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Story
August 6, 1930
Imperial Valley Press
El Centro, Imperial County, California
What is this article about?
A brief race riot erupted at New York City's Welfare Island penitentiary between white and negro prisoners over baseball diamond access, injuring 27 with stab wounds and blows from bats. 400 of 1700 inmates participated; guards restored order without escapes or injuries to staff.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
NEW YORK PRISON IS QUIET AFTER SHORT RACE RIOT
NEW YORK, Aug. 6. (U.P.) - Welfare Island, the city penitentiary in the East river, was quiet today after a short but bitter riot between groups of white and negro prisoners over use of the baseball diamond, which resulted in injury to 27.
Four hundred of the jail's 1700 prisoners took part in the fight. Most of the injured suffered stab wounds. The 10 minutes of rioting in the intense heat was not directed against the guards, and there was no attempt to escape.
Bad feeling between negro and white prisoners, who are given a two-hour recreation period after the evening meal, had existed for several days. The whites accused the negroes of monopolizing the diamond.
Last evening the prisoners, made surly by the heat, began the dispute again and in a minute bats were crashing against unprotected heads. Knives and fists were used freely.
An alarm was given and police squads armed with submachine guns, riot guns, and tear gas bombs poured in on the island from both sides.
Three fireboats steamed up the river and prepared to turn their hose on the fighters.
Their presence was not required, however, for the guards had the situation well in hand. Prisoners were marched back to their cells and the injured were given treatment. None of the guards were injured.
NEW YORK, Aug. 6. (U.P.) - Welfare Island, the city penitentiary in the East river, was quiet today after a short but bitter riot between groups of white and negro prisoners over use of the baseball diamond, which resulted in injury to 27.
Four hundred of the jail's 1700 prisoners took part in the fight. Most of the injured suffered stab wounds. The 10 minutes of rioting in the intense heat was not directed against the guards, and there was no attempt to escape.
Bad feeling between negro and white prisoners, who are given a two-hour recreation period after the evening meal, had existed for several days. The whites accused the negroes of monopolizing the diamond.
Last evening the prisoners, made surly by the heat, began the dispute again and in a minute bats were crashing against unprotected heads. Knives and fists were used freely.
An alarm was given and police squads armed with submachine guns, riot guns, and tear gas bombs poured in on the island from both sides.
Three fireboats steamed up the river and prepared to turn their hose on the fighters.
Their presence was not required, however, for the guards had the situation well in hand. Prisoners were marched back to their cells and the injured were given treatment. None of the guards were injured.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
Crime Story
What themes does it cover?
Misfortune
Social Manners
Crime Punishment
What keywords are associated?
Prison Riot
Race Riot
Welfare Island
New York Prison
Prisoner Fight
Racial Tension
Baseball Dispute
Where did it happen?
Welfare Island, East River, New York
Story Details
Location
Welfare Island, East River, New York
Event Date
Aug. 6
Story Details
Tensions over baseball diamond use led to a 10-minute riot between white and negro prisoners at Welfare Island penitentiary, injuring 27 with stabs and bat blows; 400 participated, guards quelled it swiftly without harm to themselves or escape attempts.