The Clarksburg telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1874-1926, 1900-04-27
that her physical condition more than

with DIR. Bartlett and DIR. Gotf. He
says that 1t is absolutely necessary
that she be released as surety tolife,
and that death will necessarily follow
ina short time dnlesS released from
her confinement and that outdoor ex-
ercse in her case, is an absolute neces-
slty.
The committee named reports that
the sanitary condition of the jail Is
necessarily bad from faulty construc-
ton, lack OF ventilation and the de-
cayed condition Of the wood work;
that the arrangement of closets Is
especially bad and prejudicial to
health: that the walls are damp and
the plaster falling or, owing to damp
ness. The committee specifies other
objections to the sanitary condition of
the jail, and states that the jailcr has
performed his duties as required by
law. The committee concludes with Il
recommendation that on account OF
the unsafe and unhealthy condition of
the Jail, new prison be constructed,
etc.
Seventeen prominent and worthy
citizens vigorously protest against her
pardon, and the Hon. John J. Davis
files a letter in which he strongly OPP
poses 1t.
1.-THE petitioners simply say thatShe
has been the keeper OF house OF Ill
fame, with several girls in her employ;
that she is at present having house
built in Clarksburg, which they say it
is reported she intends to use as "a
house of entertainment after she is
released from Jail. The petition con-
cludes in this language: in the name
Of all that is sacred and honorable we
pray that you may not sanction her re-
lease from JAIL Mr.. Davis recites the
fact rs to her Indictment, trial and
conviction, the effort tohaye imprison-
ment remittcd and his opposition
thereto in the court. He says that the
sentence of the court is heartily APP
proved by the right thinking people of
the community without distinction of
SEX religion or politics, and in his
Judgment it was very just and deServ-
ed, and ought not TO be disturbed. lie
says that the state of things at Clarks-
burg, the prevalence OF immoralityand
vice in all its forms, call for heroic
measures to check it, and expresses
fiFa In fItnf hn mn nffv iS
waking up to sense of duty in this
direction. Mr.. Davis says that one of
the pretenses that may be urged for
action, is the unsanitary condition of
the jail and the danger TO her health.
He insists that there is nothing in this
suggestion as she Is not confined inthe
lower cells or cages, but occupies
room in the second story on the same
floor used by the jailcr and his family.
He says that such an excuse would JUS
tify the release Of every prisoner con-
fined in the Jail, and especially those
occupying cells on the lower floor.
"These are the facts stated as con-
cisely as consistent with full pre-
sentation Of the matter. What do
they show? The woman had fair and
impartial trial. was rightly convicted
and sentenced and should be punished.
The Judge before whom she was tried
might in his discretion have given her
twelve months Imprisonment. Mr.. Da-
Wis and the other seventeen promnet,
worthy and reputable citizens of
ClarkSburg have their views of the
case, which have been laid before this
lMard and have received careful con-
sideration.
According to the testimony in the
case this woman Is in delicate cond-
ton and her lungs are so much atllict-
ed as 10 render here future confne-
ment exceedingly dangerous, even to
her life. and her incarceration has al
ready injured hcrhcalth. She is losing
strength and flesh in gradual, but
marked degree. DR.. Coil is absolutely
positive that her confinement is bring
ing about serious results. The sani-
tary condition Of the Jail is very bad,
as shown by an oNIcial report filed in
this case. But the physicians attach
more Importance to the imprisonment
of the woman and its effect upon her
in her present state Of health.
Not one word is said by way Of ev-
idcnce in opposition to these strong
claims of executive clemency. These
facts were not before the court, and
they would have been inadmiSSiblc ex-
cept for the purpose OF aiding the court
as to the term Of Imprisonment, but
they are competent before this body
on an application for favorable advice
to the pardoning power. The power
to pardon involves wide direction
and should be cautiously exercised.
Youth, age or state OF health frequent
~ furnish good grounds for the en-
pigment of executive favor. 1t would
seem that in the interest Of humanity
and mercy, and in harmony of law,
this woman should have relief, and par
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