Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-12-12
ROSE AT LIBERTY.
Rose Carson White Escapes
from the State Prison.
With Her Goes Chas. Pummer--Large
Party in Search Of Them.
Thought 10 Be Hiding With Her Former Asso-
Thought 10 Be Hiding With Her Former Asso
ciatss at RockIand.

Rockland, Me-, Dec. 11.-Rose Carson
White of Augusta, who was recently
committed to the Thomaston State
prison for manslaughter, escaped from
that institution, late Saturday after
non. With her went Charles A. Plum
mer of Portland, who was serving his
second term for breaking, entering
and larceny. Whittier they fled ana
the manner Of their departure are
equal mysteries.
AT $50 Plummer was missed and a
rapid search failed to reveal any trace
CT him within the prison walls. In the
meanwhile it was ascertained that
Rose White had departed
The steam whistle was sounded the
moment Plummer's absence was dis
covered. and searching squads We're or
Sanized. They traced the missing con-
victs as far as the railroad track which
passes within half mile of the prison
and there came across a garment
which Mrs. White wore when she left
the prison, and which was probably
discarded in favor of some other cloth
ing which she is known to have taken
with her.
Mrs. White occupied room in the
female department, which is not re-
mote from the guard room, being sim
ply a flight higher 1t is believed that
$ he and Plummer were in frequent
communication, although probably py
code, as the strictest watch is main
tanned in order to prevent the convicts
from talking with each other
At the time of escape Mrs White
was employed in washing the guard
room floor. and that department being
vacated for a few moments. she made
her way into the open air. anl escaped
in the darkness. 1t could not have
D9en more than three minutes at the
outside before the absence of the pair
y as noted. and Depty Warden A. c.
Wyman was summoned from his
house, few rods away. In about 10
minutes the guards were organized.
but in that brief time the convicts had
disappeared.
So far as is known, Plummer is in his
prison garb. although Mrs. White took
considerably extra clothing and may
have prepared for an emergency.
The woman was convicted at Angus
Ia for causing the death of her hus-
band and the case is one than attract
ed a great deal of attention at the
time of the trial, a few months ago
The verdict was manslaughter, and she
Was sentenced to four years in the
State prison, which WAS criticized as
being far more moderate than the cir
cunstances and the womans reputa-
ton warranted.
When she came TO Thomaston she
brought an extra large trunk of wear
ing apparel ana other articles, and
seemed very anxious that the trunk
should be opened and examined the
night she arrived. A very complete
search was made, but nothing to which
the slightest suspicion could be attach
ed was discovered. Her demeanor
since she was imprisoned has been
calm and her behavior excellent.
About two years ago Mrs. White was
avrester by Parolnran Post of this city,
at the instigation of Togus authorities,
who wanted her on a charge of rob-
bing some soldiers of the National
Home. She had been a frequent wish
tor to this city and was looked upon
with disfavor by the police.
1t is thought possible that the fugt-
tives may seek the protection of some
Of Mrs. Whites former associates here
and a close watch will be maintained
Plummer was one of the most trusted
inmates of the institution. There are
20 men in the searching party. and
every avenue is promptly guarded.
An insane convict named Barnes es-
capped, few weeks ago, and after four
days search was recaptuered in Waldo
county.