The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-03-01
SMITH IN PRISON GARB
SHERIFF wOMACEx TALKS OF HIS
PRISONERS NEW LIFE.
Prison Life II Not What Smith Ex-
pected to Find-Shock Caused by
the Change Was Great.

Sheriff Womack returned from the Mich
igan City penitentiary yesterday, where he
left Winnie Smith, the convicted murderer
of Western b. Thomas. Mr. Womack says
the transformation in the office of the
prison, after Smith had been taken and
prepared for confinement, was startling and
none but an iron-hearted man could have
failed to be touched by the sight. For the
first time Smith seemed to realize the
horror of his fate, when he returned to the
office with his c1ose-cropped hair and suit
of many stripes. He buried his head in his
hands and murmured:
my God this is more than 1 expected"
On the trip to Michigan City Smith was
very pleasant and talked casually of the
fields and towns passed on the way. DR..
Wands, who was on the train, was much
depressed by the future before his step
son, and Winnie had to cheer him instead
OF him cheering Winnie. The young man
smoked many cigars during the trip and
speculated some, in a pleasant way, upon
his probable reception. Arriving in the town
shortly after o'clock, Mr.. Womack took
his prisoner to the hotel for supper.
ct knew or at least thought, it would be
his last chance for some time TO enjoy
hotel supper" remarked Mr.. womack last
evening. He ate very hearty meal and
remarked once that it was his last for a
time. After supper Smith lighted cigar
and smoked while we were on the way
to the prison. knew smoking was a lux
ury prohibited at the prison, but I didn't
have the heart to tell him that he was
smoking his last cigar perhaps, for a
dozen years. He never lost his courage for
minute on the way to the prison. He was
entered the Office door. The attaches of the
prison knew wa were coming. We had
prisoner stepped forward and said as as he
laid his hand on Smiths shoulder:
lis this SMITH"
from the room. He did not know the fate
before him and little did he realize that he
Neither did DR.. Wands realize this. In just
fifteen minutes Convict 907 was led before
us. He had been Smith upon his entrance,
stripes he lost his Identity DR.. Wands
staggered and turned pale. Convict 907 was
a as white as asa any man ever saw wo the n Cd
look of horror was spread over his face.
He ,.i buried Cd his face for SECOND, but, re-
ant in order to make it easier for his step
Mr. womack says Smith was given cell
No. 81, in the south wing OF the building.
1t is an ordinary cell. about six by eight
feet, Ike the other cells on the, row. In
truth it is not IS good as some of the other
cells, but Warden French is inclined to
treat Smith as other prisoners, and IL was
appointed in his cell. although he endeav-
ored to show no evidence of displeasure.
The truth of the matter was he had been
something more suitable than a hard bunk
and more to his liking than heavy drudgery
took with him a number of personal letters
to Warden French, but when he understood
the system in force at the prison he did not
receive good treatment, and il he is a good
prisoner he shall be promoted as other pris-
work in the bicycle works finishing wheels.
Yesterday morning Mr.. Womack arose
ock step oseer rom the cehouss to- th
dining hall. Smith was the sixth man in
line, with his hand on the shoulder of
the M. OConner wholesale house. Smith
was inclined to drop his head some, and
of his position. but there was deter
minded look about his mouth, which showed
nat hn nad IN the q bs ms rt mind to Mrs his
Womack talkes with Smith before leaving
the Prison Smith had been disposed to
write. talk and walk The light at the
dingy
The shock of being dragged in and thrown
IN !, Ia, a barber s,r chair and coarse prison,
great. At the Office Smith expeered a
short time to prepare for the ordeal and
atmosphere. Warden French refused to
allow his meals to be sent in regularly or
occasionally. so Smith will have TO put up
with the regular prison food. Mr.. Womack
was not present at the parting of Dr.
Wands and his wayward stepson, but the
Doctor returned with a heavy heart. more
heavy than at the trial or all the time
Winnie has been resting under The disgrace
mack talked woth Theodore p. Hau,hey
the ex-president of the wrecked Indlnnapo-
lis National Bank. Mr. Haughey, who has
charge of the hospital. and occupies a very
cozy room In Ii, seemed in excellent spi-
its. He talked to AIR. Womanck and re-
marked that he had enjoyed except;.,nal
health during his confinement had gained
seven pounds and had not been sick DAY
John HnoIer noaS