New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1882-03-20
PETITIONS BY THE THOUSAND.

THE GARFIELD CLUBS MOVEMENT FOR THE COM
MUTATION OF SERGEANT MAsoN's SENTENCE.
The Garfield Club, an Independent Republican
organization. has its headquarters at Seventh-ave
and Fffty-ninth-st. 1t was organized in 1850. TO
promote the dissemination of Republican principles
and to aid the election Of the candidates Of that
party, National, State and local. 1t was then known
as the Grand Circle Club After the dea tn of Presi
dent Garfield its name was changed to that it now
bears. 1t has a membership of more than 200 At
the last meeting of the club John j. Clancy offered
q resolution that petition be circulated request
ing the President to commute the sentence of Ser
geaut Mason from eight years imprisonment. the
sentence OF the court martial to dismissal from tho
Army. The resolution was passed, and blank petit
tons were prepared. The petition read follows
To the President orhe United states:
We the undersigned ctiZons OF tho United States, be-
ncVlnR that the sentence passed by martial upon
Sergeant Mason for many years faithful soldier Of the
Army whese previous record had been unsued by any
sary severe and unwarantcd by the circumstances
OF the United States that he will take into consideration
the previous record Of the accused the doubt his
moral responsibility at the time Of the commission VI the
crime and the great and universal indignation then and
now felt aud expressed by the American people against
specfuy ask the President to relieve Sergeant Mason
from any other or further penalty .han dismissal from
the Army
The action Of the club was made public on satur-
day morning. BY 2 p. III. of that day, William e.
Blake, the secretary of the club had received tele
grams from many towns in Massachusetts, Pennsyl-
Postal cards were received by the score from all
parts of the city. The members of the club were
tOnished at the response to their action, but set
themselves TO work TO supply the demand. The
printer employed by the club was ordered TO spare
no effort TO prepare the requisite number OF blanks
to supply the demand. Each blank Is made for
fifty names, but more can be added by attaching
blank sheets to that on which is printed the petit
ton. The members worked late on Saturday night
and all day yesterday answering the requests for
petitions which came by mail and telegraph, giving
away many also TO those who called
in person. Mr. Blake said yesterday
that he had given out blanks sufficient for 100000
signatures. the basis Of fifty namos to each one.
Among those who called yesterday at the rooms of
the club aud signed the petition were some soldiers
of the Regular Army from Governors Island and
Fort Hamilton Most of the callers DESTROYS Of
obtaining blanks TO circulate among their friends.
I'VE knew the movement would be popular con-
tinued Secretary Blake. "but We had no idea Of
the avalanche 1t would precipitate on u.s. We be-
heve we can forward 100000 names 10 Washing
ton within O few days.
The club has already expended about 800 IN
printing and postage The petitions will be posted
to-day in all the depots telegraph offices. newspaper
Offices banks, police stations, engine houses and
larger business houses In this city, Brooklyn and
Jersey City, Assemblyman McSlanus has already |
introduced the subject In the Assembly and Senator
IreanOr will this evening introduce similar resO- |
luton in the Senate President kittle. Treasurer
DIllenbach Secretary Blake and Mr. Clancy will 20
to Albany tonight to urge the question Of the petit
ton on the attention of members of the Legislature
"A Little Friend f. W." sends to this Office 80 |
for the wife and children of Sergeant Mason