THE PRISONER'S RELEASE

Now arrives the day so anxiously anticipated by those incarcerated in our penitentiary. A new beginning and a new chapter in their life's history is before them. It is an event that so greatly excites the average outgoing prisoner that he hardly knows what he is doing, and in many cases his nerves are in such a condition that he is unable to sign the receipt for the money that he receives. The inmate in the forenoon is notified of his release, and is immediately taken to the tailor shop, where he dons his discharged clothing, is given any personal belongings that may have been in his cell by the captain of the cell-house, who inspects them in order to ascertain whether or not he is the owner thereof. He is now conducted to the administration building by the deputy warden, where he is given his discharge papers and twenty-five dollars in money, a sum provided by law for each released prisoner. Just before he walks into the world a free man the former inmate is told to step into the warden's office, and this gentleman gives his departing “guest” a few words of helpful advice, bidding him Godspeed on his journey.

WHY SOCIETY SHOULD ACCORD HIM A SQUARE DEAL

The discharged prisoner is now in the hands and at the mercy of society. If he is accorded a square deal he may become a useful citizen. If it is his misfortune to become associated with bigoted zealots who taunt him with his past degradation the chances are that he will become a criminal again and prove a source of great expense to the state.

In closing this chapter it would be well to suggest that every ex-convict is not a dyed-in-the-wool villian, but that persecution may make him such in the course of events. Is he entitled to a square deal? Most assuredly so, especially if he is employed at honest work and his every action shows determination to lead an upright life. He has sinned against society, it is true, but without question he has paid the debt of his transgression a hundred fold by his imprisonment. Still, after all has been said, a bad reputation is a difficult thing to live down, even that which clings to the free citizen. The discharged prisoner's chief reliance, therefore, in the final analysis is to so circumspectly conduct himself as to place him above the carping criticisms of his new associates. If he follows this course his neighbors are not likely to keep their eyes on his “cracked” reputation.

DEPARTMENTS AND INDUSTRIES OF THE MINNESOTA STATE PRISON

THE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING.

The administration building is directly under the charge of Warden Wolfer. He has the power to appoint all subordinate officers and employes and discharge them for inefficiency and insubordination. As chief executive officer of the prison, under the supervision of the State Board of Control, the warden is directly responsible for its successful management, the humane treatment and reformation of the inmates placed in his care for safe keeping.

Warden Wolfer is one of the best prison men in this country and the enviable reputation Minnesota's penitentiary has attained is due entirely to his long and successful experience in handling criminals. He has headed the Stillwater institution for nearly twenty years and has conducted the affairs of the prison in a sane and business-like manner. Under his unceasing vigilance the institution has emerged from a non-paying to a profit-earning enterprise, and today it is one of the best self-supporting institutions in the world, for, in our opinion, Europe has nothing that can compare with it. Mr. Wolfer has received many flattering offers from other states to take charge of their penal institutions, but he has declined, preferring to remain at the head of the institution that he has worked so faithfully to perfect.

The position of warden of the Minnesota state prison is no sinecure, for that presiding officer is one of the busiest men in the state. The business connected with the twine plant, conducted almost entirely on a mail-order basis, is colossal in itself, there being nearly fifteen million pounds to be disposed of each year. In addition to this important item the task of maintaining peace and harmony among the officers, guards, employes and the (at present) seven hundred prisoners assumes monumental proportions. However, Mr. Wolfer has succeeded in performing this gigantic labor for all concerned year in and year out with rare tact and good judgment.

For comparative purposes, the expenses ten years ago, with a population of 504 prisoners, exceeded the earnings by $35,285.04, whereas the earnings for 1906-7 were $329,735.70, a remarkable showing indeed and speaking well for the executive ability of the present management.

Warden Wolfer is an excellent type of the successful self-made man. From a guard in his youth at the Joliet (Ill.) penitentiary and later in charge of the Detroit House of Correction, he was enabled to accept the wardenship of the Stillwater, Minnesota, institution.

There are several assistants employed in the executive department, where the method of conducting the business of the prison is thoroughly systematized and the organization is as nearly perfect as possible. The warden is at all times in touch with every detail of the institution and all correspondence of the prison, of whatsoever nature, passes through his hands for final disposition. He makes a trip each day through the various departments, morning and afternoon, to personally ascertain that everything is in proper order. This watchfulness produces good results; for instance, a short time ago he [pg 33] [pg 34] [pg 35] found a guard in the act of assaulting a prisoner and immediately discharged him. Again, he overheard a guard using extremely abusive language toward a prisoner and reduced his salary in consequence. As all such offenses are posted on a bulletin board just outside of the warden's office and in the corridor leading into the prison the officers and guards are careful in their treatment of inmates under their charge.

Horace W. Davis, Chief Clerk and Accounting Officer.

Main Street Inside Prison Walls

Convicts During Sunday Drill

Minnesota should rightly feel proud of her penal institution, and especially of Warden Wolfer, who has advanced the prison to the high standard of efficiency it occupies in the ranks of modern penology.

The Deputy Warden's Headquarters

The deputy warden ranks next to the warden in the administration duties of Minnesota's penal institution; in fact, he is the warden's right-hand man in conducting the disciplinary affairs of the institution. Much depends upon his efficiency in promoting harmony and goodwill among the prisoners.

The deputy warden's office is located on the ground floor of the hospital building, and it is here that all the statistical records of incoming prisoners are preserved, such as the Bertillon measurements, finger-print system, etc.

The duties of the deputy warden are many and arduous. Mr. Backland has had many years experience as a prison man and is very popular among the officers, guards and employees. He is always courteous to guards and prisoners alike. The following are the duties governing the deputy warden:

Duties of the Deputy Warden

1.	The Deputy Warden is the assistant and agent of the Warden in the government and management of the inmates of the prison—more particularly in securing compliance with its rules by the subordinate officers, employees and inmates.
2.	He shall be present daily at the prison from the hour of unlocking in the morning until after the inmates shall have been locked up at night, unless leave of absence has been granted by the Warden, and he shall visit the prison occasionally at night, and personally ascertain that the inmates are secure and that the officers are on duty and alert.
3.	In the absence of the Warden, the Deputy shall perform the duty of that office relating to the government and management of the inmates of the prison. His orders shall be respected and obeyed by subordinate officers, guards, employees and inmates, so far as relates to discipline and carrying out such rules and orders of the Board of Control as are not otherwise delegated.
4.	Under the order of the Warden, the Deputy Warden shall have special control and direction of all officers under his own rank, and all guards and employees of the prison, and shall be responsible that everyone performs his respective duties with intelligence, fidelity and zeal. It shall also be his duty to promptly report to the Warden every neglect of duty, impropriety, or misconduct, on the part of any officer, guard, or employee.
5.	The Deputy Warden shall be minute in the inspection of every person when coming on duty, especially armed guards, and of their arms, and shall report to the Warden the name of any person who may come on duty under the influence of intoxicants, or without being in an appropriate uniform, or whose uniform is not in good condition; and all who are unworthy or inefficient from any cause.
6.	He may grant leave of absence to any officer, guard, or employee for a period of one day, but no longer, without consulting the Warden, except on emergent occasions, and then only in the absence of the Warden. The Deputy Warden shall enforce obedience to the rules and regulations, and to all orders given by the Warden, and shall maintain, generally, the police and discipline of the prison with the strictest exactness. For [pg 37] [pg 38] [pg 39] that purpose he shall frequently, during the day, but at irregular intervals and without notice, visit the shops, towers, yards, guardposts, hospital, kitchen, cells and all other apartments of the prison, and the different places where work is being done, and take every precaution for the security of the place and its inmates. And he shall see that the officers and guards are vigilant and attentive to their duty, and that they keep the inmates in their charge diligently employed during the hours of labor.
7.	He shall not permit any book, pamphlet or newspaper to be read by, or be in possession of, any subordinate officer, guard, foreman, or employee, while on duty in or about the prison. Nor shall he permit the use of liquor or smoking on the premises by any such officer, instructor, guard, or employee, while on duty.
8.	When an inmate is received the Deputy Warden shall see that he is bathed, shaved and has his hair cut, clothed in the suit of a second grade inmate, and duly presented to the Physician for examination, after which he shall measure him according to the Bertillon system, and also carefully examine into his past history and character, reporting same on blanks furnished for that purpose, after which he shall assign him to work under the direction of the Warden. He shall, at short intervals, but irregularly examine the gates, locks, doors, levers and gratings in and about the prison, and see that they are in a good and safe condition.
9.	He shall exercise due vigilance to see that there is no unnecessary waste or loss of the property of the prison, and that there is the strictest economy in the consumption and the use of supplies. Also that thorough neatness, cleanliness and good order are maintained throughout all the buildings and the grounds.
10.	He shall make himself acquainted with the social habits and conduct of every subordinate officer, guard or employee of the prison, and particularly whether, when off duty, such officer, guard or employee is a frequenter of saloons or other houses of similar resort, or associates with idle or loose characters, and report his information to the Warden.
11.	He shall see that no material is allowed to be placed near the enclosing walls, and that nothing is accessible to inmates which might facilitate escape. He shall especially see that all ladders are properly secured.
12.	As all business must first be directed through the office of the institution, he shall have a vigilant eye over every person who may have business with the prison, yards and workshops. And also see that nothing which has not been authorized by inspection in the office is carried in or out for inmates or others; and that no communication is held by such person with any inmate, except by authority granted, and in the presence of an officer.
13.	He shall, every night, before relieving the officers and guards from duty, verify, by actual count of inmates to be made by subordinates, the written daily count report furnished him from the office.
14.	As the prison reformatory law affords to inmates the privilege of earning diminution of imprisonment from maximum sentence, affects their grade standing, and in consequence their chances for parole, it will be incumbent upon all authorities of the prison to give the strictest attention to the conduct of each, that no injustice be done to any inmate or to the state. And especially it shall be the duty of the Deputy Warden to satisfy himself as to the behavior of each inmate, and his industry, alacrity and zeal in the execution of his work, so that he may be able to advise with the Warden as to the merits and proper standing of each. For this purpose he shall, when making his rounds, frequently communicate with officers, guards and employees.
15.	All breaches of discipline, or other offenses by an inmate, must be immediately reported in writing by the officer in charge to the Deputy Warden, who shall, at the earliest opportunity, make full inquiry into the facts. And if he cannot easily excuse or correct the offender without the infliction of a penalty, he will make a full report to the Warden, at the earliest practical moment, and inflict such punishment as may be necessary under his direction.
16.	The Deputy Warden shall select from the trusty inmates a sufficient number to compose a well regulated fire department and assign them to their respective duties and stations in conjunction and in harmony with the Chief Engineer. Frequent tests of the fire apparatus shall be made and frequent false alarms given and runs made to test the efficiency of the department.
17.	He shall take careful invoice of all personal property brought in by prisoners, and deposit it with the Chief Clerk for safe keeping. It shall also be his duty to store and preserve in as good condition as possible the clothing worn by a prisoner when requested to do so by said prisoner.
18.	The Deputy Warden will assign inmates to the several employments and make details of inmates to act as runners, messengers, or distributors of material in shops or elsewhere, and will decide how far such inmates may converse with other inmates, and give them such permission if any is necessary, through the officer in charge. He will, each day, make a written report to the Warden, giving the number of inmates on the previous day and how many were employed.

Deputy Warden Backland's Office, with Inmate Clerk

Prisoner's Band with Convicts Entering Cellhouse

Interior of Woman's Cell

Band with Convicts Entering Cellhouse After Outing on Holiday

Prisoner Band and Convicts Entering Cellhouse

Citizens Who Work in Shoe-Shop Leaving Prison Through Main Gate

Officer's Barber Shop with Inmate Barber

Room where Breads and Pastries are Cooled

On this floor are also located the punishment cells, the crank department and the insane ward. At the present time there are about twenty insane prisoners there and many are very dangerous and quite difficult to handle. Mike Brennan has been locked in this ward for many years. He is a life prisoner, has violent homicidal tendencies and has attacked several prisoners before being finally separated from his fellow inmates.

Mike Cunningham, who recently killed another prisoner and received a life sentence, is confined in the crank department. Cunningham is very treacherous. He conceals a sharp instrument about his person to use whenever an opportunity presents itself. He is guarded with great care by the officer in charge to see that he obtains nothing of a dangerous nature.

Each afternoon the deputy warden holds court in his office; at this time all reports of the various guards are considered and reprimands administered for violations of prison rules. The charge is first read to the offender and he is permitted to reply in his own defense. If he can prove extenuating circumstances in excuse for his breach of the rules he is excused; if not, reprimanded [pg 41] [pg 42] [pg 43] [pg 44] and perhaps deprived of his tobacco and writing tickets for three or four weeks; without these tickets the privilege is withheld.

It is well to state that no high-priced attorneys are retained by the accused in this “court” in order to locate a full-grown technicality whereby the chances of escaping censure are greatly enhanced. If the inmate has committed a serious offense the deputy warden is empowered to order the culprit put in the solitary for several days on bread and water.

Corporal punishment is strictly prohibited, and no guard or officer is permitted to “club” a prisoner except in self defense or to quell a mutiny. The following are the principal offenses for which prisoners are reported:

	Altering clothing.
	Bed not properly made.
	Clothing not in proper order.
	Communicating by signs.
	Defacing property.
	Dilatory.
	Dirty cell or furnishings.
	Disobedience.
	Disturbance in cellhouse.
	Fighting.
	Hands in pockets.
	Hands or face not clean.
	Hair not combed.
	Impertinence to visitors.
	Insolence to officers.
	Insolence to foremen.
	Insolence to fellow prisoners.
	Inattentive in line.
	Inattentive at work.
	Inattentive in school.
	Laughing and fooling.
	Loud talk in cell.
	Loud reading in cell.
	Malicious mischief.
	Not out of bed promptly.
	Not at door for count.
	Not wearing outside shirt.
	Not promptly out of cell when brake is drawn.
	Out of place in shop or line.
	Profanity.
	Quarreling.
	Shirking.
	Spitting on the floor.
	Staring at visitors.
	Stealing.
	Trading.
	Talking in chapel.
	Talking in line.
	Talking in school.
	Talking at work.
	Talking from cell to cell.
	Talking in corridor.
	Throwing away food.

Cellhouse Looking West. In Front of Desk on Left New Arrival is Searched

The Hospital in Background, and Sick Prisoners in Park

THE HOSPITAL.

This building is located at the western end of the yard and at the head of the main thoroughfare of the prison. It is modern, well lighted, ventilated, has commodious rooms and a physician is always in attendance. Dr. B. J. Merrill has been at the head of this department for many years and is considered one of the best physicians and surgeons in the state. He is assisted by a resident physician constantly in attendance. The head physician visits the prison each morning at nine o'clock and prescribes for those present at “sick call.” This call, as previously stated, takes place every morning, the men being gathered from the various departments of the prison by the assistant deputy warden.

Any prisoner who is not feeling well need only inform his guard that he wishes to see the doctor and his request is granted. This is obligatory on the part of the guard, as the physician's orders are final in such matters.

When the sick-call men arrive at the hospital they form in line just outside the door and are called into the doctor's office one at a time. The inmate states his complaint and his name and prescription is entered on the records. If too sick to work he is permitted to either stay in the hospital, loaf in the park or remain in a cell for the day. There are several cells in the cell-house which are used exclusively for this purpose. After the chronic cases have been disposed of the chief physician attends to the more serious ailments. He also prescribes the diet for the sick prisoners, and if they order anything that is not in the culinary department it is purchased at once.

The hospital is well patronized by the inmates. During [pg 48] the month of July, 1908, 2,018 cases were disposed of. But the building used for a hospital is now altogether inadequate to accommodate the growing demands of the institution, as the population of the prison has practically doubled during the past decade.

With regard to epidemics the prison has been very fortunate and the mortality list has been exceedingly small. The death rate for 1908 was only nine, principally due to tuberculosis, a disease which is quite prevalent in penitentiaries the world over.

During the summer months the convalescent patients are permitted the freedom of the park all day. Those who are unable to walk are carried down and given an opportunity to get the beneficial outdoor air.

The following rules give a clear idea of the duties of chief physician:

Duties of the Prison Physician

1.	The Physician shall visit the prison every day, between the hours of seven and ten in the morning, and examine and prescribe for all sick inmates, and also at such other times as the condition of the inmates may demand. He shall also visit all prisoners in the sick cells who are unable to come to sick call. If sent for at any time by the Warden or Deputy Warden to attend an inmate he shall immediately do so to the exclusion of all other engagements.
2.	He shall examine every inmate on his entering the prison, and record in a book for that purpose his name, date of entrance, date of examination, nationality and race of inmate, and of his parents; his weight, stature and heredity, so far as affects his criminality or health; also the condition of his heart, lungs and other organs; the rate of pulse and respiration; the measurement of the chest and abdomen, and any existing disease, deformity or other acquired or inherited disability, and he shall immediately vaccinate him.
3.	He shall keep a record of all admissions to and discharges [pg 49] [pg 50] [pg 51] from the hospital, and of all cases treated by him, with the name, number and the place of the inmate, and the diagnosis and treatment, with such observations as may assist in forming a perfect record of each patient.
4.	He shall make a written report daily to the Warden of the attendance at the sick call in the morning, and of the disposition made of those reported sick. And also of all admissions to, and discharges from the hospital.
5.	He shall, every morning, carefully examine all inmates in the solitary cells, or in special restraint or punishment elsewhere, and shall make a written report to the Warden as to the condition of each. He shall be particular to report to the Warden in writing any inmate whose health he thinks is being injured by the punishment or restraint he is being subjected to, and shall recommend such changes in such inmate's diet or otherwise as he may think necessary. In the absence of the Physician the Assistant Physician shall make similar examinations every evening, and make a written report to the Warden.
6.	The Physician shall frequently, and also whenever requested by the Warden, examine all of the cells of the inmates, the plumbing and cell ventilators, for the purpose of ascertaining whether they are kept in a proper state of cleanliness and ventilation and in a good sanitary condition and report their condition to the Warden and to the official who made the request.
7.	He shall, whenever requested by the Warden, and also whenever he thinks proper, examine the quality of the provisions and condition of the food provided for inmates. Whenever he shall find that any provisions are unwholesome, or that the food is insufficient, or for any reason prejudicial to their health, he shall immediately make report thereof to the Warden.
8.	He shall have full control over the patients in the hospital, subject to the rules of the prison and instructions of the Warden, and shall give daily instructions as to the treatment of each patient to the assistant physician and his orders must be followed.
9.	In case an inmate claims to be unable to labor by reason of sickness or other disability, the Physician shall examine such inmate. If, in his opinion, such inmate is unable to labor, or his occupation should be changed, he shall immediately certify [pg 52] the fact to the Warden. Such inmate shall thereupon be released from labor or his occupation be changed or he be admitted to the hospital or elsewhere for medical treatment, as the Physician shall direct, having due regard for the safe keeping of such inmate. When he certifies that such inmate is sufficiently recovered to be able to labor the inmate may be required to do so.
10.	He shall, whenever requested to do so by the Warden, make a careful examination of any inmate, and make a written report of his physical and mental condition.
11.	Whenever an inmate, in the opinion of the Physician, becomes insane, he shall certify the fact to the Warden, giving his reasons therefor, and make a full statement of the mental and physical condition of the prisoner, together with his opinion as to what disposition should be made of him.
12.	When an inmate dies the Physician shall record the cause of death and all the circumstances connected therewith, and as full a history of the previous health of the prisoner as he may be able, and immediately report the information to the Warden.
13.	When the Physician considers it necessary, or when requested by the Warden, to make a post-morten examination of the body of a deceased inmate, he shall do so within twenty-four hours thereafter, if possible, and shall immediately make a written report of the result of his examination to the Warden as to the cause of death. He shall also call the coroner of the county whenever he may deem it proper to do so.
14.	The Physician may be assigned an assistant to be designated as Assistant Physician and such number of nurses as may be necessary to properly care for the sick. Such Assistant Physician shall be selected by the Warden with the approval of the Physician, and shall carry out in full the Physician's orders in the care of the sick.
15.	He shall keep such books, and in such form as may be ordered by the Board of Control and by the Warden.
16.	He shall report in writing to the Warden for the information of the Board of Control at its monthly meeting, the patients received into the hospital or treated in the cells or elsewhere during the preceding month, stating their respective ages, diseases, previous occupations in prison, the time they have remained [pg 53] in the hospital or cells, the date of commencement and termination of treatment, and number of days during which such patients, in consequence of sickness, have been relieved from labor. Also the death and cause thereof, transfers to Insane Asylums and such other facts, with recommendations, as he desires to submit.
17.	At the close of each biennial period the Physician shall make a report to the Board of Control as to the sanitary condition of the prison during the biennial period just passed, in which he shall present, in summarized form, all information included in his daily and monthly reports. The Physician will be responsible for all instruments and supplies in his department.

Hospital Cell and Life Prisoner

Prisoner's Exercise Drill on Sunday

Hospital Cells, Prison Doctor and Inmates

HALLUCINATIONS OF A FEW PRISONERS

Like all other penitentiaries, the Minnesota State Prison contains its quota of inmates who are slightly demented, or who have periodical fits of hallucinations. When these unfortunates give oral demonstrations in the evening after the prisoners have retired and all is quiet for the night they furnish considerable amusement. Their mental state, of course, is deplored by all, and it is only their language that arouses the risibilities of fellow prisoners.

THE TELEGRAPH OPERATOR.

One of these men imagined himself to be an operator in St. Paul; that he had a train going out and one coming in on the same line. He was vigorously tapping away on one of the walls of his cell when a night guard asked him what troubled him. “This,” said the prisoner in all seriousness, “is a telegraph station in St. Paul.” [pg 54] “Well, you had better cut this out and go to bed; the prisoners can't sleep with all this fuss going on.” “Fuss nothing,” angrily retorted the prisoner, “I'm attending strictly to business! The Governor is on one of those trains and if there is a wreck there will be trouble!”

The captain of the night watch immediately sent for the deputy warden to suppress the “operator,” who, when he arrived, and after a sharp command to be quiet, without glancing up from his “key” ordered the deputy to go away and “not interrupt him.” Of course this rejoinder caused the other inmates to burst out laughing, and no amount of discipline could check their merriment. By this time it was necessary to open the cell door and take the operator bodily from his “key” and transfer him to the observation ward at the solitary. Just as he was relieved from “duty” he shrieked at the deputy, “You will catch h— if those two trains come together!”

THE BEDBUG INCIDENT.

For some unaccountable reason the cellhouse building is infested with bedbugs, notwithstanding the fact that every effort is made to exterminate them. An afflicted prisoner one day stepped up to the deputy warden, respectfully gave the customary military salute, and, with a solemn face that would do credit to a judge about to impose the death penalty, remarked: “Say deputy, I have a complaint to make.” “All right, proceed,” said the deputy. “Well,” continued the prisoner, “there are about five hundred inmates who pass my cell every day going to and from their work and each man throws a bedbug into my cell. This d— foolishness has to be stopped or there will be something doing,” and the man looked as though he meant business. Telling of the [pg 55] incident afterwards, the deputy said that the story was so absurd he could scarcely refrain from laughing.

THE X-RAY MACHINE.

There was also a prisoner whose particular form of dementia was in imagining that the man in the cell above him persited in turning an X-ray machine on him, and the imprecations that he would voice every now and then are unprintable. The incident had its laughable side, nevertheless, and an outburst from him was always very amusing.

So, too, were the demonstrations of the man who imagined that he had a river on his back that emptied into his left ear. Every now and then he would exclaim, “Boys, the river is rising,” or that the “river was drying up.” He was absolutely harmless, but a trifle noisy.

IMAGINES HIMSELF PRESIDENT.

At present there is a life prisoner confined in the Minnesota State Prison who constantly imagines himself the President of the United States. He is a Russian, was considered quite harmless until a few years ago, when he threatened to kill the deputy warden, and was removed to the crank department. His conversations were very ludicrous, continually promising the boys who talked with him that “as soon as he was pardoned (which was always soon) he would appoint them” to the various positions at the disposal of the chief executive. As a humorist he was on a par with the inmate who imagines that his cell is full of ghosts. Every now and then this man proceeds to drive out these unwelcome intruders, and swears at them roundly. He becomes very noisy during this driving out process and the night guards [pg 56] frequently command him to desist. When assured that the ghosts are all out of his cell he remains quiet the rest of the evening. These spells occur frequently, and there is little question but that the man really believes that ghosts are in his cell.

PRISON HUMOR.

Several years ago there was an inmate in the Stillwater penitentiary who unconsciously perpetrated one of the best jokes that had been heard at the institution for some time. He was a German and a hard-working carpenter by trade. He was honest to a fault and led a model life while on the outside. The crime for which he was sentenced was assault on a fellow workman, and for this offense he received a two-year sentence at the Stillwater penitentiary. He was immediately put to work for the Minnesota Thresher Co., being assigned work in one of the carpenter shops. One day he forgot to take his plug of chewing tobacco with him to the shop, having left it laying on the small table in his cell. That evening when he came in from work he found the plug of tobacco missing. He at once began calling for one of the night guards, and on that gentleman's arrival the prisoner remarked:

“Say, Mr. Guard, dere must pe thieves in dis here blace. Mine tobacco's she was gone, und I harms noboddies. I dink ve petter send for dere bolicemans und catch sum uf dem rascals.”

The foregoing story is absolutely authentic, and was told again and again by the prisoners who appreciate a good joke as keenly as their free brothers. It also brings out rather forcibly the fact that, notwithstanding the man was in prison, he was still honest.

THE VERSATILE PRISONER.

It is quite generally known that the prisoners at the Minnesota state prison are prohibited from talking, and what conversation there is, generally takes place on a holiday or is permitted in cases where their work makes talking necessary. One day there was committed to the prison a man who was proficient in a dozen different languages. The deputy warden was examining the man as to his birth, nationality, religion, etc., and when he asked the prisoner his nationality he replied that he could talk in several different languages. “Hump,” grunted the deputy, “we talk English here and d— little of that.”

CAPT. “JACK” CRAWFORD'S JOKE ON THE GUARDS.

Several years ago the poet-scout, Capt. “Jack” Crawford, delivered a lecture in the prison chapel to the inmates. In passing it is well to state that this well-known lecturer makes it a point to visit the various penal and charitable institutions throughout the country free of charge, hence his friendly call at the Stillwater prison.

During the course of Mr. Crawford's remarks he paused in his discourse and said: “Men, I heartily sympathize with you for being in the unfortunate condition you are, but (and the speaker pointed his hands at each side of the room where the guards were stationed) if these high-toned gentlemen in blue uniforms were dressed in the same clothes you are and placed among you, why I couldn't tell the difference between you!”

This unintentional joke at the guards caused a great deal of applause, but when Mr. Crawford's remarks are [pg 58] examined by cold, logic, it will be found that he simply told the truth and that the dissimilarity is a question of clothes and nothing else.

FEEDING THE DONKEYS.

When the prison band was first organized the inmate musicians made a noise that was something indescribable. It sounded like a sawmill blowing up, or a handsaw striking a 60-penny spike. One day one of the highly-strung nervous chaps went up to the deputy warden and asked permission to buy a bale of hay.

“What do you want hay for?” asked the deputy.

“Why,” replied the prisoner, “I would like to present a bale of hay to those jackasses in the park who are making all that confounded noise.”

TRICKS OF PRISONERS WHO SHAM ILLNESS

A prison is not an admirable place for those disinclined to work. A man occasionally succeeds in hoodwinking the authorities for a time, but this rarely occurs. Whenever there is a reasonable doubt the prisoner is given the benefit of it. A case in particular is that of one Mr. B., who complained that the entire lower part of his body was paralyzed and that he was unable to walk. He was given a pair of crutches and put in the hospital ward, where he lived well, his wants supplied by the attendants and where he had absolutely nothing to do. The doctors suspected that he was faking and secretly applied tests to verify their belief. Evidently the man was on his guard and fully acquainted with the various modes of procedure in such cases, for he stood the tests unflinchingly.

Finally Warden Wolfer took his case under personal charge and evolved a plan that the clever prisoner had not figured on as one of the possibilities of detection. The strategy was this: A newly-appointed guard was dressed in a third-grade suit of convict clothes on the day when the prisoners in the crank department were given their weekly shave. Mr. B. was sitting on the bench waiting to be shaved. The deputy warden stepped into the room with the alleged third-grade prisoner and gruffly ordered him to be seated, then turned to the barber and told him to shave the third-grade man next, as he was in a hurry. Not an inkling of suspicion flashed across Mr. B.'s brain. In the door leading into this ward a small peep-hole is arranged, enabling the guard to look into the room without entering. The warden was stationed behind this door to observe the results of this scheme. As the third-grade “prisoner” sat down to be shaved he suddenly seized one of the barber's razors, and, with a whoop, jumped out of the chair and made for the “helpless” Mr. B., who immediately cast aside his crutches and rushed down the corridor to escape from the supposed demented “prisoner.” The fact that his legs were paralyzed and that he was acting a part was entirely forgotten.

At this stage of the proceedings the warden entered the room and informed the crestfallen Mr. B. that the comedy was over. At first he was inclined to continue the paralytic roll, but when informed that he had the option of going to work or taking an indefinite stay on a bread-and-water diet he wisely chose the first alternative, and for the remainder of his term gave no more trouble.

Another case of shirking is that of Mr. M., who is a life prisoner and who has spent over a quarter of a [pg 60] century behind the bars of Minnesota's famous penal institution. He insisted that something was wrong with his limbs and that he could not walk; that he needed the assistance of crutches, but one night one of the nurses observed him walking back and forth in his cell, evidently taking a needed constitutional. He was sent to work in a few days and is today walking as successfully as ever. He employed this deception for many years.

A “HORSE” ON THE PRISON PHYSICIAN.

Some time ago there arrived at the prison a man who appeared to be, as far as visible appearances were concerned, a chronic sufferer from epileptic fits. On the day he entered prison he had two of these fits, and almost every day thereafter they occurred with surprising frequency. The assistant physician was always called on these occasions, but could do nothing for the sufferer, he being thoroughly convinced that the fits were the real article. The prisoner was given an easy position in the cellhouse, as it was considered too dangerous to have him working in the shops alongside of the machines, belting, etc.

Finally, however, this easy job began to pall on the epileptic prisoner's nerves; and he asked the deputy warden to be transferred to the shops. “I can't do it,” said the deputy, “as it would be against the physician's orders to change your work.”

“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 [pg 62] 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 In Park

Prison Train Backing Into Prison Yard to be Loaded with Twine

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 [pg 63] [pg 64] [pg 65] 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.

	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 [pg 69] [pg 70] [pg 71] 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.

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

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.

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 [pg 74] 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

Prison Band

Spinning Room In Twine Factory looking West.

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 [pg 78] 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 [pg 79] 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 [pg 80] 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 [pg 81] [pg 82] [pg 83] 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

Tailor Shop

Laundry

BATH ROOM

The bath room is located below the tailor shop in a two-story building. Here bathing operations are begun each Friday morning under the supervision of a guard, who marches the prisoners to the bath room, twenty-eight at a time, there being accommodations for only twenty-eight men, and each is provided with an overhead shower bath of hot or cold water.

As the guard marches in with the men the prisoners remain standing in front of their shower until the attendant registers their numbers, and the guard then stamps his cane twice on the floor to notify the prisoners to begin bathing. The registered number slips are sent upstairs, where the inmates' clothing is kept in pigeon holes arranged along the walls of the laundry, each pigeon hole being labeled with the prisoner's register number, and at the expiration of his bath is hastily sent downstairs and placed on the small door leading to his stall. Each prisoner is given a clean handkerchief and pair of socks.

When the men are through bathing and the guard again stamps twice on the floor with his cane they step out of the bathing booths, and at the signal the march back to the shop begins. It requires about fifteen minutes to bathe twenty-eight men.

Just in the rear of the tailor shop is a cobler, whose duties are to repair the shoes of the inmates. All the shoes are bought, including the discharged clothing worn by the inmates, when they are relieased from prison.

Prisoners at Chapel Service on Sunday

Bath Room

Second Grade Dining Room, Accomodating 350 Prisoners, All of Whom are Fed in 15 Minutes