The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-11-27
IN KANGAROO COURT.
How Il is Organized in the Topeka
Jail.
ONLY AMONG COLORBD PRISONERS.

Some of the Rules Which Govern a
Peculiar Institution That Fro
quentIy Ovcrsteps Humane Bounds.
Kangaroo court is still in operation at
the county Jail There is a very active
one among the colored prisoners in the
lower corridor but the white prisoners
up stairs will not admit that they have
such an organization.
The main purpose of the courts, SO it
is said by those who apologize for them,
Is TO enforce cleanliness among its mem
bers rather than to keep in operation any
of the numerous rules which have at
tached to Shawnee county kangaroo
courts. Jailer Burdge says it is seldom
that any such atrocities as took place
Sunday morning are perpetrated
Each prisoner has to take path at
least once week, and no one is allowed
to expectorate on the floor.
There has been an election lately
among the lower corridor people which
resulted in making Mat smith judge,
and Will Wheeler prosecuting attorney.
Both are accused burglars.
The men in the upper corridor
swarmed up to the CRATES when re-
porter called. They all disclaimed hav-
ing a kangaroo court.
all gentlemen" said a. F. Poole and he
was seconded by Jack McClurg and
others A colored prisoner said, how
ever, that they do have one aud that
Frank Novels, who, although colored. is
the judge and W. E. Dom is the prosecu-
ting attorney.
Occasionally the courts hold sessions
and look over their laws and add new
ones, and when business is slack they
oil hwy thnTr low 6y
way of diversion. Some of them are
peculiar.
The latest corrected list up to date is
about as follows:
l. Any person or persons entering this
Jail without permission shall be de emed
guilty and punished by the court, at its
discretion.
. Any person failing to pay his fine
shall be deemed guilty and punished by
the court.
3. Every person in this Jail must keep
are required to wash their underwear
once week. Violators OF this rule must
be punished by the court
4. Any person or persons within the
jail caught listening to private CONVEX
sation between an inmate and party on
the outside, shall be deemed guilty and
punished by the court.
d. ANY person or persons refusing to
serve when court is called, without he is
sick or has lawful excuse. shall be
deemed guilty and punished By the
court
G. Any person or persons swearing or
disturbing the court while in session,
shall be deemed guilty and punished by
the court.
Z. Any person or persons who can't
pay their fines shall be allowed from
five to six days to make such payment
and if they can't pay then they shall be
put to work at % cents per week until
they get it paid and if they get any
money while in the Jail must settle the
balance due on the fine.
s. Any person or persons using vul-
gar language in the presence of lady
or ladies shall be deemed guilty aud
punished by the court
o. Any person or persons stealing or
meddling with property belonging to
any inmate without permission, shall be
deemed guilty and punished by the
court
10. Any person or persons committing
a nuisance in the jail shall be deemed
guilty and punished by the court.
Any person or persons bringing false
suits in this court shall be banished from
the Jail and the Jurisdiction of the court