Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-10-17

RhIes and Regulations for Pardon
Applications.
The large number Of con victs IN the State
Prison, and the increasing demands for Ex-
ecutite clemency, render the exercise Of
that high prerogative, moro than ever, very
delicate and difficult duty. The applications
are generally ex parte--.Dstigated by parties
deeply interested, either from ties of reiS-
tlooship or less meritorious reasons, and
often supported by strong personal appeals
to the Executive. In majority of cases i.
is difficult to determine whether the case is
meritorious one. A proper presentation
of the other side OF the question would pro-
tect society, and at the same time do no in
Justice to the convict. Under well settled
conviction that bad men are sometimes re-
turned to society by the honest exercise of
the pardoning power, upon ex parte Inisrep-
reservations OF facts, l feel constrained,
from high sense of public duty, to publish
the following rules, (Which have generally
been acted upon,) for the information of
parties who may otherwise make f;uitless
efforts and perform expensive journeys to
the Capitol without results:
1. The application must, in all cases, be
in writing, stating specifically the merits of
the case and the reasons why the convict
should be pardoned.
2. If the evidenc, on the final tiial, was
reduced to writing, it must accompany the
petitions; as we'll as certified copy Of the
| Indictment and judgment of conviction.
8. While every citizen will be respectful
| ly aud patiently heard, in any verbal state
ment of the merits or dement's Of any pend
ing application for pardon, yet, no repre-
sentstion Of facts, or appeals for clemency,
will have any influence, for or against the
application, nor will they be considered or
weighed, until reduced to willing, and
signed by the party making them. (Section
1858 of the Code.) Provided, che (the
Governor) shall cause to be entered in q
book, kept for that purpose, bis reasons for
| grating pardoDs, or commutatiDg punish
ment, and preserve on file all documents
on which he acted, aud submit the same to
the General Assembly when called on"
This provision cannot be fully met by any
| other course.
| 4. When the evidence upon which the
prisoner was convicted is not furnished, the
papers will be referred to the Attorney
General OF the district in which the spph.
cant was convicted, before any final action
is taken.
5. Such other terms and conditions viii
be imposed as each case may appear tc
merit.
8. The pardoning power having been il
no respect sbrida ed, qualified or changed
by the lease of the Stale Prison, the lessees
have no voice in any application for pardon
and they have not been in the past, and vii
not in the future be consulted in any case
nor win the wish, desire or interest of the
lessees control in the least degree any ap
plication for pardon. The prisoners COZ
duct (Which will always be considered) !;
recorded by the Warden, and furnished
officially to this office, upon application.
These rules will be adhered to rigidly ant
all parties are admonished that the merit
of each case as disclosed by properl.
authenticated documents will control 1T
fate.
Therefore The employment of agents Of
attorneys 10 prosecute pardon-application
in person will avail no. hing.
JNo. g. BROWN.
By order Of the Governor.
JNo. S. WILKs, Private Secretary