Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 104, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 September 1903 — GATLINGS ON GUARD [ARTICLE]

GATLINGS ON GUARD

UNIQUE FOLSOM PENITENTIARY HAS NO WALLB California Prison Abe Only o|ie of Ita Kind in the World —Memories of the Kventfnl Bays When Charles Anil Was Warden. The escape of thirteen desperate convicts from Folsom penitentiary, near BacTamefito, , Cal., brought that somewhat noted Western penal institution unpleasantly before the public. It Is the most remarkable place of its kind in the world in that, while confining hundreds of daring men, there is no wall around it In this respect It is unique among such institutions. Memories of the eventful days when Charles Aull was warden of Folsom prison have been recalled by the recent escape of convicts from the institution. Aull was one of the most picturesque characters developed iu the rough aud ready life in California in the years following the gold discoveries. He was the man who planned and perfected the unique guarding of the Folsom prisoners, and It was his proud boast that in the twenty-five years be was warden not a man escaped. % A small graveyard standing outside the gray sides of the prison gave Aull his chance to boast like No prisoner ever escaped because Auß’s guards shot any man who tried to flee. Aull was a splendid marksman, and he demanded of his guards the same skill with firearms. Every week he held a shooting contest, and if any man fell below ,ji percentage of 85 twice in succession be was taken from the watch towers and put to work as turnkey until he had risen to the desired standard again.