The Russellville Democrat., 1880-07-22
A Fit Subject for Pardon.
Cor. Globe Democrat.

Twenty-two years ago the 28th of Sep tembcr next the huge iron gate of Au- burn Prison closed with dismal clang upon William Comstock, and the pris- oner, whose heart sank low in his breast, began sentence of life behind the cold limestone walls that surround the institution. His was a terrible crime. Maddened byeswhisky, he slew his own father and mother. He cut their hearts out, so the. story goes, and was prepared to roast them for horri- ble, inhuman feast when interference came and the perpetrator of this awful deed was taken away to jail. This fear fll act occurred in the town of Brook field, Madison county, New York. Com stock was indicted, and subsequently, ar raigned for trial Inasmuch as the double murder was committed when the man was wild with delirium tre- mems. he was permitted to plead guilty to manslaughter in the first degree, which he did, and on the 25th of Sep tember, 1858, he was sentenced by Judge Hiram Gray to imprisonment for the term of his natural life. Com stock at the time was thirty-seven years of age. During all these twenty-two
 
 walls, and now, at the age of fitty-nine. is as ignorant of the ways of the world as the muling infant in it's mothers arms. When he entered the institution he had no occupation, and up to twelve years ago was employed in what is known as the State shop at all kinds of work. Since then he has been in the tailor shop. His duties now principally consist of looking after the convicts' clothing. Every night from s to 8 o'clock he is engaged in distributing the mems shirts about the galleries in the different wings. Comstock is Tn many respects remarkable man. When sent to prison he was a physical wreck, from the effects of drink. Now he is appar- entIy perfect specimen of manhood. Tall, erect, with robust form, disease seems stranger to his frame. Com stock is one of the most orderly and weIl-behaved convicts in the instltu- ton. Since he has been an inmate he has never so much as been reprimanded for misdemeanor of any kind. He is industrious, ana during his incarcera- tion has not been absent a single day from his labor. His health has always been good. This is due to the excellent care that he has taken of himself. He carefully guards against ailments, and as the result he is free from the ills to which flesh is heir. He is an ordinary man in conversation and manners While he shows no particular strength of mind, he indicates no mental weak ness. He holds aloof from the other prisoners, and as consequence is re spected by them. When one convict requests him to pass note or some ob- feet to another while walking along the galleries in pursuit of his tasks, he passes on, unmindful of remarks. Nc convict ever complains of him, as he is no e-bearer, and attends strictly to his own business. Comstock lives ir hope He has faith to believe that friends will sometime interest them selves in him and endeavor to secure g pardon. He attends chapel regularly and takes deep interest in the ser vices. Twice, it is believed, applications for pardon have been made to the Gov ernor, but both times brother has op posed them. Major William II. Boyle the principal keeper, believes that Com stock, if released now, would make ; good citizen. He has lost his taste fol | liquor, and maintains that he knev nothing of his deed. This is doubtless true, as the man was crazy with drinl at the time Comstock is always cheer ful. He lives-in hope and never give way to despondency. He has singular face. He is dark complexioned, will high cheek bones, sharp chin an, prominent nose. His hair is slightl, silvered, but with the exception of ont small bald spot his head is thickly GOV cred. The man has improved by study and would be capable of earning al | honest living. When the conyicts wer permitted to make trnkets, none wer more skillful than Comstock. Comstocl has witnessed the coming and going O a generation of criminals, and has ob served, the prison undergo almost Q com l plete change through repairs and recon struction. He has also seen a dozel 1 changes in administration. Once il three years the set of hands in a shol entirely changes. Thus he has viewe' new workmen at the benches and lathe nearly eight times. There is not g present q single officer in the priso
 who was there when Comstock came. is doubted if ever man existed so Ion in confinement in this hemisphere a
 William Comstock. He has gazed upo the lifeless bodies of scores of convict who have died while serving their ser tences; but he has been spared. It doe
 eem as though the ends ot Justic