The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1895-01-04
W. W. SAUNDERS pARDoNED.

At 1:l5 w. w. Saunders stepped fort
from the Oregon penitentiary, free man
Before leaving on the northbound Rosebur!
mail he stated to Statesman reporter tina
he intended going to Spokane to remain ::
short time, and would later leave for Texas
| where he had relatives and many friends
and would endeavor to take up his old pro-
| fesslon-the practice of law. Il can assure
you," said he, "that l ain going to make
every possible effort to live down my past
trouble. This will be an exceedingly happy
new year for me, and desire you to thank
through the columns of the Statesman, al
those that worked in my behalf"
He did not leave the penitentiary as many
others have done, with only certificate
from the superintendent for a ticket ovel
the railroad and few bits in change, but
his wallet was considerably swelled by shin
ing twenties and silver dollars to the extent
of about $500.
| Governor Pennoyer was appealed to by
many influential and business men in Saun-
ders' behalf. Two petitions were presented
him during 1889 and go and among the
signatures are those of Jos. Simon, c. B.
Bellinger, B. Goldsmith, j. G. Carson, R. P.
Earhart now deceased, ]. II. Misener, J. C.
Shofer, Richard Williams, NJ. G.. Munly,
| E. D. Shattnck, Geo. H. Flanders, B. S.
Pague, B, H. Norden, John w. Mimic, w.
D. Fenton, 8. +. Habersham, Geo. H. Mof.
first, II. w. Scott editor of the Oregonian,
w. w. Baker. A. Noltner. d. G. Ireland,
NJ. L. Pipes, T. A. Sutherland. J. P. Burk
hart, of Portland; J. R. Bryson, JOHN Bur.
nett, N. B. Avery, G. R. Farra, 7. Graham,
of Corvallis; w. Fl. Byrd, J. N. Smith,
Jap Mimic, H. J. Ellis, J. H. Whitney, r.
J. Hendricks, Hofer Bros, of Salem; and
K. H. Flagg, OF Salem, on May Il, 1893
petitioned the governor to commute the sem
tence of Saunders to ten years, and allow
him all possible credit marks.
Geo. w. Belt, formerly of Salem, but now
of Spokane, the prosecuting attorney of the
second trial. recommended his pardon to
the governor.
j. S. Hogg, governor of Texas, addressed
the following letter to Governor Pcnnoyer:
"While I know nothing os ". w. Saunders,
who applies to you for pardon, do know
his people. They are of fine standing aud
law abiding. His friends Of this state are
very anxious to have him given liberty, and
I trust you may find it consistent with jus
tice and your public duties to grant them
that favor"
NJ. J. McKiunon. notary public and Sec
retary of the Scandinavian association of
Portland, and also ex.warden of the peni-
tentiary.
Rev. J. R. N Bell, and Hon. John Bur
nett of Corvallis, sent personal letters to
the governor in Saunders behalf, also.
Saunders record number was 1882"
The total time earned and allowed to him
was $50 days .ssmaking the time earned and
served eight years, 10 months and days.
He is possessed of a superior education and
clerical qualifications, and is a lawyer of
ability. He has had some experience in
the newspaper business in Corvallis and
other Oregon cities. Confinement in prison
walls, and the nervous strain he has passed
through during the past few weeks have
greatly impaired his health, bat he hopes to
recover it within few ue4ths. -....-