Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1900-07-27
TUNNELED MANY FEET
UNDER A PRISON WALL
Attempt to Free Prisoners In Western
Pennsylvania Penitentiary--Anarch-
lists scheme to Rescue Berlxman.

PIrTsBURG, July 27.-A plot to release
prisoners from the penitentiary was dis
covered in Allegheny Citp 1t was sus-
pected that it was made by the friends
Of Alexander Berkman, who attempted
to assassinate II. G. Prick.
A tunnel began in the cellar of
two-story brick dwelling at 28 Sterling
street, across that thoroughfare from the
southern wall of the penitentiary.
Miss Letitia McCarty, who resides at
90 Sterling street, says that she saw men
carry lumber and galvanized iron into
the building at % Sterling street for
some days and, thinking the matter sus-
picious, notified Policeman Jacob Young,
who told Warden E. S. Wright, of the
penitentiary.
Warden Wright, in talking of the
matter said i'll part:
~ immediately put a watch on the house and
inside of the gard. Her suspicious were cor
rect. John Langfitt sold the house in May to
man who gave his name as Thomas Jones, of
Chicago. He paid $3.50 down and was to make
a second payment on July IS. was waiting
for that time, inasmueh as the people had not
been seen about the house for several days, in
order that | could have the man ARRESTED. He
did not show up SO at 10 O'Clock Thursday
morning decided To mako an investigation OF
the matter and went to the house Several
days ago, however, had a talk with Langiitt
and questioned him about the Browns. He
wanted to know why | should question him
about the family, but | did not unfold to him
that had any suspicious whatever.
"Langfitt said that they We're very nice peo-
pie. as far as he knew, and Langftt did not sus.
pect that anything was wrong until Wednes
day. the day set for an additional payment of
$3.50 on the property. 1t is evident that the
gang got an idea that we knew about the tun
mel and lsft hurriedly. This is evident, owing
to the condition of affairs in the house. This
card, bearing queer figures and letters on it,
was evidently intended for Berkman, and
would have informed him what to do when he
made his escape.
I'm one corner of the down stairs rooms was
small suit of clothes, evidently intended for
a small man. / judge they would fit Berk-
man. Just bow far the men succeeded in dig
ng | am unable to learn. Engineers from
e prison have measured a distance of 210
.set They went through the piling support
ing the stone wall and went to such.a distance
that they were compelled to withdraw on ac-
count of the bad air. 1t is not known at this
time just how long the tunnel is. 1t may be
several hundred feet longer. One theory is
that the electric fan which the men were work
ing was not of sufficient size to furnish the de-
sired quanty CT fresh air
II think the men lost their course, for it is
evident that they dug the tunnel in the diree-
ton of Kerr street If they were making for
Kerr street their intention was to get into the
stocking factory where Berlzman is employed.
or to some point near there, where he would
have easy access to the street. Ten days ago
/ stationed guards along the inside walls as a
precautionary measure, and also had the out
side walls looked after. Ny object, however,
was to catch the men who were digging the
tunnel, but it appears that they left the house
during the early part of the month and have
not returned"