Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-23
sOv OF "HONEsT JOHN"

great C.lleri Netllsllts
son or HONEST JOHN"
Senator I.etcher is the eldest son Of the
Ia+a Governor John Letcher, and is an
alurnnus OF the Virginia Military lnst-
tuts. He entered the army when only a
boy in 1863 and participated I'm the cele-
traied battle of Newmarket, which gave
uulyinc glory 70 the Institute. and TO all
Who took part in that memorable charge.
lie returned 70 the Institute with the
corps. but after the buildings were burn
cd bv General Hunter in 1864. he served
with General Early in the Valley, and
lator in the trenches around Richmond.
Te was afterwards appointed lieutenant
IN the Confederate army, and served
until the close of the war with General
Robert Preston In Southwest Virginia.
After the surrender Of General Lee he
re-tntered the Institute, and graduated
la 1859. He subsequently studied law, and
has been pTacticing at Lexington ever
since. His standing at the bar is second
20 no mans and he is regarded as man
G.. fine attachments.
The appointment OF Mr.. fletcher leaves
q vacancy in the position of president of
she Board OF Visitors Of the Virginia
Military Institute, as well as in that of
Senator from the Seventh District.
HIS SUCCESSOR.
Speculation as 10 who will succeed Mr..
Ietcher 800 the Senate and as member Of
the Virginia Military Institute Board is
already rife. IT is thought not improbable
that Mr. Greenlee ID. Letcher. brother Of
judge IrtchCr, and for two terms mem
Der Of the House of Delegates from Rock
bridge viii lie appointed. Mr. Ietcher is
a graduate OF the Institute and the fact
thai bee resides in Lexington, where il is
always desirable TO have Ona Of the
board. will operate in his favor.
There IS plenty of material for the Sci.
at0rslip in the district OF course. il is
too early TO prognosicate. ont it is be
heved that Hon. a. Z. Withrow. the Del
egatc from Bath. will be Il candidate. Mr..
Withrow, who arrived IN Richmond yes
terday afternoon. said he would not be
sent 20 the upper house. but he did not
say so very decidedly, and did not in any
way convey the impression that ne would
not be a candidate.
A PARDON GRANTED.
Governor Tyler yesterday granted par
don 10 Peter Crowder Of Petersburg. ser,
ing nincty-days' term in the city iail
there for assault and battery. Crowder's
term would have expired September 18th.
hut the Mayor. Chief OF Police and City
sergeant and deputies asked the pardon
.s an evidence Of appreciation Of Crow
oeTs having prevented the escape from
the jail Of Walter Wright. who was soon
% Doe sent away 10 begin a seven-years'
term in the penitentiary.
Wright had in some manner obtained
saws, and had cut his way out Of his cell.
when he was discovered by Crowder who
gave the alarm. and the felon's escape
was prevented. The Judge Of the Circuit
Court also signed the petition.
CONDITIONAL PARDON LAW.
There seems TO be much misappre-
hensiOn as TO the real character of the
conditional pardon law passed by the last
legislature. The primary object of the
law was 20 relieve the Governor. at least
% some extent. OF his heavy work
and responsibility in examining pardon
papers. Next, and perhaps the greatest
consideration with the Legislature
Was TO relieve the crowded condi-
ton OF the pententiary. The conditional
pardontng board consists of the three
directors OF the penitentiary. The law
provides that when a prisoner has
served out half Of his time, and has not
violated any OF the rules OF the institution
in any respect he may have condi-
u0ral pardon. that Is. he can be released
from prison but he has 60 furnish the
board with assurances that he will be
NNt' Ab support ulDl6fllf anu ii' - iNNtN'+
% sign paper agreeing TO go back to the
penitentiary and serve out his iul time IL
he ever during llfe) violates any OF the
penal laws Of the State and any ana all
officers are empowered 90 arrest the
party on any violation Of the law, now
ever slight and deliver him at once TO
The penitentiary authorities. This virtually
puts the prisoners on probation, and be-
tng so situated towards the State they
cannot be restored 10 full citizenship ana
given the right TO vote or hold ONCE. II
would seem strange that a prisoner es-
pecally one who has but few months
longer 20 serve. would accept freedom
under such conditions. yet number OIL
them apply
The rule with the Governor Is TO grant
these conditional pardons when recon-
mended by the board and approved by
tho County Judge and Commonwealth
Attorney. or when not opposed by either
Or both. The Governor thinks the law II
having a good effect. Tile incentive 10
good behavior in prison Is said 10 De
working a reformation among the prs
oners. and those that are out under lis
conditions are forced 10 be obedient 20 law
whether they are inclined 10 DO or not
The effect OF turning prisoners OUT on
probation has tendency 10 make thein
better citizens: It insu-es protection 10
society. and relieves the congestion at the
penitentiary. and lessons expense.
LABOR INFORMATION.
Labor Commissioner Montague Is send
Ing out circular letters 20 farmers Win
view 10 obtaining from them INFORMATION