The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-01-31

by and anxious mother and sister"
fear that their worst forebodings had
come true, that he was a criminal and
serving out a convict's sentence; but
above it all great yearning that goes
out after him even though he be all
besmirched and stained with crime
But these anxious, loving women,
like many others who had sought in
this mysterious man long lost rela-
tive or friend. were doomed to disap-
pointment. Governor Carr sent them
all the information at his command.
consisting Of a clipping from the News
and Observer of January 18th, giving
the history of Harris and his crime
together with his picture and the eff
forts that had been made 10 secure a
pardon. Yesterday the answer came:
Enclosed you will find the clippings
YOU sent me regarding w. Il. Harris
and am very glad to say it is not my
brother, but hope we may still find
where he is"
And thus has ended another fruit
less attempt of the authorities to find
out whether this man Harris story is
really true or whether he is the inn
poster that many believe him TO be.
Il have taken "A great deal of troli-
ble," said Gov. Carr speaking Of the
efforts being made to secure his par
don, ito find out who the man is, as
these letters and many others that
j have received will show. But my
efforts have availed nothing. ! am as
much in the dark as ever as to the
mans identity. Once or twice | thought
! was on the right track to find out
who he was, but it has always turned
out the same way
'',rhe application for pardon was
filed here for consideration November
10, 1898 Harris was convicted at the
January term, 1899, of New Hanover
court and sentenced 10 five years inn
prisonment for the larceny of $500.
He admits that the is there under an
assumed name, and for the reason that
do not know whose pardon am con
sidering-th that is the identity Of the
man, / have refused to grant it.
after due consideration the pardon
was refused February 81, 1894, since
which time various efforts have been
made in this direction, to which !
should have gladly acceded had | only
known that | was not turning loose
upon the pnbilc a man VINO WIS
wanted in another State for still
greater crime.
Gov. Carr's attention was then called
TO a criticism of his position III this
matter, recently made by the Whining
ton Messenger claiming that 1t made
no difference what the mans name was
as to whether he deserved pardon or
not. Gov Carr refused 10 treat SO
childish "A criticism seriously, espe-
ciallv in view of the fact that the
editor of the Messenger had for many
years been complaining that too many
pardons were granted.
you may say" said the Governor,
that so far as the crltlcisln
of the Executive is concerned | care
nothing for it in this or any other case
of pardon, as / am required to give my
reasons for each and every pardon only
to the biennial sessions OF the Legs
lature."
Harris claims to be 40 years OF age
or rather when he was put in the pen
itentiary in 1892 he said he was 30, but
| having led a life of wild dissipation
| and crime, it may be that he is younger
| than he claims to be. He is about .
feet inches high, slight in built, q
brunette with piercing black eyes and