Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-01-09
PARDONED BY LUCE.
He Pardons Ex-Mayor Navtn OF
Adrian and other COnvicts.


Gov. Luce closed his Official career by is
suing the following pardons:
Harry Mcdowell was sentenced to the
state prison for a term Of fifteen ears up
on conviction in the Kent circuit court OF
manslaughter.
III know Of no mitigating circumstances
connected with the commission OF the
offense. His sentence is commuted TO six
years with the benefit Of good time through
the more than heroic efforts made oy his
sister. She pleaded for his pardon or
communication. looked up the case and re-
fused to do either. Still in agony she
pleaded. Thinking that work in his behalf
might be relief TO her overcharged feelings
gave her difficult task TO perform, with
a promise TO reconsider the case If she per-
formed it, The task was accomplished
and again she returned TO the attack,
armed with new influence and information.
But all of these did not convince. And
placed what seemed to me insurmountable
difficulties in her way. In less than year
she overcame them all and returned with
such an array Of official and business names
as seldom if ever appeared on an application
for executive clemency. And this Is the
reason why the Communication Is issued. j
.'All of this leads me again and again to
wonder why "a being with human soul
who has sister can ever be induced TO Of
fend the laws of God and man"
Arthur Steinhoff, sentenced TO the state
prison from the Shaiwassee circuit court
on the 22d day of September, 1888, for
term of 80 years. for murder in the second
degree.
''Stenhoffs surroundings had been Of
the worst character from his infancy up.
He drank Intoxicating liquors TO excess
and associated with the vile and corrupt,
and in a drunken brawl was involved in
quarrel that ended in the death of one OF
them. Steinhoff did not strike the blow
that caused the mans death. His sentence
was the more severe because of his general
character.
I'm the prison he has secured an educa-
ton, and believe him TO be reformed
man and that he will be a good and useful
citizen upon his release.
HE is pardoned because OF the unusual
severity of the sentence: because Of his ex-
cellent department in the prison, and be-
cause of great confidence of his future
manhood, and upon condition that he signs
contract 10 for ever abstain from the use
of strong drink and visiting places where
it is sold"
Lewis f. Sawdy was sentenced in the
Ottawa circuit court Nov. IL, 1880. to 30
years in the Jackson prison for the crime OF
rape.
''Sawdy, like so many others, had fallen
q victim TO strong drink, and when drunk
made the assault for which he received so
severe sentence. He is one Of the men
who has Judging from the closest tests that
can be applied, reformed in prison. He
has been model worker and helper, and
because of the unusual severity OF the SEN
tence. and because of his reformed charac-
ter and the belief in his future good con-
duct, he is this day pardoned."
Thomas j. Navin, sentenced TO the state
prison from the Lenawee circuit court No
vember ID, 1855, for term of ten years
for forgery.
HE is pardoned because, while the par
ties wronged do not ask for his release,
they express an entire Willingness that he
shall receive executive clemency; and fur
Their, because large number of representa-
tive men from Lenawee county have asked
me to pardon him; and further because
within "a short time his father and a dearly
loved and only sister have passed away, and
b is mother who is left so lonely, in impaired
health, longs with anxious heart for the re-
turn of her son; ana because he has excel
lent business opportunities opened 10 him
where he will be surrounded by strong,
warm friends; and because his department
in prison has been always correct; and be-
cause believe that in the future he will 90
an honest, upright citizen"