The record-union., 1891-04-29
State but that cannot be excelled by any

State but that cannot be excelled by any
other.
Whether from the standpoint of its SUI
perb location, fine climate, central posi-
ton and the whole line of its practical
advantages, the State Prison at Folsom
stands without superior in any similar
institution in this country. And the de-
veloplnent of its resources is being car
ried out under the wise and economical
management of its Directors. The beauty
and advantages of its peculiar location
may not perhaps be noticed at glance
and without some reflection by the cas-
ual visitor; and to all such who wish to
see for themselves what our authorities
are now doing in the way of improving
penal discipline at this point, the Warden
and officers extend a most hearty well
come and afford every facility. But for
the best of reasons, at which no one can
complain, general visiting over the prison
grounds is prohibited on picnic days.
The walk from Folsom up the river
road is short and pleasant one, at least
not too long for an inspection of the
States magnificent water power. The
slope and formation of the river banks,
made up mostly Of layers of solid granite,
the fall of the river bed and the average
volume OF water all combine to render
this a most stupendous power.
At the prison gate we rest and take in
the situation, while our names are sent
up to the Office for admission Right be-
fore us, and extending up the river a
fourth Of mile, arise the granite walls
of the canal, now nearly completed; and
further on and above is the great dam,
where overfiows as smooth and regular a
sheet of water as is ever seen; and down
beneath is the roaring, SplaShing cataract.
Immediately at the right is the prison
itself and its grounds. These are ad-
mirably located in ravine that descends
from the uplands to the river bed, at
right angle to it, in such manner as to
be as completely sheltered from the out
side world as if it were on another CONT
nent. This ravine, as it approaches the
river, broadens out, giving room for the
walks and roadway, and two or three
little patches of improved garden. At the
very bottom of this rayine, and on the
river bank, stands the massive granite
masonry known as the State water
power Here we reach the climax. This
water-power is unsurpassed on this coast
ut least, and must be of vast utility to the
State. By the use of convict labor its
construction was made possible, and must
eventually render the institution self
supporting.
Six immense turbines are already
seated in their respective race ways, each
balanced on a ten-inch shaft. The feed
gates Of these are double, twelve in all,
and rise in solid granite arches from the
| floor of the canal. fall of only about
! eight feet is all that is required, the
| mere weight Of the water being all suffi-
cient to carry the machinery. This water,
after doing its work here, falls off into
the canal below and passes on for further
use. We have had just time to make
these observations while our names were
sent up, and now comes the welcome or
der to pass the guards and enter. Here
in his fortress we find Warden Aull. He
is lust the same earnest, firm and serious
minded officer that he was long ago
when he and the writer were together for
three years at San Quentin. We were
not long in renewing old acquaintance.
After few moments spent in calling to
mind old-time affairs, Warden Aull
placed us in charge Of guide to view the
prison grounds, at the same time kindly
explaining some of the regulations and
peculiarities of prison life. He was sorry,
he said, to be compelled to exclude visit
ors from the grounds on that day. He
would be only too glad to admit them all g,
! but the rule was the outcome Of past eX-
perience and based on considerations adj
mitted to be imperative. We found the
! corridors and cells undergoing some
needed repairs, and they fairly glistened
/ with their snowy walls and sanded floors.
! Every department was neat as wax, the
kitchen, dining room, library, dispen-
sary hospital and bathroom. Only three
! patients out Of the whole 700 speaks well
for the discipline and climate.
WIN. n. TRACY.