Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-01-04
HE STRUCK A KEEPER.
Warden Wright, of Riverside Peni-
tentiary, Strikes Hasty Blow.
PRISON DISCIPLINE MAINTAINED.
Captain Wright Makes Frank Statement
of the Difficulty.
THE PRISON BOARD ADJUSTS THE CASE

Some interesting rumors regarding little
episode which was said to have occurred at
the Western Penetentiary on the oath oi
December have been in circulation for
several days.
Putting together all the stories which
were being chased around the corners it
amounted to allegations that on the date
mentioned a keeper in the penitentaary,
named David Thomes, had called Warden
Wright liar. In second gossip had re-
volvers in sight, and rumor said that the
keeper repeated and emphasized his state
ment.
A special meeting of the committee of the
Prison Board, which regulate all such mat
tiers, was supposed to have been called the
next day, and the difficulty between Mr..
Wright and Mr.. Thomas adjusted to the
satisfaction of all concerned.
In order to confirm the rumor and slft out
the facts or else secure an authentic denial,
a DISPATCH representative visited River
side yesterday afternoon.
WARDEN wRTGHT's STATEMENT.
Warden Wright was approached and
made aware of the nature of the reports
Which, were III
He seemed surprised that such rumors
should have been given credence by anyone,
and made light of the difficulty. He was
very reticent about the affair, and not in
clined to talk.
'Then there were no revolvers pulled,
Warden?"
'tI am absolutely certain that 1 saw none,
and don't believe anyone else did" he re-
piled.
Where did the difficulty take place. Mr..
Wright?''
Right here in the reception room. As
to its nature it does not concern the public.
Officer Thomas is good man and Is still
and will be on duty in the prison"
The Warden was very averse to discussing
the subject further, but being assured that
the rumors had taken such a sensational
tinge that it would be as well to acquaint
the public with the facts, he finally consent
ed to make detailed statement, which he
did, as follows:
''The difficulty between Mr.. Thomas and
myself was on the evening Of the 18th of
September: I had previously had some
words with Mr.. Thomas over the grading of
some of the officers of the prison, he claim
ing that he had been slighted. I was con-
Versing with a couple of gentlemen in the ro-
tunda here when %homas, who was off duty
at the time, passed by and caught word
which had let fall. Totally misconstruing
its meaning and application he rather rude
ly interrupted the conversation. He ap-
piled an expression to me which reused my
anger. I hit him with considerable force, I
presume. He left the prison and went to
his boarding house.
KEEPER THOMAS APOLOGY.
L
had been the aggressor, and apologized like
the little man that he is. That is tie whole
story, and there were no revolvers drawn.
Thomas is good officer. and after it was
over 1 felt much annoyed that yielding to
impulsive temper he had said what he did
and had struck him.
The matter was laid before the proper
committee of the Prison Board the next day
and disposed of to the satisfaction of both
parties"
David Thomas was next visited, but he
declined to state how the difficulty arose.
He eorroborated Warden Wright's state
ments about the grading, but denied that
the Warden hit him. An hour or so SUBJ
sequently both men were found chatting
Rmicably and upon the best of terms, appar-
emily. He then admitted that blow had
passed, accounting for his denial by saying
that he had refused to make statement out
Of consideration for the Warden.
Warden Wright's frank statement will
doubtless be considered conclusive in regard
to the matter. He is known to be brave
and fearless official, and those blvouacked
with him on Southern battle fields were
hardly ready to credit statements that he
had been faced down with either fist or re-
volver when the discipline of the prison was
at stake.
The Riverside Prison Board met last
evening with full attendance present, it
being regular meeting. Mr.. George A.
Kelly, of the board, was subsequently
reached by telephone, but stated that he
preferred to make no comment upon the
matter, as it had been settled in an entirely.
satisfactory manner.