, 1923-02-14

loi lin okih ~ Io1iS
bakery and laundry are models of
efficiency of the present officials
The shirt factory, of course, fur
nishes the chief attraction to the visi-
tor. The Wyoming Penitentiary is
one of eighteen factories supplied
with materials, and whose product is
purchased by a large, national shirt
concern. At the time Warden Had
sell took charge of the institution
the Wyoming Factory stood third
from the bottom in point of effici-
ency among the eighteen. Now, and
months past, it has ranked first, an
other tribute to Frank Hadsell. The
average daily output of shirts is
about 4,S00-an astonishing number.
All of the work is done by electrical
ly driven machines, operated by the
-convicts, many of them surprisingly
adept and skillful in their work. Each
convict is assigned a daily "task",
commensurate with his ability and ex-
perience, which he must perform
within eight hours. If the task is
not completed within the allotted
eight hours he forfeits his good time
allowance for that day or month.
Some of the especially skilled ex-
perienced workers often complete
their task before the expiration of
the eight hours-in that event they
continue working but are paid for
such over-task work. This furnishes
an excellent incentive for the speedy
performance of their work, giving
them an opportunity to earn a small
sum of money sufficient for cigarets,
cream etc. Bill Carlisle, notorious,
but very insignificant looking train
bandit (now an expert pattern cut
teri has often earned fifteen or
twenty dollars a month in this a
ner.
Everywhere one is impressed with
work. Many private would
welcome such effective c%oncentra-
ton in their employees. M~exicans,
Negroes, Americans-the ignorant
and illiterate-have learned a useful
honest trade, becoming skilled me-
chanics and artisans and, in all
events, better citizens. Many of the
inmates, one cannot but reflect, have
a better home now than ever in their
life. This, despite prison walls and
the ominous presence of armed, alert
, guards.
Wyoming and the State Board will
make a serious mistake if Frank A.
Hadsell is not continued in the cap
acity of Warden for as long as he is
able to serve. His heart is in his
work, his pride is in the institution.
Rawlins people will tell you of the
splendid conduct of the penitentiary,
the necessary and constructive i'm
provements he has made at very little
cost to the state. He has surround
ed himself with courteous, efficient
assistants. TIE Chief Clerk is Bert
Marshall, a former resident of Nee
teetse and known to many Cody
people. A better, more capable mar
could not be found for that position.
/ am familiar, thru my experience
as Assistant District Attorney in
Denver, with the Denver and Colo
RADIO jails and ~penitentiary; they can
not compare in any with
Wyoming's.
Naturally, ! was particularly inter
ested in two of the convicts-Bert
Lampitt and Harry Bruce. Bruce
has evidently "prospered"-there is
none of the prison pallor about him.
Ruddy face, now adorned with a
glowing, black m~ustache, and the adj
dition of several pounds in weight
have much improved his appearance.
Lampitt looks the same as when Cody
last saw him. The same silly smile
on his face-eyes roaming constant
ly about the room, evasive of the
scrutiny of any visitor. Warden
Hadsell and Deputy Warden Keefer
both assured me hat he is at all
times quiet, unassuming, methodical
and careful in his work, a close ad-
herent to prison rules. He says
little and seems to have no enemies
among his fellow prisoners. ! was
particularly struck with that alooft-
ness during the occasion of my sec
one visit to the institution. Thanks
giving Day, when the ~convicts staged
n number Of boxing bouts. Bruce,
seated among Americans, appeared
to thoroly enjoy himself, frequently
shouting encouragement to some fav-
ored contestant. Lampitt, near the
door, surrounded by Negroes and
N~exicans, never talking and apparent
Sliy without the slightest interest in
any of the proceedings. / wondered
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