Adams County news. [volume] (Ritzville, Wash.) 1898-1906, 1899-07-05
THE CONVICT PAROLE LAW.

Among the new laws passed by the
last state legislature was one known
as "the convict parole law" and which
went into operation on the first of
June. Governor Rogers suggestion
was behind the introduction of such n
law last winter, he believing it would
work to the advantage OF many con-
victs. Such law is now in force in
several states, among such states be-
ing Vermont and Michigan where it
acts in a very Statutory manner. The
Governor is hopeful of good results,
yet will test the law slowly. There
will be no wholesale liberation. In
explaining the matter the Governor
says:
Self protection is the states only ex-
cuse for incarcerating criminal, but
the need of sefprotection does not
cease when the convict's term is over.
He goes out into the world injured in
reputation, with stain upon him.
No one will welcome him except the
depraved, there is no helping hand ex.
tended to lead him to II better life.
So society is in danger from the jail
bird. The parole law is an attempt
to protect society from these ex-con-
victs-to throw ar, und him influences
which will lead him in the right
direction.
Human nature is peculiar. Sym
pathy, one OF the strongest motives of
mankind, is W til the man who is i'm
prisoned. But as soon as he comes
out, and is met face to face, he is fear
ed and Stunned. Now, if one helps a
convict before he comes out, helps to
libcrate him and thus let the quality
of sympathy for the incarcerated per-
son be utilized, the ex-convict has a
friend. But unless this friend is bound
by contract to assist the criminal, he
will not do it. Here is part OF such
contract:
~ agree to act rs first friend and adj
wiser of convict--, and will en-
ploy him, aid him in securing employ
ment, or take friendly interest in
him while engaged in an occupation
or business of his own"
The friend must report to the war;
den any lapses on the part of said pa
rolled man, and his condition month
by month. If the parole is taken adj
vantage of, it is repealed and the con-
vict returned to the penitentiary.
Thus reforming influence is
thrown about the convict just at the
time he leaves the prison walls; a man
inclined to depravity is strengthened
morally,and society is so far protected
from his possible misdeeds.
One OF the strongest points in favor
OF the new law, however, according to
the Governor, and which will be gen.
erly conceded, is the aid it will be to
discipline. No prisoner will be par
oiled unless he is highly recommended
by the officers of the penitentiary,
and this will be an incentive for their
good behavior As soon as Governor
Rogers gets back to Olympia the law
will be given test, by the paroling
OF about half a dozen prisoners, and
if it proves Il success others will follow.
Says the Governor: at has been
charged that this law was passed for
the benefit of certain few, but this
was farthest from my mind. OF
course it was strongly advocated by
some who had friends in the penitent-
larry, but in the matter OF paroles, no
particular persons will be accomod-
ated, but the law will work for all
alike, and only such prisoners will be
paroled as are worthy, regardless of
any outside influence that may be
brought to bear to secure the release