The Prison Mirror

Prison Contracts
For 8.800 Tons of
Coal for Winter

Let the north winds blow! It's going to be a warm winter regardless.

During the summer heat prison officials, anticipating one of Minnesota's typically arctic winters, contracted for 8,800 tons of coal, to be shipped by barge from Illinois.

The first shipment, having arrived here August 8th, consists of 2,223.8 tons--a lot of warmth for the cold months ahead.

But that will be only the beginning. Three more barge loads will arrive before cold weather sets in.

Approximately 38 carloads, the transportation from the field to the prison of the first shipment this year cost $5,670.80. On this basis, the total tonnage needed to heat the prison during the next six months will cost about $22,000 for transportation on the four bargeloads of Illinois Washed Screening.

The route the coal will follow necessitates both rail and river transportation. From Pratt, Illinois, the coal will be sent by rail to Alton, Illinois. From there it will travel by water to Stillwater, carried by the Federal Barge Line of Alton. R. Wethern, captain of the steamer Hurley owned by the Federal Barge Line delivered the first shipment.

So this winter you can yell "Turn on the heat!" and be reasonably sure that it will be turned on. 9000 tons is a lot of the stuff that keeps you comfortable.

Who wants to go home?

Not only coal is coming by barge--sisal is on its way too.

Barges No. 568 and 582 are now en route from New Orleans with 2846 bales of Yucatan sisal. They are expected to arrive at the prison landing within two weeks.