The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1878-01-31
ONE OF GOV YOUEGs PARDONS- MR. PER.
RY CLOSE OF FREMONT, rs SA YED FROM
THE PENITEN7IARY BY PAYING FIVE
HUNDRED DOLLARSi

We see by the papers that Fremont Is stirred uT
over the pardon Of Perry Close Of that place, by
Governor Young, and Mr. Young himself is un'
easy over IT, II seems from the Enquirer special
that: Last June Mr., Perry Close, an old resident
Of Fremont, man Of property aud Influence, 0
grocer by business, had difficulty with man
named Behner Close is a quick, passionate man
and in the fraOas, carved Behner nigh unto the
unknown sphere, Close was indicted by the
Grand Jury, and to the astonishment Of the entire
community was convicted, and the sensational
conviction was followed by sentence to II
pei itentiary for one year.
Close is one Of the first families Ia Hayes's town
q neghbor and Republican friend Of the Pres
ident 1t made increased excitement, aud greal
trial or to get new trial, concerted action was
proposed to save Close from the penltentiary by a
pardon A powerful circle Of friends took the
mater In hand committee Of tie strongest cili,
zens, with General Buckland, Closes attorney, to
direct them, was appointed and then went to
work collecting the most favorable statements
possible A powerful appeal was thereon made
to Governor Young. President Hayes himself ac-
Companed 1t with personal letter. putting the
recommendation, 1t is said, on very strong per.
sonal reasons, Charles Foster and others also did
the same thing.
Among those taking a prominent part was Mr..
June. The committee went ON to Columbus and
l0bbied with Governor Tom, but without avail, as
II seems, until the very last day, when the sen.
tence Of the law must be executed, and, Close
having lain In Jail ten days already, the Sheriff
started With him for the penitentlary. Arriving
at Columbus, the Sheriff and Close were met by a
Mr. West, who keeps saloon In the Neil Heuse,
who impaired the news that Close had been par.
doned, which, to their Joy, thoy found proved to
be true.
Mr. Close, with Governor Toms sheep.skin in
his pocket, returned TO Fremont, and upon his
arrival general congratulations and rejoicing
from neighbors were extended.
This was fortnight ago, and Mr., Close, speak.
ing Of the pardon, spoke of its having cost him
$500. Probably from this a scandal took form that
Governor Young had been paid $500 for Closes
pardon, 1t reached Governor Toms ears, and he
forthwith inquired about 1t, sending In an inqui.
ry to Mr.. Close. The latter answered he had paid
that sum 10 one man. but not to Governor Young;
but, being pressed for the name, he said it was
Daniel L. June. Immediately Governor Young
summoned Close and June to Columbus. They
went, and were taken into the presence Of the
Governor together Close, being questioned, an.
swered he had paid the sum named to Mr. June.
The latter being interrogated answered that he
had received the spondulix. Governor Young
then few into a rage, and said he would give Mr..
June three hours to refund to Close "But
haven't the money paid 1t out to lobby In the
case" said June. Then Governor Tom ragged
again, and damned the names of the lobbyists,
but these June refused to give. He said the
money was paid to two men, but no efforts OF the
Governor could compel or induce him to name
the men. Both returned home, and quietly went
to their business but public comment wouldn't
get quiet,
G ose has employed General Buckland as his
attorney 10 commence action against June to re-
cover the money, setting up the plea that June
obtained the $500 under false pretenses. June
stated to Sunday Journal reporter that he had
paid the 90 for influence to secure the pardon Of
Close, but he said he had no information where
the money went after 1t passed out of his hands
Mr., June is very prominent citizen. He has
heen a candidate for Member of Bo I'd of Public
Works of Ohio, for Representative to the Leglsla.
ture, and last year was the Republican nominee
for State Senator.