The Saint Paul globe., 1897-04-13
OUTING FOR C0NVICTS.
Several Hundred Indiana CriTninaIs
Transferred to New Prisons.


MICHIGAN CITY, Ind, April 12.-Probably
the largest transfer of prison convcts that
ever took place in this country was success
fully carried out today. Two hundred and
ninety-one prisoners from the Michigan City
prison were put in a special Monon train and
taken to Jeffersonville, while from the latter
place 1863 prisoners were sent here. At the
last session of the state legislature a law
larry into reformatory and making the Mich
igan City prison the penitentiary for
all prisoners under 80 years Of age, serving
their first sentences were to. be transferred
to Jeffersonvillle, the exceptions being those
sentenced for treason and murder. After
a conference between Gov. Mount and the
prison officials, the governor gave orders TO
go ahead with the transfer. II
The utmost secrecy was observed to the
time Of departure, even the guards selected
TO accompany the prisoners from here being
kept in ignorance. sunday noon the gates
of the prison were locked and the tedious
job of selecting the prisoners to be trans
ferred was begun. This consumed most Of
the afternoon. The men were then given an
extra supper and locked in their cells for the
night. At o'clock this morning the real
work of the transfer began. The prisoners
were routed out and ten selected guards as
sisted the blackSmithS in riyeting the shack
els on the prisoners. Two at a time they were
taken from their cells and the legs shackled.
About two hours time was. consumed in this
and then the prisoners were taken to the
dining room for the last time where break
While this was going on the train which
was TO convey the prisoners 10 JeffersOnyille
was backed into the north gate. 1t consisted
of nine cars, the first coach a hospital car
the next six for the conyiets, one car for the
militia Company A, of Indianapolis, who were
to assist in guarding the prisoners, and one
for the press. As soon as breakfast was fia-
ished the men were lined up and marched to
the train. First came the inyafids, eight Of
them, who were conveyed TO their car in
cots. then the rest of the motley crowd
ehe mn sptr+rr ,n5 Sta, Oh.
were bundled on board Three guards and two
TRUSTEES were locked in each car Every pre-
caution had been observed against an out
break. The windows were not barred but
everything that might be used as a weapon
had been removed. The guards had no weapons
except their heavy canes, but the prisoners
were not allowed to- leave their seats any,
thing they might require was brought to them,
and orders had been given to shoot at the
first head that was poked uut Of window At
8 o'clock all was in readiness, and one Of
taken was started on the .jourgey south The
Monon officials had taken every precaution
TO ensure the safety OF the trains
Every foot OF track between here and JET
fersonville was inspected fifteen minutes be-
fore the trains passed. and zeEery bridge was
carefully examined five minutes before il
went over. Even the swtShes were spiked
and the trains were given the right Of way
over everything. No stops were made for
crossings, Gov Mount having given permIs-
sion for this violation of the state law and no
changing engines and taking water. The
Monon wrecking train Nrss under orders all
day, ready to start at a moments notice In
case of accident II