Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-04-03

Among the inmates of the Federal pris-
on, rising gaunt and grim south OF the
city limits, none is more interesting 70 the
visitor than the little group OF Indians
composed of full blooded Creeks, Chero-
KEGS and Choctaws. as well as several hair
breeds.
The pure blooded men are unusually
handsome specimens of the Indian, their
names being Jonas James, ChoctaWi VIII
lis Hotoka, Choctaw; VIII King, Creek;
Cul Downings, Cherokee, and Nose Miller
Cherokee. These men, together with their
breed associates. have been sent 10
the Atlanta prison from Columbus, o., on
account of the inclination nearly invaria-
bly, manifested by Indians in confinement
to gradually succumb to pulmonary trou-
bles. From the standpoint of health, the
southern climate was considered much
better for them.
1T is not only health, though-not only
their tendency to consumption, said
Guard j. c. Laney. leaning against the
silvered rail running around one OF the
cell tiers 1T is just a simple fact that
these Indians cannot stand confinement.
1t seems to be contrary to their nature,
and that is one reason why they are 50
liable to sickness" Mr.. Laney was for
merly the superintendent of transfers of
the Ohio penitentiary. He is connected
with the Atlanta prison in the same ca
pacity, although acting at present as
guard.
As he spoke a prisoner came quickly
along the platform and paused before the
door of his CELL Mr.. Laney seized the
lever at one end of the long rows of cells,
and in a moment there was sound Of
sliding doors. as every grating along the
tier rolled noisily open. To the aston
ishment of the visitor this sound was i'm
mediately followed by a similar noise OF
closing doors, explained by Mr. Laney
with the remark that the men were al
ways required to close their cell doors on
finding them open.
The first Indian to be seen was Willis
Hotoka. Choctaw. Hotoka can speak no
English, or, at least. but very little. He
is able to understand what is said to him
and knows how to express his daily needs.
but his conversational powers are limited
to this extent. Hotoka is from Antlers,
Indian Territory, and has three years to
serve.
little further down the tier is VIII
King, the only full blooded Creek of the
lot.
How long are you in for?" he was
asked,
Life" said the prisoner. with a laugh.
''He never will stay that long" inter-
rupted the guard Hes too young. He'll
be pardoned."
Maybe" and King laughed again.
How cid are you now?' asked Mr..
Laney.
Is when 1 went in"
These Indians are>the best men in tho
prison." said Mr. Laney, as he passed
along the platform. 1T is very rare when
we have the slightest trouble with them"
There was the sound of knocking from
the cell just left. and King was heard call
ing after the guard and his visitor.
Il have brother in Cuba, he said.
He's in the army there. T6 like to hear
something from him. Perhaps II this gen.
tleman is going to put anything in the
paper, he could ask my brother to write
to me?"
what's your brother named?" asked
the visitor.
George Thomas" said King. Then OBJ
serving a look of surprise al the difference
in the name. he added. quietly:
king is not my real name. My broth
er is named George Thomas. Please ask
him to write TO me-"
The next man was Jonas James.
strilSingly handsome fellow. with big
shoulders, clear olive complexion. the
whitest of teeth and eyes that might be
the subject of a sonnet. James is Choc-
taw, and writes in both his own language
and English. He and Hotoka were to-
gether at the Columbus prison, and just
a few days ago James wrote a letter home
Atlanta prison are stringent and Hotoka
found his unintelligible missive promptly
returned to him, with the information
that no letters unintelligible to the au-
thorities could be sent out.
HE might have been asking for can
non to blow up the PRISON. laughed the
guard.
You know I wouldn't do that!' laugh
ed James in reply, showing all his pearly
teeth.
James is a merry fellow. and never
ceased smiling all the time his visitors
stood before the cell. He is from Meal
lister, l. T.. and his 18th birthday comes
next month.
How long have your"
Life, think" said the prisoner. in
differently II don't know how long. Life
maybe-maybe not so long"
The two. Cherokees, Cul Downings and
Nose Miller, were neither inclined to talk
very much. Downings is rather small OF
frame, with a surprisingly pink flush in
his face. He has II or is months yet to
STAY in prison. He was sent up from Mus
cogee, and said he lived In no town.
"In woods" he said, shortly.
Downings seemed much more interested
in a magazine he was perusing than in
his visitors, and held the book up to show
the guard a torn leaf. which he protested