Part 4

“Well, if that is the case I will have to cut out the fit business,” replied the prisoner.

“What do you mean?” asked the deputy warden.

“These fits are all fakes,” smilingly retorted the prisoner, “and I can cut them out any time.”

“The only way you can convince me that these epileptic fits are not genuine is to stop having them. If you do this for thirty days, I will give you any job you want.”

The prisoner got the job, greatly to the mystification of the physicians and the deputy warden.

ESCAPES FROM PRISON

There has been but one successful escape during the eighteen years that Warden Wolfer has had charge of the prison. A capture was, however, effected a few days later. The escape was neatly planned, and the “loophole” through which he crawled could only have been detected by one who was constantly looking for a chance to “fly the coop,” using a prisoner’s expression. Opportunity came to him in the following manner: It was the custom of the captain of the cellhouse to unlock the doors immediately after the men had left their cells. In the fall of the year it is still quite dark when the prisoners march into the dining room to breakfast. On the morning that Mr. B. made his escape he simply remained in his cell, and as soon as the captain of the cell house unlocked the side doors and went back to his desk came out of his cell, cautiously made his way out of one of the side doors and made a beeline for the wall near the railroad gate, negotiating the same near this point. The wall guard imagined that he saw some one go over the top of the wall and fired several shots in that direction, but it was still very dark and he was uncertain just what it was. The prisoner got away without a scratch, but, as previously stated, was recaptured a few days later. Shot by a farmer whom he tried to rob and received a bad bullet wound in one of his ankles. The farmer, however, was not aware of his identity,—had ordered him off his premises, but the prisoner acted in a threatening manner and was thereupon shot.

About seventeen years ago another attempt to escape was made by a desperate young fellow and two companions. They evaded the guard, slipped out of the shop near the wagon gate and then waited where they were not observed; then a dash for freedom through this big double gate as it swung open to permit a team to pass out. All three were apprehended shortly afterwards under the warehouse building of the Minnesota Thresher Co., where they had sought temporary refuge. This was just opposite the prison. It is very improbable that any more attempts will be made through this gate, a guard now being stationed on the wall above the gate and one across the street. Formerly there was but one guard in charge of the gate, which had a tendency to invite attack at this quarter.

[Prison Band ]

Prison Band

[Prison Band In Park ]

Prison Band In Park

[Prison Train Backing Into Prison Yard to be Loaded with Twine ]

Prison Train Backing Into Prison Yard to be Loaded with Twine

[Train Leaving Prison Yard After Loading ]

Train Leaving Prison Yard After Loading

About twenty‐five years ago a prisoner, Frank Landis by name, made as successful an escape as was ever made from any institution. He sawed the bars on one of the cell house windows, squeezed himself through and has never been heard from since. Landis had arrived in St. Paul one day and victimized business men out of nearly twenty‐five thousand dollars. He represented himself to be the son of a rich merchant of La Crosse, Wis., and, to allay suspicion, invited one of the merchants to telegraph at his expense as to his credentials. He evidently had a confederate at the other end of the line, as word came back that he was O. K. After getting this merchant to cash his checks he next induced him to introduce the generous buyer to other merchants, the aforesaid merchant vouching for his standing in each instance. One man became suspicious, and early the next morning communicated with La Crosse and received immediate advice that the name was unknown. Then the hunt for Landis began, but he had departed for parts unknown, was later captured and received twenty years in the Stillwater penitentiary. Here his stay was of short duration, as he soon made his escape.

On a previous page we stated that there had been but one escape from the Minnesota State Prison since Mr. Wolfer has been warden. Recently, however, a “trusty,” who had been acting as coachman, took advantage of the freedom allowed him and disappeared. This is not considered by the officials as an escape in the true sense of the word. Below we give the “trusty’s” picture with the Bertillon Measurements.

[Allus Petwray]

Height, 1 m 75 1 Height 5 ft. 9 in. Outs A 1 m 82 Trunk 90 Head Length 19.8 Head Width 15.3 Cheek Width 13.6 R. Ear 7.2 L. Foot 27.4d1 L. Mid F. 11.6 L. Lit. F. 9.2 L Forearm 48.1

Name, Allus Petwray, No. 2654. Nationality, African; age, 30; color, Negro; build, muscular; complexion, M. brown; hair, black; eyes, Mar. deep; weight. 161.

Sentenced March 1, 1909; term, 2½ years. From Polk county, for the crime of grand larceny, second degree.

Marks and scars: 1 cut:‐ hor. rec. 1.5 c at 3 d ph. R. III‐Cut:‐ rec. hor. 4c at on & sr. of cen. sr. brw. III‐Cic;‐ rec. ob. 1c at slt. over & sr. out. pt. sr. eye. III‐cut:‐rec. ver. sit. ob. 3c at 2.5 to front dx. tragus. III‐Cut:‐rec. ob. 8c at 3 over dx. ear.

Occupation, coachman.

This photograph and record of Bertillon Measurements has been sent broadcast to all the police departments in the United States and Canada, and his recapture will probably be “only a question of time.”

BREAKING INTO PRISON

We have just related some cases where men have broken out of prison, and it is in order to state the facts regarding a robbery that took place at the prison. A man actually broke into prison for the purpose of stealing. He had procured a rope ladder and scaled one of the rear walls, made his way to the Western Shoe company’s factory and selected the finest case of shoes he could find. He then retraced his way to the wall, tied a rope to the case of shoes, climbed up and went away as though the act of stealing shoes from a penitentiary was an every‐day accomplishment for him. He was also captured, and it was then discovered that he had been a former inmate, accounting for his familiarity with the grounds. The place is constantly patroled by two night watchmen, and it is still a mystery how he managed to evade them. This act might have been performed out of a spirit of reckless bravado to demonstrate to the other inmates that he was fully capable. His little stunt, however, cost him another residence of three and one‐half years at the prison.

THE PAROLE SYSTEM

The state of Minnesota was one of the first to introduce the grading and parole systems in its prison. Speaking of this feature, Warden Wolfer says:

“We have paroled 934 prisoners since the parole law went into effect in 1894. We now have 72 prisoners on parole, three of whom are females. Of those paroled 716 were committed on a definite sentence, and 218 on Reformatory Plan.”

“The grading and parole law continues to work satisfactorily and gives much promise and encouragement for the future. We are often disappointed by the failure of promising parole men to make good, but on the other hand, we are as often encouraged by the less promising who have made good beyond our most sanguine expectations. All of which demonstrates the limitation of human judgment and the difficulty of ‘reading the human heart aright.’ Most of those who break parole are carried over the line by some weakness, usually intemperance, a weakness that they do not seem able to control.”

“We are glad to be able to say that our expedience with the grading and parole system gives us growing encouragement and hope for the future, because we believe we have hopeful and satisfying evidence that few men break their parole because of the desire to do wrong. As a rule, the parole breaker heartily regrets his misstep, and frequently will make good if given another chance.”

“The parole embodies those ethical principles of conduct that make for normal life and good character. Rationally and constructively applied, it builds up and encourages manhood and at the same time it discourages a disposition to yield to weakening impulses that lead to wrongdoing. Every possible effort should be made to apprehend and return the fugitive parole breaker, for if allowed to remain at large he is almost sure to become a confirmed criminal. Therefore, a more thorough supervision of paroled prisoners is necessary, and a more accurate system for the apprehension and identification of parole breakers seems imperative in every state, and throughout the country, wherever the parole system is in vogue.”

“Of the 934 prisoners paroled 59 per cent were finally discharged by reason of expiration of definite sentence; 13 2‐3 per cent, who were committed on the Reformatory Plan, were discharged by the board after having given satisfactory evidence of a desire and purpose to live honestly and become good citizens; 19 2‐3 per cent of the whole number paroled violated their paroles; 17 1‐3 per cent of the whole number were returned to prison to serve unexpired sentences, leaving 2 1‐3 per cent parole violators now at large.”

This system has had a marked tendency to improve the discipline of the prison, for it impels inmates to bend every effort to merit this consideration at the hands of the state authorities. The state law governing the parole of prisoners from the penitentiary is as follows:

THE PAROLE LAW

Parole of Prisoners,—The State Board of Control may parole any prisoner: Provided,

1. No convict shall be paroled who has been previously convicted of a felony other than the one for which he is serving sentence, either in this state or elsewhere. 2. No convict serving a time sentence shall be paroled until he shall have served at least one‐half of his full term, not reckoning good time. 3. No convict serving a life sentence shall be paroled until he has served thirty‐five years, less the diminution which would have been allowed for good conduct had his sentence been for thirty‐five years, and then only by unanimous consent, in writing, of the members of the Board of Pardons. 4. Such convicts while on parole shall remain in the legal custody and under control of the Board of Control, subject at any time to be returned to the prison or reformatory, and the written order of said board, certified by the Warden, shall be a sufficient warrant to any officer to retake and return to actual custody any such convict. Geographical limits wholly within the state may be fixed in each case, and the same enlarged or reduced according to the conduct of the prisoners. 5. In considering applications for parole said board shall not entertain any petition, receive any written communication, or bear any argument from any attorney or other person not connected with said prison, in favor of the parole of any prisoner, but it may institute inquiries by correspondence or otherwise as to the previous history or character of such prisoner.

At the present time nearly all the states have inaugurated the parole and grading system similar to the law in operation in this state, and some are considering the advisability of introducing the system. This law is one of the best measures of the so‐called modern penology and one in which the leading authorities on such matters feel the most pride.

[Dynamited Safe, Stephen, Minn.]

This cut shows the condition of the safe and office of the State Bank of Stephen, Minn., after being wrecked by dynamite. This was done by three men. One escaped, one gave state’s evidence and the other is now serving a term at the Minnesota State Prison.

[Warden’s Office]

Warden’s Office

DIMINUTION OF SENTENCE

The following law will give the reader an idea of the “good time” the prisoner earns during imprisonment, and is another powerful incentive toward good conduct. Few prisoners permit themselves to commit violations of rules, the gravity of which subjects them to punishment. A man may be deprived of good time for refusing to obey an order, fighting, insolence to guard, foreman or fellow‐prisoner.

Diminution of Sentence.—Every convict sentenced for a definite term other than life, whether confined in the state prison or on parole therefrom, may diminish such term as follows:

1. For each month, commencing on the day of his arrival, during which he has not violated any prison rule or discipline, and has labored with diligence and fidelity, five days. 2. After one year of such conduct, seven days for each month. 3. After two years of such conduct, nine days for each month. 4. After three years, ten days for each month for the entire time thereafter.

Said board, in view of the aggravated nature and frequency of offenses, may take away any or all of the good time previously gained, and, in consideration of mitigating circumstances or ignorance on the part of the convict, may afterwards restore him, in whole or in part, to the standing he possessed before such good time was taken away. Whenever a convict shall pass the entire period of his imprisonment without an unexcused violation of the rules or discipline, upon his discharge he shall be restored to his rights and privileges forfeited by conviction, and receive from the governor a certificate, under the seal of the state, as evidence of such restoration

DISCHARGE ALLOWANCE

In some states there is little or no provision for aiding the discharged prisoner, and in some states when parole is granted his prospective employer must first send railroad fare before he is released. In many states the discharged man is given five dollars in money, while in others he is permitted to earn money during his imprisonment. The following is the law that governs in the state of Minnesota:

Upon discharge the Warden, at the expense of the state, shall furnish each convict released with one good, serviceable suit of clothing and underclothing, and, when released between October 1 and March 31 following, with a good, serviceable overcoat; and he shall pay to each convict, when released, $25 in money drawn from the current expense fund.

[Decoration: Keys, Ball and Chain]

THE CELLHOUSE BUILDING

Within the cellhouse building there are 664 cells, ranged tier upon tier, there being six in all. The building is constructed entirely of iron and stone, and the walls are nearly three feet thick. It is safe to say that in this solidly built building more human sorrow is represented than anywhere else in the state. If an authentic record could be made of the tragedies that take place behind these grim, unsympathetic stone walls it would fill volumes. However, it would require the enviable intellect of a Victor Hugo or Charles Read to vividly picture the utter despair and blasted hopes of the many thousands who have been imprisoned within these cheerless walls since the construction of the building. It is absolutely fireproof, but quite antiquated, the sanitation and ventilation being extremely poor. About fifteen prisoners are employed in the cell house, sweeping cells, galleries, passing out water, holystoning the flags in the corridor and keeping the place as clean as possible. Two men are constantly employed in whitewashing the cells and the interior of the cell house, and another’s time is wholly occupied in exterminating bedbugs, which are quite plentiful and possess large appetites.

The captain makes a tour of the galleries each morning and inspects each cell to see that everything is in order. If a cell floor or other articles are in a slovenly condition the inmate is reported to the deputy warden, whose duty it is to administer a reprimand for negligence. While making this four of inspection he delivers all incoming letters addressed to prisoners. All incoming and outgoing mail is carefully scrutinized before delivery. On Sunday morning material for writing letters is issued to all prisoners who are permitted to write, and the distribution of tobacco is also made at this time. The upper tiers of the galleries used to be the rendezvous for inmates possessing suicidal inclinations, not a few of whom, having lost all courage and lacking the determination to live, chose this method of ending their woes. We use the words “used to be” advisedly, for they have ceased to be an attraction to the death‐desiring since the failure to accomplish the result occurred to an inmate who a short time ago took the plunge from the upper tier. In an hour or so he was at work as if nothing unusual had happened. Heretofore a plunge from the upper tiers to the stone flags always meant a call for the undertaker.

[Cellhouse, Looking East]

Cellhouse, Looking East

[Prison Band]

Prison Band

[Spinning Room In Twine Factory looking West.]

Spinning Room In Twine Factory looking West.

[Spinning Room In Twine Factory looking East. ]

Spinning Room In Twine Factory looking East.

THE CHAUTAUQUA CIRCLE

There is in existence in the Minnesota State Prison a Chautauqua circle, being a branch of the main organization, conducted entirely by the inmates and the presiding officers elected from the members thereof.

Election of officers occurs once a year. Meetings are held fortnightly in the prison chapel, at which time several papers are read and discussed by the members. At the conclusion of the meeting a critic chosen from the circle reviews the program, points out various errors in composition papers or commends them as the case may be.

The membership of this unique organization numbers about thirty, and as old members withdraw new ones are selected from the better educated prisoners. Meetings are always conducted in an orderly manner, not a snigle serious violation of the rules having occurred since the organization—about twenty years ago. Discussions at times becomes exceedingly spirited, especially if a paper is read that attacks the pet hobbies of the several members.

As an educational feature of the institution the Chautauqua circle is accomplishing excellent work and deserves the sincere patronage and commendation of the prison authorities.

BAND AND ORCHESTRA

Like the majority of the better‐class prisons, Minnesota’s penitentiary has the honor of having within its walls a well‐equipped band and orchestra. They are in charge of an experienced citizen‐music teacher, and have made remarkable progress since organization. About nineteen members compose the band, mostly men who have a long time to serve.

The orchestra provides music for the services in the prison chapel, and when entertainments are given provides the musical numbers on the program. Of late years it has attained a degree of efficiency that has been commended very highly by prominent visitors to the institution.

The band gives a concert each morning during the summer months and also during drill exercises, which take place in the yard every Sunday immediately after chapel service. Concerts are also given in the park on holidays, when the men are enjoying outdoor freedom, which the inmates appreciate very much, helping wonderfully to break the dull, routine monotony of prison life. The band and orchestra cost the state very little, its instruments are paid for out of the fees received from visitors, who pay a twenty‐five cent admission to see the institution. This amount is donated for the benefit of the library fund.

PRISON NIGHT SCHOOL

The prison that now neglects to provide suitable educational facilities for the instruction of its inmates is considered behind the times. A great many inmates of penitentiaries are illiterate, and the prison night schools afford an excellent opportunity to acquire the fundamentals of a good education. This department is under the supervision of the superintendent of public schools of Stillwater, who is assisted by a corps of teachers chosen from among the inmates. The course of study corresponds to the course pursued in the state primary and grammar schools. There are fourteen classes, ranging from a, b, c class to one in advanced bookkeeping. Three sessions are held weekly, and the school is popular among the prisoners. Those serving reformatory sentences are compelled to attend, but the voluntary attendance is always in excess of the compulsory. During the season of 1907‐08 the average attendance was 164, and of this number 48 were compelled to attend, while the balance, 116, attended voluntarily.

The prison night school is in operation eight months during the year, and is well partronized, many inmates receiving their first instructions in reading and writing during their period of service. To the ambitious man there is plenty of opportunity for self‐improvement, so it can readily be seen that no one need wholly waste the time that he is compelled to serve for infraction of state laws. When school is not in session inmates are granted permission to have all the school books they require in pursuance of studies.

THE SHOE INDUSTRY.

This factory is conducted by the Western Shoe Co., and annually employs about 225 prisoners. There is an excellent opportunity here for the inmate to learn a trade at which he can make a good living upon his release. Few citizens are employed at this work, but a competent citizen‐foreman is in charge of each shop. As far as possible prisoners are taught the business of making shoes, and many of them become very proficient at this work.

The company pays a stated price for each piece of work turned out, and the per diem earnings of the prisoners is larger than in any other prison in the country. The volume of business of these two industries amounts annually to more than $2,000,000. Of this total, returns from the twine factory, operated on state account, amount to $1,300,000, while the shoe company, operated on the piece‐price system, does a business in excess of $800,000.

THE REPAIR SHOP.

All the repair work of the institution is performed in this department, and in this shop are located the tinner, plumbers, carpenters, painters, machinists, etc., all under the supervision of a first‐class foreman. The tinner makes all the tinware used in the various departments of the prison and attends to its repairing. As the entire institution is heated by steam, the plumbers are kept constantly employed during the winter repairing radiators and overhauling wornout steam pipes. As repairs and improvements are constantly being made and as the prison buildings are quite old, considerable carpenter work is also necessitated each year.

Perhaps the busiest men in this shop are the machinists, whose business it is to see that all machinery, shafting, etc., are kept in repair, thus reducing breakdowns to the minimum. This shop is run in an economical manner and annually saves the state thousands of dollars.

TAILOR SHOP

In this department is located the tailor shop, laundry and bath room, about twenty prisoners being constantly employed in the former, making and repairing clothing for the inmates; the second and third rooms, of course, are devoted to washing and drying of clothes and bathing of prisoners. As there are about 700 prisoners whose clothing must be mended and washed each week, the employes of this shop find all the work they wish to do.

[Prisoners at Work in Shoe Shop]

Prisoners at Work in Shoe Shop

[Tailor Shop]

Tailor Shop

[Laundry]

Laundry

BATH ROOM