The free press. (Southern Pines, N.C.) 1898-19??, 1900-09-08
PLEASANT PRISONS.
THE SPECIAL ONES IN THE ENGLISH
PARLIAMENT.
They Are Intended Particularly For
Members and Other Persons Who
Violate Parliament's Own Dignity,
Rules and Customs.

lands parliament has it's own special
prisons within it's own precincts which
are intended particularly for it's own
members and persons who violate it's
own dignity, rules and customs. OF
course these prisons seldom are used
now, but they have been in the past,
and not SO very long ago, and may be
again. The house Of commons has
one set and the house of lords another.
The commons prison is little way
up in the Clock Tower. Here are two
sets of prisons, intended only for the
accommodation Of one prisoner each,
one set being little higher up in the
tower than the other Each set con-
sists of a sitting room and two bed
rooms, the former being nice, COM
Portable room about three by five
yards, with a neat carpet and chairs
good enough for anybody. The extra
bedroom is not intended for the pris-
oner or for any friends whom he might
desire to put up for the night. but is
the sleeping apartment of the official
who looks after him during his incar-
ceration. This man is usually the SUI
pervisor of badge messengers, and, be-
sides looking after his man, he is also
his servant for the tire being. and
waits upon him just like any other.
He never need worry himself much
upon the question of the possibilities of
the prisoners escape, for the sergeant
alarms is responsible, and inasmuch
as the only way of getting to and from
the prison is by way Of this sergeant's
house and through it, the risk Of such
a thing ever happening is practically
prohibitive.
While he is there the prisoner really
has a good time. No restrictions as to
hours are placed upon him, and he may
rouse himself from his slumbers just
when he feels most inclined and return
to them in the same way. Practically
the only thing he cannot do is to walk
ABOUT outside just as he pleases. but he
is permitted to take an hour and
half's exercise each morning and an
hour in the afternoon on the terrace
Of the house, and the terrace, broad
and long ana with it's splendid outlook
upon the river. is by no means bad
place to take exercise. If he were left
entirely urGuarded, the prisoner might
dive into the river and swim away. or,
what would be simpler. hail a passing
boat. &c. just for preca ution's sake.
couple of o.ticers accompany him
while he takes these breaths of fresh
air.
He goes on Sunday to the church in
Vincent square. and on these. occasions
also he has Il couple Of innocent looking
Moreover. there is no question Of SO
many ounces of bread and meat. but If
feed himself upon the choicest viands
that the most cultured palate could
suggest The house of commons has
first class restaurant. where the hungry
NJ. P. may cline as we'll as he could any
where in London. Each day the dishes
which the kitchen has prepared are
indicated on a menu which is brought
up to the prisoner. and he ticks off any
thing for which he feels fancy. and
It is brought to him. The only draw
back from his point of view is that the
bill is presented to him just as it would
be anywhere else. and in the event Of
his refusing to pay up he would eventu-
ally be served with court summons
Among the occupants of the Clock
Tower have been the late Charles
Bradlaugh. who found himself con-
signed thither On account of little
difference with Mr.. Speaker on the
subject of the parliamentary OATH
When Northampton returned Mr.. Brad
augh to parliament he was not allow
I'd to take the oath nor the substituted
process known as affirma ton. Mr..
however. secured New
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