Morning journal and courier., 1884-09-11
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tai diseasea As men convicted of aggravated crimes are sometimes possessed of very con siderable political influence by reason of the votes which they and their friends can con- trol, is it not in the highest degree important that the tribunal should be superior to all partisan considerations? It would be more unreasonable to expect to find these indispen- sable qualifications combined in the person of single individual, elected by popular vote on the nomination of a political conven- tion. Every dictate then of experience and observation would seem to conduct us to the conclusion that the pardoning power should be lodged in board of pardon so constituted as to secure action which shall be at once wise, intelligent, impartial and in the truest sense humane. He strongly favor ed board of pardons.
 PAPER SUBSTANTIALLY ENDORSED.
 Rev Dr. S. Irenaus, of the New York Ob- server, strongly endorsed the admirable paper of Professor Wayland, whose views were en- tirely in harmony with his own. The sub ject was one of vast importance to society at large, and he had long held to the opinion that the pardoning power should not be vest ed in one man alone, as human nature cannot long stand the strain made upon it at such times. At the metropolis the pardoning power had repeatedly stood in the way of the proper administration of justice He would put the exercise of the high preroca-
 
 court of justice The Connecticut method should be brought to the attention of all
 Rev. Dr. Byars of Columbus, O., who has had considerable experience in such matters, believed that the power of pardoning ought not to exist; but if it did, it should be con trolled by board of pardons and it's consent made unanimous. When it is left to the Governor, the presence of a grief-strieken father, mother or sister might defeat the law and allow some criminal to regain his liberty; such scenes would melt almost any individual. A court of pardons is divis- ion of the responsibility. He most cordially approved of the sentiments embraced in the valuable paper.
 A. A. Brush agent and warden of Sing Sing State prison, substantially gave the subject matter his personal approval. But, at the same time, he could see where depr1ving the chief executive of the State of the pardoning power might not prove beneficial. In cases of mutiny or insurrection in prison, when some convict, at imminent danger to his own life, protects those of the prison officials, the prisoner should at once-by telegraph-be pardoned by the Governor; this should be done in safety to the prisoners from the pos sibllity of any overt act on the part of the other prisoners and for the sake of good order and discipline, the proper maintenance of which is necessary in a penal institution tached there in an official capacity.
 President Hayes spoke in commenda- tory terms of the views embraced in the paper.
 F: B. Sanborn of Concord, Mass, spoke of the fallibility of man and the consequent necessity of placing the pardoning power in the hands of board or court of similar char acter The discussion was continued by Pro- lessor Wayland and others until recess