Here is a report out of Michigan where the convicts had a riot, the soldiers were brought in, and the convicts who refused to go back to work in the factory were chained and flogged.
Convicts Are Flogged
Jackson, Mich., Sept. 4. — The convicts in Jackson pen, who have been rioting for the last five days, are quiet today, save only when they cry out in agony as they are flogged.
The rioting has stopped because there are five companies of militia camped in the prison yard, and the convicts happen to know that the soldiers have orders to shoot to kill on the slightest sign of trouble.
Every prisoner was asked if he were willing to go to work today. Those who were willing were taken to the factory under special guard — shoot-to-kill guard.
Those convicts who refused to go to work were chained in their cells and are to be flogged. The prison board thinks it has been too merciful so far.
About 300 convicts returned to work. Between 70 and 100 refused. Not all of the ones who refused are chained in their cells. There weren’t enough chains to go around. Orders for more chains and Oregon boots have been sent to Chicago.
Last night was the first quiet night in the pen in the last five days. The soldiers were patrolling every corridor in their stocking feet and the whipping post had been set up.
Source: The Day Book (Chicago, Illinois newspaper). September 04, 1912.
