The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1901-04-11

IL JdnIrS bdNlloii iS III 'llc lCdet 'p'-
cerned about the special legislation
passed by the house and sS,late to
rip him out of Jail. he gives no !ndi-
cation of it by his talk or manner.
a Tribune reporter FASTENED to the
county Jail yesterday to bear 10 Can
non the glad tidings that the senate
has passed the Cannon ripper" and
that the governors signature was the
only thing now wanting to make hin,
u free man.
"Mn'yah.' said Cannon.
After u search of several minutes. in
company with Warden Simpson, the re-
porter found the old man down in the
laundry, sitting on the edge OF "a sta
tionary washtub. lazily dangling his
legs. and slowly swinging all umbrella
handle cane to and fro. as If beating
time to some easy-cadence tune that
was running through his mind. The
only other occupant OF the laundry was
a prisoner engaged in ironing MS
clothes preparatory to being released
tomorrow. Cannon was absent-mind-
edly watching the ironing operation, but
disdaining any reply more than a nod
or q. grunt to the speculations of his
companion.
LOST IN MEDITATION.
After watching the scene for a. few
moments. the reporter could not re-
press n yawn. Cannon looked up as
the reporter approached, but in a
moment was again lost In meditation
upon the ironing process.
Not wishing to disclose his identity,
the reporter conveyed his message in
sort of incidental way
by the way, Mr.. Cannon, did you
hear that the senate today passed the
bill that will open the prison doors to
you?" quoth the reporter.
Then it was Mr.. Cannon delivered
himself of the eloquent. though brief.
ejaculation. "M'n'yah." Translated it
would probably read something like the
second line of the epic couplet begin
ming. Hail. hail, the gangs all here"
The reporter waited a while, looking
towards Cannon with an interrogatiVe
look.
II don't know what they're doing or
what they've DONE" he finally added.
"Of course you will be glad to get
| out 2" ventured the reporter.
"Uh huh" said Cannon, slowly nod
| ding his head up and down aftirma-
| lively.
The reporter explained to him the
| form and purpose Of the bill; how 1t
| would make it possible for the court to
order his release, Immediately upon the
| bill becoming law, and how Judge
| Archibald. the framer of the bill. had
| said that the day the bill was passed
Cannon would be free man.
| IT'S TIME, SAID CANNON.
well, it's time for them to do some-
| thing" said Cannon.
"How long have you been here now
was asked.
"Six years and ten MONTHS came
| quickly in response.
II suppose you would stay here as
| long again before you would sisn?" the
| reporter remarked.
81 would, and I'd rot here first" de.
clared Cannon, with some show OF
vehemeace.
At this juncture. Cannon seemed to
realize that he was talking to a. news
paper man, and as has been the almost
| invariable experience, the interviewer'S
| occupation was gone. Cannon crossed
| his right leg over the off one, and de-
| clined to answer any more questions.
| Several parties who have talked with
| Cannon lately have had an experience
similar to that of the reporter as de-
scribed above. He does not seem to
| have any concern in his approaching
release. and some who have talked
with him have come away with the i'm.
preston that he is not overly anxious
| to give up his easy. economical life al
| the jail
Cannon is now siXty-eight years OF
| age. He has grown very tleshy and has
| a healthy. not to say rugged look
| Warden Simpson says he has not beer
| i'll a single day since he has been war-
| den, and that Is more than three years