Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 205, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 August 1910 — MAKES BRIDLE TO BUY BOOKS [ARTICLE]

MAKES BRIDLE TO BUY BOOKS

Montana Prisoner Serving Long Term Is Eager to Spend Idle Time Profitably. Douglass, Arlz. —C. C. Allen does not claim to be a master of the lyre, but the Douglass Chamber of Commerce and Mines has just received an appealing letter from him which shows that while he does not hope to get out of the state prison at Deer Lodge, Montana, yet he has employed his one shining talent well in hope of using his time behind the bars so well that when he gains his freedom he will lead a better life. Here Is the letter, which explains itself: "You may be surprised to receive this letter, as I am an inmate of Montana state prison. I am serving quite a long term here, and wish to put in part of my time studying. Having this in view, I have spent several months in tedious work upon a fancy horse hair bridle, in the hope that I should be able to raise enough money out of its disposal to purchase the books that I am in need of. "It is in regard to this bridle that I take the liberty of addreslsng you, asking if you will take an interest in disposing of it for me. The bridle Is made of thousands of strands of varied colored horse-hair, and it will be found useful and strong as well as a work of art. C. C. Allen, Box 7, Deer Lodge, Montana.” Allen probably sent his letter to Douglass in the hope that some cowpuncher or Mexican Vaquero, who delight in gay saddles and ornamental bridles and horse trappings, might offer a field for purchase.