The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-15
A PRISON TERROR.
Croker Is Beaten but
Afraid to Tell.
Is REMINDFUL OF VIDOCQ.
Living With Men Who Con-
stantly Menace His Life.
PRISONERS CREDITS CUT OFF.
Meeting of Prison Directors at San
Ouentin-Big Demand for Grain
Bags Reported.


within the walls OF San Quentin yesterday
developed a phase of life in that seques-
tered society that vividly recalls some of
the mos interesting revelations made IN
the confessions Of that famous French
criminal, Nidocq.
Joseph A. Crocker. convict, was brought
before the commission in the capacity Of
prosecuting witness IN a charge against
John Slattery. convict, for assault.
That Croker had been assaulted his
appearance was eloquenty ia evidence.
His nose was broken and his head and
body swathed in bandages, which were
not equal to their business, however, Of
concealing the bIackened bruises.
The officers of the prison said that
Croker had entered an anterOom of the
prison, where he was stealthily followed
by SlatteIy, who struck him from behind
with a heavy bar of iron and followed
this with a meTCiless use OF the weapon
upon the man rendered insensible by the
first blow.
The wonder was that SlalteTy was not
Oh trial for murder.
When brought in to answer the charge,
SlatteTy cO0llY looked al his victim and
denied all knowledge of him; knew
nothing of the assault; had never had
anything 10 90 Will OlOCkSI anu really
did not know him.
Croker amazed the prison commission
quite as much. He, too affected not to
know SlatteTy, ana when asked TO tell
what he knew of the assault refused TO
testify.
He was then asked why he would not,
and TO this indirectiOn said: There are
men in this prison who. for some reason,
are determined to do me up. II L testified
to what I know in this matter my life
would not be worth penny"
This he said in the presence of the man
who had so nearly done him up" and
who, in any event, stood ready nc doubt
to complete the job on the first oppOrtu-
nifty. He appeared to be IN great fear of
his companions.
Slattery is in for burglary. Good be-
ha7or for the full period of his term
would earn eight months credits for
him. The commission took this possibility
from him as penalty.
Convict 1878, William Presky by name,
was brought up Tor assault with a knife
upon George Anderson, another convict,
and pleaded guilty. Thirty days credits
were taken from him, the penalty being
made light because of his being a new
prisoner.
+. s Cunningham had had six months
credits taken from him for having a knife
ID his cell. l pom the promise of his father
Y =
the State upon his release, these credits
were restored, and accordingly Cunning
nam Will be at large 10 twenty-fOur days.
These hearings took place Immediately
following the regular session of the direc-
'Ors yesterday, at which only three men,
bers we're present, the railroad situation
probably being responsible for the absence
OF the others. Those present were: Rob
ert T. Devlin, Marx Y. Ivory and Daniel
1. Hayes, the first named presiding.
Warden Hale reported the case of {. c.
Sylvester, prisoner on parole who had
broken the conditions of parole and for
whom Governor Markham had issued a
requisitiOn upon Governor West of Utah.
The Governor of | tab had refused to de-
liver the prisoner, as no crime was charged,
and Sylvester was still at liberty. The
endeayor to recover him had cost the State
S157, with an Offset of S25, the parole de-
post which was forfeited.
Convict Sam Taylor pettiOned for COM
mutation of sentence for having lost his
hand in the jutemill. Taken under con-
sheraton.
Warden Hale reported that the demand
Tor grain bags was such that the jutemill
was running to its full capacity, and the
sales kept the stock constantly depleted.
Father Lagin appeared III behalf Of one
Michael Clancy, who is in the prison from
san Diego for criminal assault. He
claimed that there was evidence to show
that the charge was unfOunded and that
backmail was the real purpose of the
prosecution.
On recommendation of Expert W. R.
Eckhart the contract was let to the Wallis
End Coal Company TO supply the prison
with fuel for the year at So so a ton. The
coal comes from Sydney.
Expert L. Wadham reported having ex.
amIned Clerk Ellis books for the quarter
and found them in excellent order.
MI Il 81
finances submitted
Cash in State vault. NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.. 1892 40
In treasury at sacramento. Is, So
Total ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. S25839 So
Cash belonging to convicts ION parole) 500 90