Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1885-07-09
The Pardonfnr Power.

on call.
The Pardoning Power.
We think to following letter refus-
ing to pardon Bill Ryan shows clear
ly that Governor Marmaduke thor
oughly examines all cases presented
to him and shows his usual and ia
nous good horse sense in the exer-
else of the pardoning power:
estate OF Missouri, EXECUTIVE
DEPT, CRY OF JEFFERSON, June 22.-
Hons. B. J. Franklin and Thomas
Corrigan,, Kansas City, Mo. Gentle
men: have very carefully examined
all the papers in the case of applica-
ton for pardon of William Ryan, now
undergoing sentence of twenty-five
years imprisonment for completely in
the Glendale robbery, and gathering
from them, and the representations
made orally by you and other gen.
tlemen that the points relied upon
are:
First-That as lad he was thrown
with the band of robbers known as
the "James Gang" and by them was
corrupted and led into the commits
sion of the crime for which he now
suffers; that he is probably the least
guilty of the party of criminals with
which he associated; and that he is
the only one of said band now under
going punishment
Second-That his conviction was
procured by the testimony of con-
vict who was pardoned for the pur-
pose, of another witness, who turned
states evidence.
Third-That he did not have a fair
trial, owing to the measure resorted
to by the prosecution, ostensibly to
prevent any disturbance of the pro-
ceedings.
Fourth-That he is now in bad
health, and is needed at home-as
well as in need of the care and atten-
ton he can obtain only at home.
It is not claimed that he is innocent
of the crime charged or that there is
new evidence going to show inno-
ccnce or even less criminality than
was proven upon the trial.
For brevity I will refer to these
points in the order just given.
l. The manner of his becoming 9
law breaker (evil associations) is by
no means unusual wish it were!-
and to relieve him from the conse.
Iquences of his yielding to the morbid
craving for life of adventure, with.
out regard for the source of the ex'
icitement, would, think, tend largely
to encourage this inclination of tht
youth of our country. An inclina
ton which ought to be, at least, 81
far checked as that the first question
by a young man will be, do the ex
cltement and fame come from a pur
suit that is honorable and right.
Il l can not knowingly consent to re
move such restraint from our boys
That be is the least guilty of mum
ber Of men, and that he is the onl,
one Of the number that is being pun
, ished, appears to me no reason VIII,
he should not be punished if he i
guilty. The measure Of his punish
ment should be what he has done
not what some one else has escaped
2. The source of the evidenc
against him was determined by th
circumstances of the case, and was
matter for the consideration of tn
court and jury. What I may thin
of the wisdom of setting free hard
ened criminal to convict younge
and less offensive one, is not at a
pertinent to the case, so long as th
, truthfulness of the evidence is nc
l disputed, and I do not care to cor
5 slider it here.
i 8. The question of the unfairnes
D of the trial is one properly belongin
. to the courts-hoth trial and appe
late. I do not see how the circun
stances alleged. if true, could we
: have had any influence on the jury
1 determining the severity Of the pur
q isnmehe, IL puuisueu dt Ill.
Il 4. You will doubtless remembt
that it is, by statute, made the dut
!, of the physician for the penitentiar
d to report certain conditions of a
d health to the board of Inspector
!, who pass on the case and in retur
= report to the governor. Nothing I
that kind has been done in the pre-
e ent instance. But in order to be al
e vised in this particular l requeste
= that careful medical examination
4 the prisoner be made and reported
me. This was done, and report mao
THAT while he is in poor health
yI~ there are present no physic
n signs of disease of the lungs
e and no condition that necessitat
!, his immediate release
/ conclude that he being admitted
e guilty of robbery in the first degre
,, and the punishment assessed n
r being unusually severe-the lowe
g by statute is ten years. decline
iinterpose executive clemency.
:" Very truly yours,
u JOHN s. MARMApUKE.