The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-02-26
THE EyGLTSHMAN,S CASE.
Correspondence Between Governor Mchih-
ney and MIR. Blaine.

Following is a copy Of Hon. James IT,.
Blaine's letter. written February 10th, to Cow
ernor Mckinney. in behalf of Frank Morgan,
an Fnglishman whom the Governor refused
to pardon, .,,,.,,. o.
my attention a COPY of a petition addressed
10 YOU on the 7th instant by Mr.. William h.
Osborne. of Ga Pine street, New York, IN be-
half of Frank Morgan, an Engllshman, VINO
is now undergoing "a sentence OF lmprison-
ment of eighteen months in the Virginia peni-
Tertiary al Richmond for homicide arising
out of a quarrel and ARRAY. go,
ut is understood that this sentence Will
expire in less than two months, and at the m
stance of the prisoners mother aud family
and a number Of his friends the British
Minister has sought, unOificially 10
enlist my sympathy IN the case
for reasons which the papers submitted or TO
be submitted to your ,Excellency-on the phi
soner's behalf will fully disclose. 1t Il earnest
ly desired by those who are Interested IN the
matter that you may see your way TO grant "A
pardon.
= This measure is desired in the first place
more for the effect which 1t would have upon
the young mans future than for the purpose
of relieving him from the bret remainder Oh
his term of Imprisonment
In the second place it is stated that II he
should he released without delay an avenue
to employment in ireland will be open TO INN,
which will be closed If he cannot Immediately
enter it,
1T is well understood that the case is not
one in which II would be proper Tor the boV-
eminent Of the United States 10 interpose
with official advice or suggestion, and for TINS
reason the representations OF the Brlllsn
Minister have assumed the form of personal
GOOD Offices excrted with the sanction OF his
government and not.of a1ormal request.
~ venture however. to express the nope
that all possible consideration may be gwen
to the case, andI that,syour Excellency may
exercise clemencv if you should feel yourself
TO be justified in dong so;
Il nrge this the more willingly because OF
the readiness with which the British Govern
ment has responded 10 similar requests made
by the Government OF the United States
whenever an appeal has been made III a cas-
where clemency could be exercised without
violating justice"
THE GOVERNORS REPLY.
Governor Mckinney. in his reply. says
Sir.-Your letter of the 10th Of February has
been received and considered. You state that
the British Minister has brought 10 your at
tention a copy of a petition addressed 10 me
bv Mr.. William II. Osborne, Of o. Pine street.
New York, in behalf of Frank Morgan. an
Englishman, who IS now undergoing sen
tence of imprisonment of eighteen months
arising ont Of a quarrel and ARRAY AZ the IN
stance of the prisoners mother and family
the British Minister has sought, unoihcially'
to enlist your sympathy III the case.
This matter is not now before the Governor
of Virginia for the first time. Soon after the
conviction of Morgan III the Court OF AIDE
marie, a petition was presented 10 Governor
Lee. then the Governor of Virginia. asking
the interposition of executive clemency. The
petition wac signed by gentlemen whose opln-
ions were Untitled 10 much respect. The
pauers were sent 10 the Judge who
presided at the trial, and 10 the
attorney for the Commonwealth, who prose
cuted. These officials are men of iine abilty
and much experience, and IN reply TO Gov
ernOr Lee protested most warmly against any
abatement of the verdict of fair and ntelh-
gent jury.
1t is one of the rules Of this Office to be much
Influenced i'm cases of this kind by the Opin-
ions of the trial jury and prosecuting attorney.
They being present during the trial are better
Judges of what should be done than the lioF-
ervnor. Governor Lee, after mature dellber-
alton. decided it to be his duty 10 deny the
prayer Of the petitioner.
The papers are now presented To me There
are quite number of letters from friends
and persons .of prominence intercediug IN
Young MOrgans behalf which were not be-
fore Governor Lee.
might dispose Of this matter by saying
that IT has already been considered and de
cided: yet having the desire, if ! could see
my way" 10 release this young Englishman, |
determined without being embarrassed by the
desire already made, to review the whole case,
and see if could exercise executive clemency
without violating justice
With this spirit have carefully examined
all the papers and letters, and have read the
testimony taken al the trial, and after mature
consideration have arrived at the conclusion
that | cannot, with pTopnety, do otherwise
than decide that this is not a proper case TOR
executive clemencY.