The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-12-17
SEEKING PARDON FOR MOORE.
PETITION 10 THE GOVERNOR IN
CIRCULATION.

The Petition NumerOusIy Signed by
Citizens of All CIasses-Thc Exist
cDce of Decided Sentiment in
Moore's Favor, Especially Among
the Women, shOwn-Judge Nor
wood Unable TO Account for This
Sentfment-Has No Power to
Commute MoOre's Sentence and
Would Not IL He Had, He Says.
1t is evident that a large portion Of the
community will not be satisfied so long as
Moore, the Maine Artlleryman. who was
sentenced in the City Court last week for
insulting a lady, and ASSEMBLING Solicitor
General Osborne, remains upon the county
chain-gang, to which he was sentenced for
six months for lack of $500 to pay the fine
imposed upon him.
While no one indorses Moore's conduct,
there is a widespread disposition to con-
done il on the ground that the acts for
which he was sentenced were committed
while he was under the influence Of liquor,
and were the result of recklessness due 10
drink and not to evil intent The fact that
Moore is a soldier and the general favor
in which the soldiers are held with the
people Of Savannah, accounts largely for
the sentiment in his behalf There is a
general sympathy with the soldiers. Had
Moore been given a lighter sentence prob
ably little or no attention would have been
attracted or the matter would have been
soon forgotten. The effect of the heavy
sentence has been to arouse general sym
9athy.
As an evidence of this sympathy, wide
~ signed petition is in circulation ad-
dressed to the Governor, requesting a par
don for Moore. The petition recites
Moore's previous good conduct, asserts the
belief that there was no criminal inten-
ton on his part in committing the offense.
1t also sets forth that the humiliation and
disgrace which he has already suffered by
reason of his confinement on the county
gang Is sufficient punishment for his Of
Tense
The following is an extract from the pc
tition: This man has heretofore both as
a soldier and a citizen, from the best IN
formation obtainable, deported himself in
manner that commended him to his SUI
perior officers and to his associates. He
has been on the chain-gang since the 9th
inst, and the humiliation, degradation and
modification he has undergone coupled
with the disgrace attending his enforced
separation from his company. as well as
the apparent mpossibiiity, under the SEN
tence, of joining his regiment for duty in
Cuba, appear to us to be ample punish
ment for the offense committed under the
cireums tances."
Among the signers Of the petition are
number of prominent citizens, and it is
sald that several have interested them
selves TO the extent that they have agreed
to write the Governor in behalf of Moore.
In addition to the petition, the officers
of the regiment have prepared a state
ment attestng to the previous good char
acter and conduct of Moore both as a cit
lien and solder, which will be forward
ed 70 the Governor with the petition.
Judge Norwood of the City Court. be-
Tore whom Moore was tried, was Informed
Yesterday by a Morning News reporter Of
the petition in MOore's behalf. Judge
Norwood expressed surprise that such a
sentiment should exist in the community
and particularly among the female nor
ton tie characterizes ii as maudlln
sentiment. such as that which inspires wo-
men of the Northern cities to becoma
deeply Interested in noted murderers and
10 send them presents of flowers and TO
snow them numerous other attentions.
rms Is strange 10 me-" he said. at
nave feit all along that I acted for the
best interests Of the community, and es
pecia.iy for the protection of the women
of the city"
Judge Norwood was asked if It rested
with MIN TO mitigate the sentence should
he see fit to do so.
That is not within my Jurisdiction - ba
replied land I would not reduce the mem
atty if l had the power to do So"
Judge Norwood said that he had been
2alieq upon in Moore's behalf by a wen
known lady of the city, who had urged
various pleas Of lenency, none of which
he considered as applicable to the case.
Among the signers of the petition 10
lhe governor for Moores pardon is Hon
:. d Dale' chairman of the Board Of
County Commissioners.
GUNS BOOMING IN PRACTICE.