The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-09-30
INSTRUMENTATION RE|GNS.
The Enforcement of New
Rules at San Quentin
Causes Trouble.
ORDERS EXECUTED sULLENLY.
Who Refused Obedience
We're Put In the Dark
Cells.

There was a great deal of insubordina-
tion in San Quentin last Saturday and
yesterday and in consequence at least
dozen of the refractory prisoners are in the
dungeons and living on bread and water.
The outbreak began in the jute mill, but it
was not long before it spread to the
quarries and other places where the men
were at work, and soon the entire force of
convicts were sullenly protesting. Some
of them did not contine themselves to
silent, sulen protest, but openly voiced
their opinion of Warden Hale and his SUBJ
ordiEates, and hence their punishment.
The whole trouble has arisen over GER
tain new rules laid down by the warden.
About week ago he returned from the
conference of wardens in Denver and at
once proceeded to put some new ideas he
had gained there into effect One OF the
new rules requires all the prisoners to
march in line and with military precision
to and from their work.
This the men do not object to, but there
was vigorous protest when they were all
ordered to fold their arms across their
chest. With folded arms, bowed head,
form erect and with military step is the
march to and from the jute mills and quar-
ries.
The second rule is even more CALLING to
the men. Hitherto when they were not at
work they were allowed to loll around and
enjoy themselves. If the officers came
along or any visitors were being shown
around they paid no attention and the Of
ficers passed them by as If they were not
in. existence. Now on the passage OF an
officer or visitor unless the convict is ac-
tually at work he must promptly rise to
his feet, fold his arms and bow his head.
In the jute mill the men are very fire.
quently idle and when the new rule went
into effect and they were compelled to
arise eyerv time an officer passed they re-
belled. They boldly asserted that they
were American citizens even il they were
prisoners and they were not going to be
treated like dogs.
Warden Hale was very firm in dealing
with the malcontents. He pointed out to
them that it was simply question of dis
cipline, and that the orders must be
obeyed. Some of the men refused to do as
they were directed, and melted the others
to follow their lead. A riot seemed i'm
minent for short time, but Warden Hale
nipped the rising in the bud by putting
the leaders in the dark cell.
In speaking about the matter the warden
said: 1.-The prisoners are not asked to do
anything out of the way. If soldier is
sitting down and an officer passes the pri-
vate has to arise. come to attention and
salute. If soldier has to do that as
matter of discipline why should a prisoner
object to doing the same or something
similar? Some of the long-timers who
were used to the lax rule that formerly
prevailed are the principal kickers, but it
will only result in further punishment il
they persist in their INSTRUMENTATION. Dis
cipline must and shall be maintained"
In the meantime sullen hut reverthe-
less persistent opposition to the new rules
is being carried on within the prison
walls.