Labor at the Prison

To return to the subject in hand. Within the gloomy walls are situated a number of long brick buildings, within which the convicts perform their daily tasks. They are sold under contract of a series of years to different firms. The Webster Wagon Works is the largest concern, and employs most of the men. Here the men, after the morning meal, are marched into the different shops; the blacksmith, paint, machine and wood works. They have each man a task to perform, which is estimated at two-thirds of an ordinary day's work. After the accomplishment of their task they are allowed to stand at ease, rest beside their benches, or, if they choose, can still continue to work until the hour for knocking off arrives. For all extra work they are allowed a certain amount, and in a number of instances, your reporter found that prisoners gain extra pay in order to secure certain luxuries, such as reading matter.