The engine room is located on the main street of the institution, and it is here that power is generated for driving the immense lines of shafting that radiate through [pg 103] [pg 104] [pg 105] the several departments. The power plant is in charge of a chief engineer and several inmate assistants, two of whom are life prisoners, one having charge of the big engine and the other attending to the electric light plant. Both men are under considerable responsibility, but they are conscientious workers and have little difficulty in performing their duties satisfactorily.

The chief engineer has charge of the automatic sprinkling plant, engine, steam heating, ventilating, cooking, electric light plant, water supply and all the machinery pertaining thereto. Each of the cells contains an eight-candle power lamp, and the shops and streets are provided with electric lights so that the inmates can see to work during the winter months. As they are employed from seven in the morning until six in the evening the year around, lights are often necessitated.

THE PRISON FIRE DEPARTMENT

It is not generally known, but, nevertheless, the prison maintains a well organized fire department. This brigade is not a large one, but as a first aid in case of necessity it is equipped to do efficient service.

There are eight prisoners on the day shift and the same on the night crew. The fire alarm system of the prison is as nearly perfect as human ingenuity can devise. There are two hose carts, and frequent experimental runs are made in order to keep the department to a high state of efficiency. At these runs the men go to the fire house, take out the hose carts and make as quick time as possible to the nearest hydrant where the supposed fire exists, the hose is attached and all preparations made as if a real fire were under way.

Occasionally a general night alarm is sent in, and when this occurs all the guards residing at the prison must respond promptly. The warden and deputy warden also respond to a general night alarm. Since the big fire of twenty-five years ago, and that which consumed the large paint shop occupied by the Minnesota Thresher Co., about eighteen years ago, there have been no conflagrations within the prison grounds. This, in a great measure, is due to the vigilance exercised in each department in regard to leaving refuse and inflammable material lying around.

RULES GOVERNING DISCIPLINE.

Your attention is directed to the following rules. Only by observing and obeying them can you make a good record as a prisoner and become eligible for parole and the diminution of your sentence which the law allows:

1. Your first duty is strict obedience to all rules and regulations and any orders of the officer under whose charge you may be placed.
2. You must observe strict silence in all departments of the prison and while marching through the yard.
3. You must not speak to, give or receive from visitors anything except by permission of the Warden or Deputy Warden. Gazing at visitors or strangers passing through the prison is strictly forbidden.
4. You are expected to apply yourself diligently at whatever labor you are assigned, and, after reasonable teaching, to perform the same amount of work as would be required from you as a citizen.
5. At every signal to fall in for marching take your place in line promptly. March with military step, attend to and promptly obey the orders of your officer.
6. You will be required to keep your person clean and your clothing tidy and in good order. You must not make any alterations in your clothing or cut your shoes; if they do not fit [pg 107] [pg 108] [pg 109] or need repairs report the fact to your officer. You must not carry knives, tools of any kind, pencil, paper or any material whatever from your shop to your cell without permission in writing from the Warden or Deputy Warden. Finding these things in your possession will be considered proof that you have violated this rule. Tinkering or writing notes to other convicts or carrying notes from one convict to another is strictly forbidden.
7. You are not allowed to have any money on your person or in your possession, neither are you permitted to trade or purchase any article whatever. All of your business must be done through the Warden.
8. You must approach an officer in a respectful manner. Always salute him before speaking. You must confine your conversation with him strictly to the business in hand. You must not address an officer on matters outside the prison. Insolence in any form to an officer, foreman, or even to a fellow convict will not be tolerated,
9. On entering the cell house, office of the Board of Control, Warden or Deputy Warden you must uncover unless your duties are such that you have special permission to remain covered.