Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-09-21
BERKMAN In THE PEN
The Anarchist Settling Down to the
Routine of Prison Life.
his MIND BECOMING AFFECTED.
The Officials Do Not xpect Him to Live Out
His Sentence.
YEARNs FOR CIGARETTES AND GOSSIP

The Western Penitentiary could hardly
have looked lovelier under any circum-
stances than it did in the glow of q soft
September sun yesterday afternoon. The
surrounding grounds were rich in verdure,
and studded with blooming flower beds
The Warden's residence never looked so
cosy in its frame of ivy, casting broad
reflection on the river surface right in
front
In this immense institution did Alexan-
der Berkman, ex-Anarchist, for period of
% years to come, and convict No. Al for
the time being, sleep on Monday night. He
was assigned to cell AS in the north wing
of the prison-the quarters which heS is to
occupy during the term of his sentence. He
is quiet because he has to be, having been
warned that any attempt at bravado would
compel the keepers to use the less gentler
means usually employed to keep men of his
caliber within their lines. Notwithstand-
ing the fact that he was treated rather
kindly on his arrival at the penitentiary
the prison officials encountered the same
surly demeanor exhibited by the would-be
assassin during his previons escapades
Objects to the Bill of Fare.
The prisoner didn't like the food given
him by any means, though sample of the
bread supplied the convicts, which was
given a DISPATCH reporter. seemed to be
as good as any that could be baked. At
every turn be muttered imprecations on the
ill-luck that necessarily followed him.
Notwithstanding the announcement that
Berkman had been shaved end measured
and had number of other things done to
him on Monday, the prisoner is still as he
was when he entered the penitentiary, with
the one exception of his having on the
stripes. To-day he will have his hair re-
moved, and the measurement of his body,
hands and legs taken according to the Bir-
tillon system, now in use. He will also be
photographed in full and sidefaced, sitting
and standing, positions Every character
istc will be recorded in the convicts
record at the penitentiary.
Monday night he slept well, though when
he appeared for exercise yesterday morn
ing he at once betrayed the keen feelings
OF one in his position. The air of triumph
that had borne him through his previous
escapades was partially absent, though it
was with a grin that he did what he was
told. The doctors examination of Benia-
min showed him to be in good physical con-
dilion.
Yearning for Cigarettes and Society.
cigarettes but had to do without them. His
love of nicotine will undoubtedly cause him
anxiety for some time. When let out upon
the ground for the first time, he seemed as
if he wanted everyone to know that he was
the man who had attempted to take the
lite OF II. C. Frick. He felt the pain of
being compelled to keep from speaking to
other prisoners.
Berkman was very closely watched Mon
day night. While Deputy Warden Mexican
and the keepers believe his threat that he
would hang himself to be a bluff still the
watch was never relaxed. Yesterday more
than ever he seemed to think that he was
right in trying to kill Mr.. Frick. 1t is
doubtful if he will ever serve his full term
His actions of the last couple of days lead
those who have any connection with him to
believe that the mans mind is weakening
by degrees.
Berkman will be put 20 work to-day in
the stocking department among other men
OF the average amount of importance in
such an institution. One of the new hands
in this particular department is Lester, the
militiaman, who stabbed man named Cal
houn, on Grant street, recently. He is
learning the trade of hosiery making very
rapidly. In the same department is Doer-
finger, the embezzler, Stout. and James Orr,
the real estate agent, convicted OF assault
ing his pretty typewriter.
Factories Running Full Blast.
All the factories at the penitentiary never
were in such working trim before. The
demand for brooms aud floor mats is extra
ordinary and the quality of the material
turned out is said TO be ahead of anything
done BY similar institution in
the country. Berkman will have
turn at each of the shops until
it is determined what employment
best suits him. He may be put in the cook
shop, over which Kane, tine murderer, pre-
sides, after time. He spent portion of
yesterday in the schoolroom where Keeper
Robert H. Graham teaches illiterate pris-
oners to read and write. One of the first
things that seemed to puzzle Berkman after
his arrival at the little room of instruction
was the enunciation of the fifth proposition