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Tuapeka Times, Volume VI, Issue 325, 28 January 1874, Page 3

" Stone walls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage," sang the old poet, and the case of Mr. John Crane, of Massachusetts, observes the " New York Tribune," would seem to confirm this philosophical view of incarceration. Mr. Crane, for rather loose proceedings in a matter of bankruptcy, was first sent toFitchburg gaol by I'nited States authorities, and passed two years in that stronghold, with out being obliged to work, and doing very much has he pleased. Afterwards, upon a conviction of fraud in a State court, Mr. Crane, was consigned for two years to the gaol in East < ambridge. Here he boasted that "he never had a key turned on him." On the ground that they were necessary to his health, he was permitt ■•d to wear his mustache and beard, while the faces of common unfortunates were shaven as smooth as a smelt. He had plenty of money, and was permited to keep it in his own possession. He went in and out of the building as he pleased, and there was nothing to prevent his going out at night if he wanted to. He purchased what he wished to eat, and cooked it in the guard-room. He smoked though there was a rule against smoking, lie gave oyster suppers to the officers. He is said to have had aU the wines and spirits he wished for, and, in the goodness of his heart to have supplied it to the prisoners. An officer who reprimanded him was threatened by this prisoner with dismissal, and singularly enough, he has since been dismissed. This is the story as we find it, and a very queer story it is.