The prison mirror. [volume] (Stillwater, Minn.) 1887-1894, 1888-07-04


and prolonged sentences, when viewed from
thorough knowledge, not of their crimes.
but their personality? Now there is a rem
| edy for this. and it is in the creation of a
Board of PardOnS.' Before giving in
detail my idea of this board l must refer
once more to the prosecuting attorney and
the Judge. 1t should be required of both
these officials that they visit the prison at
least once year, and have personal inter-
view with every one whom they have been
instrumental in sending here. This would
accomplish twofold purpose. 1t would
give them clearer insight into ones char
acter than they had before, and in the Sec
Ond place. they would be better able to
judge of the effects of the confinement and
be convinced that communication might be
both desirable and just.
A prominent member of the Mime sofa
bar, at present judge on the supreme
bench. Judge L. w. Collins. has made a
precedent which l earnestly hope will be
followed by the balance Of his judicial
brethren. Sunday week ago. he annOun-
ced in chapel that he would like to see per-
sOnally. all the men that he had sent here,
and although do not think for moment
| that it is his intention to sit right down and
request the governor to pardon all these
men, but by coming in personal contact
with each one. he Will undoubtedly find
some cases which he will consider worthy
to take action upon: and if such be the re-
suit what untold good may be the outcome
of this judicial visit? In granting pardon
to any one. there are many things to con-
sider-the causes which lead to the COM
mitment of crime should be carefully inves-
tigated; the life, the habits. the associates
the social standing, should all receive atten-
ton; the possibilities which lie within the
man to become again law abiding citizen;
the probabilities of his returning to life
of crime: his conduct and character as a
prisoner; his ability to earn an honest living
and his desire to do so. These are few of
the things which must be considered, and
the men who compose the Board of PardOns
should be in position to learn these things
from personal contact and not hearSay.
The first man [ can think of who possesses
this knowledge. or in cases where he does
not, he very readily could, is the warden.
The warden is brought into personal con-
tact. more or less, with every man here,
and no one can be better qualified than he
to become one of this board. The next per-
son that presents himself to my mind as
having exceptional opportunities of observa-
ton and investigation, is the doctor. Now
these two men can come pretty close to Civ
ing correct mental, moral and physical
diagnosis of an inmate. Then in addition
to these two resident members, | would
have the third and last member of the board
an extremely active one. Make the salary
sufficient to secure good man. and let it
be his sole business to investigate the out
side issues of every case brought before the
board. Let him examine into the subse.
quent history of each case. post himself
thoroughly in all the details, and then,
when these three men come to conclusion
OH a case the public could rest assured that
it will be just one. How is it that a jury
will convict man and judge sentence
and jury will join in an effort to get him a
pardon? How is this. say? Simply be-
cause friends have been increasingly at work
and great mitigating circumstances have
been brought to light. witnesses have been
proved to have periured themselves, and
all JOIN to secure justice for the unfortunate
one. But how is it to be with the poor
man who has no friends who can afford to
spend time and money in his behalf. and
whose wife. perhaps, has to work early and
late for the pittance which is the support of
his children. Oh. he can serve the state
the remainder of his life as an example of
justice Is this justice? Is this right?
Can it be that the state of Minnesota will
allow this foul stain to rest upon her bright
name? Can it be that the people of Mime
sofa will delegate the pardOning power to
one man and then fill his hands with so
many duties that he can scarce find time 70
even visit the prison once year? Can it
be that they will confine this power to one
man knowing that he is often restrained
from exercising it by political reasons?
Can it be that Minnesota. whose star is tine
brightest in the brilliant constellation of
this glorious union. will hesitate in this
great matter, and follow in after years
where she ought to lead? Other states have
organized their boards of pardon, let Mime
sofa wheel into line, and if she has through
her state officers, done injustice. let her
khrN prhh or or 70 Nf1loo hat fio,,