The San Francisco call., 1904-02-10
ONE DROWNED,
OTHER IN CELL
Dramatic Escape From Military
Prison on Alcatraz Island Re-
suits Fatally for John Cole

A dramatic escape from the confines
of the United Sattes military prison on
Alcatraz Island occurred last evening
and as a result Andrew ]. Allen occu-
pies a cell in the City Prison and John
G. Cole is beneath the waters of the
bay. The story of the desperate chances
taken to gain freedom is unequaled in
the history of escapes from the island.
Allen was turned over to the police
of this city by the captain of the ferry
boat EncinaL who picked him up off
Lombard street wharf in a state of eX-
haustion. His narrative of the escape
from AlcatraZ on a raft, the subsequent
death of his companion and his own
sufferings is replete with sensational
features.
When seen after being transferred to
the City Prison Allen was still shiver-
ing from his battle with the waves and
was averse to discussing the case. He
finally consented to make a statement.
His story is to the effect that about
$3.50 O'Clock, after the first verification
of the prisoners had been made by the
guards, in company with Cole and a
convict named Pratt, he made a break
for liberty. Owing to the fact that he
was employed in clerical position it
was not necessary for him to answer
to his name. His two companions like
wise were so situated thai their alb
sence would not be noticed for some
time.
RAFT is LAUNCHED.
They cautiously made their way to
the water on the westerly side of the
island. Four planks were secured and
firmly lashed together and the impro
vised raft was successfully launched.
The three then climbed aboard and
showed off from the island. Pratt, who
was serving a sentence for a slight in
fraction of military rules, at the last
moment. decided to return, and accord
ingly Jumped into the water and swan
back.
The tide soon had the raft in it's
clutches and carried it toward this city
and freedom. Cole and Allen lay pros
trate on the lumber, desperately clutch
ing the sides Several ferryboats passed
them and the swell caused washed
them off the raft repeatedly. Miracu-
lously they managed to regain the raft
each time. They were rapidly becoming
benumbed by the cold and death stared
them in the face.
At this juncture the ferry-boat Enci
nal hove in sight and then was enacted
the tragic feature of the escape. The
swell caused by the approaching
steamer pitched the raft hither and
thither and the lashings which held 1T
together finally broke under the strain.
Both of the men were cast into the wa
ter but Allen managed to grasp a
plank, with which he buoyed himself
up until rescued. Cole sank beneath
the waves.
ALLEN is RESCUED.
Allen, realizing that all hope of es-
cane was gone shouted Justify and the
captain Of the Encinal heard his cries.
A boat was lowered and the exhausted
man. taken on board. When questioned
he revealed his identity. and upon the
this city Allen was turned over to Pa
trolman f. F. Bean, who took him to
the Harbor station.
Allen was not at all exercised over
the death of his companion and spoke
lightly of the matter. He was some
what depressed by his lengthy emer-
piled with dry garments recovered his
spirits. While in the Philippines he
was sentenced to two years imprison-
ment for drunkenness and indecent
conduct.
On April Is, 1901, while confined in a
guardhouse in Manila, aided by severall
the sentry and escaped. He was cap
tured three days later and sentenced to
three years at Alcatraz, fifteen months
of which he has served. Cole. who was
undoubtedly drowned was serving
sentence of twelve years. Allen will be
taken back to Alcatraz by the Govern
mont authorities TO-DAY