The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1896-10-08

PAROLED BY PRISON BOARD.
Christian Kortgaard, Sentenced
From Minneapolis, at Liberty.

Christian Kortgaard, who was sent
to state prison for swindling many
minneapolis persons, is again a source
or Worrfment to some individuals who
have learned that Kortgaard has been
released on parole. One John Sven
son, whose name does not appear in
the city directory Of ST. Paul, but who
writes from this city, has sent letter
to the board Of managers of the state
prison asking upon what authority
kortgaard is at large. Mr.. Svenson's
letter and the reply Of j. 8. O'Brien,
president OF the board, follow:
ST. Paul, Mimi, Oct 6, 1896-To the Board
OF Managers Of the State Prison, Stillwater.
Minn.-Gentlemen: would very much like
10 OBTAIN some information from YOUR hon
orapie board regarding the methods in vogue
IN this state with reference to the matter
OF parolng persons confined In the prison.
some OF my friends are losers to a consid-
G eraGie extent through the rascaIity of one
paroled from the institution under your
charge. Now want to know who was re-
sponsible for this action. Who has author
t ~ 70 h grant =. parole? Does the governor or
the Doard OF managers Of the prison or both
.ogetner have the right, under the law. to re-
lease from the penitentiary such a man ar
t naortsaard, who. In the minds OF his vic
inns ana or the general public. has not been
punished one-half as much as he richly de-
serves! shall thank you for an early an
swer. Yours respectfully.
Office of the Board Of Managers Minnssoto
State Prison, Oct. g. 1896
MI John Svenson, St. Paul. Mimi. Dear Sir:
In view or the fact that the management has
received several inquiries of like character
ana lnasmuch as these inquiries indicate that
the general public are more or less inter-
ested IN the parole system and It's workings.
ana more particularly as effecting the re-
lease OF one Kristian Kortgaard, we take
this method Of answering your letter through
the public press.
Under fha law tba boord .Io,.
power and is responsible for the Parole of
all prisoners. The governor is never con-
suited with reference to the parole Of prison
ers, neither has he ever offered any advice
concerning the release of Kristian Kort-
gard or any other prisoner on parole. The
law plainly defines the duties OF the board
ana holds 1t alone responsible for its actions
Kortgaard was committed to this prison on
the reformatory plan on the charge of grand
larceny in the first degree. Under the law
and nd, the rules governing the grading and
parole system. any prisoner who has attained
to and maintains good standing in the
first grade for six consecutive months, If
under reformatory sentence, is eligible for
parole provided, in the Judgment Of the board,
he will refrain from further crime, and that
1t is his desire to lead an honest and self
supporting life. Because of Kortgaard's good
conduct and the fulfllment of all require
ments, the board paroled him, as in duty
bound to do under the circumstances. The
board believed then, and it still believes,
that 1t acted in strict accordance with the
spirit and intent of the law. Under the rule
and the law Kortgaard will be obliged to re-
main in the custody of the authorities for
at least five years. and if deemed advisable
the time may be extended for period OF ten
years.
All prisoners on parole are required to make
monthly statements setting forth in detail
their earnings and expenditures, whether they
have worked steadily during the month; II
any time has been lost. for what cause etc.
where they spend their evenings; what books
or papers they read, ETC., and in other re-
the authorities with a full knowledge Of their
conduct and general department. In all cases
these monthly statements must be certified to
by the employer. The board assumes all re-
they alone are held responsible, under the law,
for the success or failure Of the system.
Respectfully submitted, by the board of man
ayers. j. 8. O'Brien, President.