New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-01-03

was this the case in the Tom Brown Honor
Camp. There were FIVE lifers at this camp BIZ
no trouble of any kind was experienced. Wmle
at work the men were frequently scattered
over distance OF four or FIVE miles, with one
guard to watch them. When the camp was
finally ready 10 return to prison, one man. at
his own request, was left behind and allowed
10 find his way unasssted back to Auburn
Dick Richards was enc Of those who benehted
by the existence Of the camps, as his position
as timekeeper enabled him to take numerous
automobile jaunts around the country.
The matter Of newspapers is one OF the most
marked Of changes. A year ago convict was
fortunate to see a paper once a month; only
those who had been in the prison five years
were allowed a daily. Even then every item
pertaining ever so remotely to crime and pun
ishment was cut from the papers, as was every
thing relating to politics and numerous other
themes that it was deemed unwise for the con-
vict to read about. Frequently all that con-
Wet received, instead OF newspaper, was two
or three columns of reading matter
THE NEW RULES CONCERNING NEWS
PAPERS AND LETTERS.
To-day the Auburn prisoner reads IN MS
afternoon paper the details of an execution that
occurred that morning in the prison. He reads
charges against the prison officials and what
various people have to say OF the reforms, and
the news is discussed with ayidty in the audi
forum and at washing-up periods.
The old rule allowed the new convict to write
one letter month; later in his term he was
privileged to write two in that period. To-day
his correspondence is limited only by his les-
ure and his money If he can pay for the
stamps it is mmaterial to the authorities how
many letters he writes. AS in the past, incom-
ing and outgoing letters are opened and read
by the authorities.
Even greater latitude is permitted in the mat
ter OF visitors Where the convict was for
merly allowed one visitor a month, Warden
Rattigan has thrown the prison doors wide
open. The warden is pretty nice guy" is
the way Dick Richards put it. Il don't think
he'd turn anybody away" said Daniel J. Grant,
who has served under countless wardens as
superintendent OF industrias.
Conversation as stated is now permitted in
the auditorium and at washing-up periods II
is allowed also in some OF the workshops, but
is not permitted in the mess room The absence
of guards marks another radical change; there
is none to be found in the mess room. the au-
ditorium or during the play hour in the yard.
When the prisoners march TO lunch the guards
await them in the shops.
The Saturday half holiday, recently abolished
at Sing Sing, has never existed at Auburn
Sundays and holidays, however, are days OF
complete rest. On summer Sundays the con-
victs, following morning services, were turned
loose in the yard at 1890 and permitted to
roam until 6:15. During the winter long mo-
ton picture show is substituted. Holiday
mornings the convicts are treated TO profes
sonal vaudeville show. Prior to the reforms
the holiday afternoons were passed by the prs
oners in their cells but to-day there is a per
Torrance OF one kind or another. On Thanks
giving Day the general public was invited. at
so cents apiece to witness a performance given
by convict talent. A few weeks ago two OF the