The Independent. [volume] (Honolulu, H.I.) 1895-1905, 1900-07-21
CORRESPONDENTS.
Judge Davis Writes.
ED. The INDErENDENT:-

On the 18th day OF August, A. D.
1893, this county wos transferred to
aud accepted by the United States
1t was more than a formal transfer;
the rights and privileges Of that
great Republic were extended and
conferred to a certain txtent to all
men who inhabit these fair Islands
OF the sea. The convicts in the
prison on the reef and those who
are confined for statutory mis-
demeanors had cause to hope that
such Of them as would reform could
go out into the world aud pass the
rest OF their days in blottiug out the
stains OF the crimes by them COM
mitted, aud they would be assisted
by those who believe in the doctrine
Of the atonement. Early this morn.
ing saw file OF prisoners pass
along King street with guards on
horseback on their way to toll all
day under tropical sun. The
guards had modern rifles sluug to
their saddles; it was strange sight
for one who has wandered about
the liberty. loving cities OF the broad
State OF Massachusetts,, and l did
think that the rifles were unneces-
sary, the guards could be az effective
in the discharge Of duty with revolv.
ers hidden from public view. The
serious problem OF what is best to
do with criminals which confronts
the public men Of the day in every
civilized land has been discussed,
and they are yet in search of light.
The pardoning power is wisely vest
ed in His Honor the Governor.
Heretofore he has been ever ready,
even in the teeth OF unjust criticism,
to extend mercy under extenuatiug
circumstances, and he will continue
to do so. Convict labor should be
confined within the four walls OF
the prison.; it should not be allowed
to compete with the wage Garner,
but il the Exchequer is not ready
for such radical change, the hours
Of labor can be shortened, the armed
guards can be made as effective
without the exhibition OF their
weapons. The ball and chain have
disappeared from our streets. The
present Attorney. General we'll 70.
members the heated discussion with
the writer on Kauai, on this subjsct /;
he disagreed with the opinions 1
then expressed, but soon l found
that the convicts OF Hawaii were not
compelled to carry the load OF iron
which was a disgrace TO the free in
stitutions OF our land. The Grand
Jury should visit Oahu convict pri-
son as soon as they meet, their re-
presentations and recommendations
will be supported by those OF us
who are in this world to lend our
best efforts to the side OF right. |
have dared to lay the staff OF mercy
beside the sword Of justice. have
dared to raise my feeble voice on
behalf OF those convicted by human
tribunals. / knew that our higher
civilization leads us to the path OF
mercy. 1t prompts us to help those
who have expiated their crimes and
misdemeanors. Says the Supreme
Court OF Massachusetts ia Mass,
47O: Gas the power Of pardoning
offences is vested by the Constitu-
tic in the Governor and Council
the General Court the LEGISLATURE,
has not right in any case to COM
mute the punishment fixed by law
after sentence has been given, but
they have a right to pass an act in
corporated in which shall be found
merciful provisions which will make
the burdens OF those who wear the
shameful garb prescribed by law
hopeful that by good conduct they
will be able to blot out the memory
OF their sin.
Thanking you for your valuable
space, Dear INDEPENDENT,