issued an appro-
pirate address to the citizens of Still
water upon the observance of Decora-
ton day.
All the public offices. the banks and
business places generally will be closed
to-day during the Memorial observances.
Six convicts from Otter Tail count y
were received Tuesday evening.