Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1890-01-02
CHRISTMAS
NI1NIN I MAN
AT THE OHIO P.NITENTiARY,
.l,tcial Corresnondence OF nc Chroniele.

in knowing something about
the life which the inmates lead. 1t
is not all sunshine as you will suppose.
The men have to work hard and long:
their food, while substantial, is coarse,
and the discipline to which they are sub
iected is gauged to keep ever before them
the justice of their punishment, and to
eradicate, or at least correct the faults
which made their imprisonment neces-
Sary.
There are at present 1900 inmates. To
employ them so that their aggregate Ia
Dor will cover the expense of running the
requires rare business sagaci-
ty and tact. They represent a diversity
of occupations, which in turn necessi-
tate many different kinds of manufac-
turing being carried on. The big, burly
fellows for the most part are placed In
the moulding or bolt shops. A light
grade of men go to the wood and saddle
~ manufactures, and the sick and infirm
find employment making cigars, Gaming
chairs, tailoring, and other odds and ends,
which do not require concentrated
thought or muscular exertion.
During the winter months eight hours
is considered day; in summer the time
is extended to ten hours. The guards
day is from one to two hours longer, he
having to be at his post half an hour be-
fore and after locking up time, and while
meals are being served. Space will not
permit me to relate the characteristics of
this unique community, but in order TO
show yonr readers that all is not gloom
and despair behind the walls l will tell
you how Christmas was celebrated.
Like the great and glorious Fourth this
universal festival is observed as holl-
day. The shops are all shut down, disci-
pline relaxed, extra diet is provided, and
for the time being the convict has all the
privileges of the ordinary citizen, which
the place and circumstances will permit.
They are permitted to receive boxes from
friends outside. And this is one of the
pleasantest features of the holiday sea-
son to the humanitarian lOOker-On. This
season the number of these love offerings
received was much greater than at any
like time in the past. 1t was evidence to
the unfortunate in seclusion that al
though absent from the family circle he
was lovingly remembered. The box or
bundle which he received revived memo
ries which it is profitable to cherish, even
although in many instances associated
with present sorrow. They are an i'm
petus to honest endeavor to do better.
| stood looking on while the boxes were
being distributed, and it made me happy
to watch the recipients trundling all the
corridors with their loads, broad smiles
lighting up their faces, and the pent up
emotions of their hearts giving vent i'll
generous offers to share the contents
with their less fortunate fellows. The
sight reminded me that man in whatever
situation has feelings and emotions very
much alike.
The days exercises began promptly at
8 o'clock, with the religious services in
both chapels. High Mass was celebrated
for the Catholics, and the PrOteStants
were instructed by the Rev. DIR. Bennett,
of Wesley Chapel. At the close of DIR.
BENEFITS sermon, John Hayes and
Ephraim Frost, two lifetime men, were
called to the platform by the Warden,
and in feeling words informed that they
were free men. the Governor having is
sued TO each of them the Christmas Gift
of free and unconditional pardon. The
two fortunate men could not for mo-
ment realize what had occurred. They
stood perfectly daZed, and when they
came to an understanding of their posi-
ton their emotions were so strong that
they wept like children. They grasped
the Warden and the Chaplain by the
hand, then shook hands with each other,
and while this was goingon their late COM
rades were shaking the building with
their wild demonstrations of approval. 1t
was a scene which witnessed is not soon
forgotten.
At the close of the service dinner was
served. 1t was of the genuine Christmas
order: Roast turkey and oyster dressing;
potatoes and giblet sauce, mince pie,
coffee with milk and sugar, and assorted
fruits and cakes. To feed the 1872 men
in the prison it took $500 pounds of tur-
key, 20OO pounds of fruit cake, 800
pounds of crackers, 40 bushels of pota-
toes, 80 bushels of apples, 1900 pounds OF
bread, 500 pounds of grape sauce, Is box
es of oranges, 60 gallons of milk, and loO
pounds of coffee.
After dinner the men were locked up
until o'clock in order that the guards
might 90 home to dine with their fami-
lies, then they were marched to the chap
ell to witness minstrel show, gotten up
and presented by those of their own num-
Der. 1t would be invidiOus to criticiSe
the merits of the several performers
Each one of them did his part well, and
received unstinted applause. AS a whole
the entertainment compared favorably
with what a seconds class minstrel troupe
on the road would furnish. The songs
Jokes and conundrums, with few ex-
ceptions, were original, and touched upon
men and things familiar to those connect
ed with the institution. One feature
amused me more than anything, which
was termed the 90. p. Alphabet" Each
letter was associated with something OF
some one all were familiar with. Sever
al of the guards got square hits in the
way of sarcastic reminders of their faults
and foibles. 1t was quite the hit of the
affair.
Supper was served at the close of the
entertainment, after which talking was
permitted in the halls until lights out
time.
In the hospital, where | am on duty
the boys had splendid banquet. Quite
a number of outside people were present
l brought my family down, and we haC
very pleasant time. Before leaving the
table one of the prisoners arose and reat
the following set of resolutions, which you
will see is an expression of their regard
for their official superiors:
WHEREAS, The present medical and executive
staff of the o. p. hospital WILL in the natural cOurs
of events, sever their connection with this in
stitutiOn: and Whereas We, the prison attaches o
the hospital, desiring to express ourselves,
ResOlUed, That we regard them as gentlemen il
the trueSt sense of the word, the physicians aSSid
iOus, competent and commendable, the guard
strict to discipline and humane to those unde
their care.
ResOUed, That in attending to their manifold du
ties they have entirely forgotten self and had sole
ly in view the relief and care of the unfortunate.
Resolved That their Intercourse with us, whil
remembering they are officials and we prisoners
has been of that Kind to encourage us to be men
to act well our part in life and be able to say whel
time shall be no more, that the world is better TO
our having lived in it.
| ResOlred, That when they go out from this insti
tuition that il is desire and heartfelt wish tina
wherever their lot may be cast that success vii
| crown their every effort
ResOlUed, That copy of these resolutions be drai
| ted and delivered to each member OF the staff.
BY 10 o'clock the prison resumed it
I L. L.