The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-12-29
GOV. TYLER MAKES
A GOOD POINT.
Why He Will Not Pardon Laurel Re-
fOrmatOy Inmates.
WOULD BREAK DOWN DISCIPLINE
He is Unwilling 10 Interfere With the
Intelligent Board IN Charge Of
the Institu,iOn-Iiis
Letter.
WOULD BREAK DOWN DISCIPLINE

Al intervals over since Governor Tyler
entered upon his term OF office he has
received applications from mothers and
fathers Tor the pardon of their children
who have been committed 10 the Laurel
Rciormntory. Boa many instances at their
own request
Ihc Governors inciinauons would lead
him 90 grant their requests. bat he feels
that the Intelligent gentlemen who COM
post the Board of Managers of the re-
formatory. should bee allowed % manage
its affairs unimpeded by executive inter
ference
The following letter which he wrote
yesterday tp gentleman asking for a
pardon for ono of the inmates. thoroughly
sets forth DIS position:
GOV TlLERS POSITION.
Governors once.
Richmond. Va. Dec. Hth. 1895
Dear s.r-lour earnest interest in
young has greatly impressed
me AID your communications. in
Guiding bis letters TO his father as well
as certificates as Zoo the good standing OF
the latter and others. woro received
So sincere is my desire 10 do what YOU
wish that I felt tempted 90 exercise elem
ency thus breaking resolution which
my experience with applications for par
dons from the keiormatory had caused
me to form. This is au institution cs-
tabIsled hy benevolent gentlemen. the
object beirE to save boys of tender years
from Tho disgrace Of ilil or pcnitouulry
lfe. The Institution was pail for by or
through The agency of these gentlemen.
The state cam instead of sending boys
fo jail or the penitcnfarr now. us YOU
know. send flom tp This school paying
us expense for Keeping hem twenty-five
cents per day. and am allowance of ten
dollars for clothing per year. The rule re-
quires tina boy shall not hc taken for
less than eighteen months OF as long as
ne may be sentenced. Tho board has
right 10 reduce The time of the boys stay
I'm their discretion. and in all cases per-
hitting the boy hy good behavior 90 make
monthly reduction boz time. Working
Of tho badges is the incentive for good
behavior and frequently not only one.
but several badges are taken of each
month.
INTERFERENCE HARMFUL.
For The Governor to interfere in the
management of This most excellent board
would be "a serious responsibility. not only
20 some extent rejecting on their dis
erection. but greatly increasing the diff
Guilty Of maintaining discipline. for should
tho boys once feel that the Governor
would readily pardon them. disregard
o. the rules of the board would be liable
10 follow
At this institution an appearance Of
prison is avoided and fhe boys are I'm
pressed ass far ass possible with tho idea
that 30 is % large family or school and
as far as limited means VIII permit OPP
portunity is given them 90 improve NOR
ally aLd intellectually
wish you could have been with me
Saturday evening at the entertainment
given the boys and participated boz by
them 60 celebrate Christmas. 10 was
most creditah.e to them iu all respects.
y sought 0uf Doe young man without tine
knowledge or solicitation OF the Board of
Managers. and had long talk with him.
! was flvOrahlv imp, ssed with him and
found he stood high with the officers who
mentioned him iu terms Of praise lie
very frankly said that he would like TO
go home. as Dee thought hc ought to help
his father, but with eg}al franiness said
he thought DTS father had treated him
with great harshucss. frequently boarinc
and kicking him. which is the reason be
stated why Doe ran away from home
once or twice staying away moro than
week. which 7 understand. caused him 20
be cent Go tho Keformatorv
A PATHETIC HOPE
He also stated that Dis father disagreed
30 with an cider brother thHt Doe would
not stay az home hut said with some
pathos or hope he wifi Doe kinder 20 me
now Ie told me he did not know his
letters when Doe eame tO the school. but
now hc could read ANA write. ass is ate
tested hy DIS letters. ana seemed DESTROYS
20 improve himself and If Doc continues
in this spirit hc win soon work off the
Few remaining badges
To say the least ] DO not feel that he is
81 D u .nI D.