The Portland daily press., 1899-08-14
MATT ADAMS FREE.
Former Portland Man Released From
Prison.

The many Portland people who rsmsm-
ber Col. Matt Adams when he was q resi-
dent Of this city, will read with Interest
the intelligence that be has so far expi-
ated the effenoe which be committed over
two years ago that he has been allowed
his liberty. Adams, who was a court
ciilcial IN Denver. was guilty OF finan-
oial irre2ularitiss and was sent to the
penitentierJ. The Denver Republican Of
August contains the following despatch
which is self explanatory:
Canon City, Colo. August 6.--Matt
Adams was released from the peniten-
tiary today under the indetsrminate SEN
tence law which went into effect on the
ard of this month.
| Adams left this city on the II Is Dem
yer & Rio Grands train this morning.
No demonstration was made at the peni-
tentiary by his friends; In fact. none was
present except the otiicers Of the institu-
tion, and none was hero to greet him or
offer congratulations upon his release.
Warden Hoyt nlone escorted Adams to the
railway station and saw him safely
aboard the train which was to bear him
to wife and family In Denver.
During his stay at the penitentary
Adams has lean treated az gentleman.
He held position Of trust from the first,
having little labor to perform. his duties
being of the lightest kind. He goes out
under guarantee to the warden to lead
an upright life. He is also vouched for
| by men of known integrity.
Under the terms of the parole he will
communicate regularly and frequently
with Warden Hoyt. giving an account Of
his doings in everyday life, his successes
and reverses; In short he will be strictly
under the supervision of the wradsn and
te as much sutjsct to his care as though
be were still behind the bars. He will be
assisted In finding employment and aided
In his efforts to live honestly. A man
seeking to te released on parole, however,
is required to state In his application at
what point In the stats he desires TO To-
cate. and If the petition Is granted he can
mot change his location to another town
without first having secured the consent
of the warden.
Warden Hoys Is very much averse to
having tho newspapers herald the grant,
ing of paroles. l. an interview today he
stated that the object of the indetermi-
nate sentence and parole system was to
give man who had fallen into error and
transgrsssed his obligations as o citizen a
chancs to begin life anew. 1t is gross In
| justice, he argued, for man TO be brand
ed as convict, under these circum-
stances.
Chow in the name Of the Creator" he
asked "can man hope to lind good po-
sition at honorable employment in the
facs OF txo-oolumn write-up under sem
sational headlines, with every minor de-
tail of the trial and sentence thrown inf
It is preposterous to expect man to win
against such ODDS"
Already Warden Hoyt is besieged with
letters and oyerrun with visitors seeking
clemency for their friends. To disorimi-
nate between the man who ID entitled to
parole and can be trusted to live up to his
subterfuge to escape punishment for a
crime wilfully committed Is a difficult
task.
al have paid my debt, and have paid 1t
freely, but my misfortune has neither
affected my health nor caused me to lose
am mbition," said Col. Matt Adams, at his
homo last night.
After his release yesterday morning
from the state penitentiary, Col. Adams
at once took train for this city. where
his wife, who hns labored so assidiously
for his release, awaited his arrival.
Mrs. Adams, apprised by telegram Of
the departure Of her husband, met him at
the train. There was warm embrace
and the reunited couple hurried to their
| hcme, 723 West Seventh avenue. Mrs.
Adams was greatly delighted last night,
and lovingly promised that her husband 8
care would be her duty In future.
| Col. Adams had nothing to say con-
cerning his plans. "I regard the last 70
months as a period Of Sleep" he said.
AT present 1t is my intention to rest and
reeuperate Later 1t will be time enough
| to arrange for the future"
| The forIuer court official has changed
little. He still stands erect, and his voice
is us resonant and clear as ever.