CONVICTS’ MELEE.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 31 August 1925, Page 5

CONVICTS’ MELEE.

IN SING SING PRISON.

KNIVES AND RAZORS USED

NEW YORK, Aug. 20. Convicts at Sing Sing prison waged furious battle among themselves. As a result, two prisoners have been sent to hospital and eight others to long .periods of solitary confinement. -» Prison politics have engendered feelings of distrust and hatred among different factions for a long time .past. It required considerable effort on the par); of prison guards to quell the battle in which fists, dishes, knives, and razors were used with maniacal ferocity. Sing Sing the very worst element front New York, and all the inmates are serving long sentences, in many cases for murder. Conditions in this penitentiary are perhaps the easiest in the United States. For instance, convict labour is not let out to private employers as in most other State prisons. But this freedom is open to grave abuse, and much ill-feeling has been caused by the favouritism shown at times to wealthy and distinguished criminals. Twelve months ago Brindel, a union boss of building employees, was sentenced for blackmailing builders with threats to call out their men on strike. Sing Sing is only an hour’s run from New York by car, and l when Brindel wished to spend a few hours in the city on business or pleasure the prison car was at his disposal. Several guards were dismissed as a result of the inquiry held into the lenient treatment of Brindel. But the inquiry also revealed that many lifers and long term murderers of means were enjoying soft jobs in the gaol. An exam.pl© is Charles Chapin, once city editor of an important New York daily paper, sentenced for murdering his Avife. He Avas made editor of the prison paper, dressed, as he liked, sent out. for liis meals, and Avas alloAved many other privileges. Though discontent has often smouldered, this is the first time it has burst into flame.