Albuquerque daily citizen. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1895-1903, 1902-12-26
At THE p%ENlTENTIARY.
How Christmas Was Spent in the
Teuituy's Penal Institution.
TREATED TO GOOD THINGS TO EAT.

Christmas day within the grey walls
of the New Mexico penitentiary was
not one of cheerfulness and GOODNESS,
as one would suppose, viewing it only
from the outside. The boys in stripes
received more enjoyment and pleasure
on the day of cheerfulness and good
will than did many a poor wanderer.
Christmas is a day always looked for
ward to by the unfortunate men as it
brightens up their dull existence and
breaks the monotony of prison life.
The prisoners at the New Mexico
~penitentiary at Santa Fe are no excep-
ton, and the manner in which Christ
mas was celebrated at that institution,
as e by a Citizen reporter, is related
below.
The holiday brings with it suspen-
sion of work. The breakfast, which
opened the pleasant program of the
day, consisted of pork chops, chilli
sauce, French fried potatoes, oatmeal
and coffee. After breakfast, they spent
the morning in their cells. resting up
and preparing for the feast at noon.
Seated at two long tables in the cell
room, over 200 men, appearing the
same, yet all different, were served
their Christmas dinner. Baked turkey
with dressing was the first dish served.
then followed mashed potatoes, brown
gravy, stewed tomatoes, cranberry
sauce and mince and cherry pie. A
change from the ordinary daily fare to
one that v a good many in fortu,
nate circumstances would enjoy, could
only Ebe appreciated by a man; DIN,
stripes. Cigars and candy were dis
tributed lavishly and to say thatithese
gifts were enjoyed is TO put it mildly
The greatest event of the day, not
alone to the inmates but to many out
siders, vas the Christmas entertain
ment which began at 2 o'clock and &C.
cupied the remainder of the afternoon.
Superintendent H. o. Bursum, AS
sistant Superintendent W. e. Martin
and Chief Clerk w. d. Newton were
busy receiving visitors and putting
forth their best efforts that the pris-
oners might enjoy themselves.
The entertaining talent of the boys
in stripes was indeed a surprise to
one who does not often have an oppor-
tunity of as~sociating with the men shut
on from the world. The most touching
feature of the program was the closing
number, which was a full pardon
granted to of the deserving pris-
oners. Every holiday gives one of
these striped boys his freedom. This
day brought freedom to Edward w.
Trout sent up from Bernalillo county
for forty years on the charge of MUIR
der. The scene which followed Trout's
pardon was full of pathos. The man
was overcome by emotion, but when
he did speak. it was a heart TO heart
talk with his associates. Reminding
them what good conduct and being a
man would do for a man, even if his
case seemed hopeless. ne vas profuse
in his thanks to the superintendent,
his assistants and Governor Otero.
Trout had served seven and a half
years of his sentence and was par
ldoned for excellent reputation, manly
conduct, which had received the praise
of all the officials. Trout took a prom
inent part in the program. He is a fine
musician, and rendered appreciative
music on the banjo and guitar made by
himself since his confinement. His
medley on bottles vas another number
of special mention. Vocal and instru-
mental music that would be difficult to
be beaten by men, who devote their
time to entertaining. was greatly in
evidence. Several Christmas orations
and addresses were delivered by bright
and apparently educated prisoners.
The greatest hit on the program