The Bridgeport times and evening farmer., 1921-10-29
Debs, Famous Socialist,
 Expects Speedy Release

Atlanta, a., Oct 29.-Eugene V. Debs, five times candidate of the So- cia,list party for president of the Unit ed States and for more than a score of years, recognized leader of his par ty in this country, but who is now serving a term in the U. S. peniten- tiary here for violation of the espion- age act, hopes to be out in the open world again soon. For the first time since his incarceration, Debs to-day expressed to a newspaper man his hopes for freedom when he met and talked with an Interna tional News Service representative. The genial Debs smile obliterated the marks of prison life as the kindly old man met the reporter. His face IS lined from she close contact with life that he has known, but his blue eyes twink led and his handclasp was that of the former Debs, hearty, warm and firm. J. B. Dyches, warden of the prison, standing close. by permitted little ques- tioning of the prisoner beyond purely personal subjects.
 hat his health is feeble lat this time" he stated, ''I am enjoying good health. Since cooler weather set in, I have no complaints"
 Debs has been keeping a vital in terest in the affairs of the day fol- lowing in the closest possible detail through the newspapers the progress of the threatened railroad strike and the disarmament conference at Wash ington. His opinions on these mat terS and other similar things however, could not be obtained.
 Persons close to prison life here, lave been chary of comments on the probable release of the prominent prisoner, mainly because they believe continued comment would only serve to stir up some factions to antagssaize 1t. It is stated in some circles that there exists a belief that his release might be taken as an indication of his being upheld in certain principles he has advocated. Warden Dyches feels very kindly toward his prisoner
 He characterizes Debs as one of she very best prisoners in the insti- tuition, and says that, because of the high mentality of the man, he is able to exert a very fine influence on oth- CTS
 .Debs has always been a model prisoner" said the warden. He has been given freedom of the grounds He is allowed no privileges not ac- his position which he accepts philo- sophicalry."
 Debs has quarter CTS in the hospital building. He does not occupy g. cell. but has a private room. The sun streams through the bars at his win dow and at times during the day, and the little apartment has solemn alI,. On his table by the window books and
  ion. He spends much of his time reading and writing, although what he writes did not become known.
 Debs in permitted to receive many letters, but is allowed only the usual prison privilege of writing twice a week. Most of his correspondence it is understood is carried on through a sister in Terre Haute, Ind.
 Samuel Gompers, veteran president of he American Federation of Labor called on Debs recently.
 Gompers waited in the warden's office while Debs was summoned. When the two came face to face they paused dramatically, according to witnesses of the meeting. They gazed steadily at each other a moment and then stepped forward to grasp hands. Tears came to the eyes of Debs as Gompers said:
 ''Mr. Debs, I am glad to see you. A long time ago-a good many years ago, I used to call you Gene and you called me Sam I'd like to do that same thing now"
 DetbS nodded assent.
 The interview the correspondent had was hastened and short. At its end Debs said significantly with 8 bright smile:
 "I hope to see you soon-very soon -on the outside. Good bye"