Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1921-07-19
TWO men MISSING
AFTER PRISON RIOT
Pair Of Convicts Believed Hid
ing In CelIars-Rush Re.
pair of Damage
8 OF WOUNDED MAY DIE

Pittsburgh. July 1o.-Western Peni.
tcntinry officials today had accounted
for all but two Of the convicts who
Yesterday rebelled and. after setting
fire to several buildings. fought the
guards. deputy sheriffs and city police
men for more than two hours. These
two. il was stated. were probably hiding
in the cellars and would be retaken
before nightfall
Excitement still prevailed in the big
prison and the twenty five Pittsburgh
policemen reinforcing the prison guard
had their hands full keeping the con-
victs quiet. So many locks were broken
yesterday that II was necessary to put
as many as six men in single cell and
they persisted in shricking md crying
out nj every opportunity. Jocksmiths
worked all night to restore the cell sys-
TEN, and II was expected that within a
short time each man would be back in
his "Old Home"
Fifty State policemen from the
Greensburg and Butler barracks were
expected to reach the prison tonight or
tomorrow to relieve the policemen. but
prison officials said they did not antici
pate any further trouble from the
prisoners.
Large forces Of workmen we're today
cleaning up the broken bricks and dinner
ware used in yesterdays battle. while
other workmcn were restoring the cleo
trio and plumbing systems damaged by
the convicts when they tore away light
ing fixtures and pipes In their search
for weapons to use against the guards.
It will be days, however. before all
repairs have been completed.
Formal investigation of the riot will
Fl. L.. IL. Il
afternoon and. according to John A.
leaders Of the fire aud riot will be
punished.
OF the nine convicts shot during tho
struggle. three are not expected to re-
cover.
The others injured included three
city police officials and n district fire
chief who were injured in the rioting
or burned in fighting the fire.
Riot and Fire Start Together
The riot and fire broke out stimuli
taneously and II Is believed were the
result of we'll planned plot to empty
the great institution Of the 1135
criminals which it now holds. Prison
for the alcrtncss of the guards in fail
ing to be drawn aside from the point Of
fire BY the rioters the plan might have
succeeded.
Immediately after the noon meal had
been served to the first squad of 800
prisoners and the second squad Of 635
were entering the dining room, two Of
the prisoners started fight. Imms-
diately dishes. chairs. tables and every
other article at hand was hurled
through the mir and all the convicts
took part in the mad scene which fol-
lowed.
There was sudden rush for the
guards in an evident intent to over
power them and regain freedom, but
the guards were prepared and retreated
to the outer wall. holding the prisoners
at bay with rifles 1t was then that
the fire was discovered. starting at the
same time in the weaving shop. the
broom shop, the shoe shop, the chapel
and kitchen.
The buildings being frame, and dry
MS tindcr. burned ferccly too fiercely in
fact for the prisoners, who became
panic stricken and apparently dazed at
the suddenness of the whole wild scene.
The air was filed with cries and curses.
Men and women stampcded like cattle,
tearing at each other and fighting like
maniacs for any chance that offered
even n slight hope of safety from the
raging inferno and the restricting walls
Of the prison.