RIOTOUS CONVICTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 51, Issue 135, 20 March 1931, Page 5

RIOTOUS CONVICTS.

BURNING &F PRISON BUILDINGS .4' .• SUBDUED BY RIFLE FIRE. (United Press Association—Copyright.. NEW YORK, March 18. A message from 'Joliet (Illinois) states that dramatic and tragic scenes were enacted in the new State prison to-day, when 1800 convicts, taking their cue from the inmates of the old prison; who rioted last Saturday, destroyed seven buildings by fire and were checked only by the rifles of the National Guard. Four deaths among the convicts and the wounding of several Guards resulted from both uprisings. Protesting against the Parole Board which was inflicting heavy sentences, the prisoners heat their guards in the furniture factory and drove off the chaplain, who; pleaded with them to return to their cells. The Warden, unarmed, rushed into the yard and urged the men to go back, but he was treated with jeers. The rioters went from plant to plant, setting fires everywhere. Froin „ the machine shop they collected missiles, which they used against the guards and the State soldiery, who subdued the rioters. “What we want is a new Parole Board,’’ the prisoners shouted even as they retreated upon the first volley.