The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-07-21

pardon OF Cole and James Younger. now
confined in the saltwater Prison. for the
following reasons:
Because they have been in prison for
more than twenty years.
"Because during this entire period their
behavior has been SO excellent ~ to win
not alone the respect but perfect confidence
Of the prison authorities.
Every intention Of tho law has been full
filled In this that the punishment for the
violation Of 1t has been ample and COM
plete.
III restored again to freedom. almost the
entire population of this State would stand
security as q mass to their becoming law
abiding. peaceful. upright and worthy citi-
zens.
Because their downfall and departure
from the path Of rectitude was unQuestion-
ably the direct result Of the unfayoraDie
conditions surrounding them during and
following the late Civil War.
"Whatever may have been said to the
contrary, both Of the men were brave and
honorable soldiers in battle. and mercifui
In victory.
.'Because these men have served more
than twice the length Of time allotted the
life prisoners committed to prison on life
sentences-lesz than ten years being the
average time.
"Because We are informed that every war
den under whom they have served has
learned from close contact with them to
trust them and to place them In positions OF
responsibility, and have advised that. IL lib
Grated, they would become good, honorable
and useful citizens.
Because they are now old men. and We
| believe the spirit Of Christian charity and
mercy suggests that they should be per-
mitted to spend the few remaining days
among their friends and relatives. many OF
| whom are numbered among the best fami-
lies OF Missouri. all OF whom will stand
surety for their future good behavior. anc
| a number of whom are ready and willing
| to furnish them constant employment. by
reason Of which they may and will be self
supporting and independent
| Because it is q recognized principle o
| penology that the object Of all punishment
| is to reform the punished, and when thi:
I reformation has been accomplished, u
longer continue the punishment Is rot O1l,
| of no benefit, but is turning the arm OF tn,
| law into an instrument of torture to saiiat,
| revens:.
Your petitioners are Of all poitiea
faiths. ard are Of either military service
We simply come to you as one united whole
| asking this pardon in the name Of mere.
and humanity. ever praying your health
happiness and long-continued prosperity"
THIS petition was penned by Major Johl
N. Edwards and placed in the hands O
Captain Wall C. Bronaugh Of Clinton. Mo
who obtained to 1t the signatures Of all tn
members Of the House of Representative
and Assembly and most Of the State OH
cial:.
Cast Your Bread
Upon the Waters.
Cast your bread upon the waters. an
1t will return after many days.
When Cole Younger fired the revolver in
to the air and Stephen B. Eikins became
free man In the shadow Of imminent deaf
he gratefully treasured the memory. unit
years after he was able to write this LET
ter in behalf Of Cole and Jim Younger:
Il knew these boys when they wer
children Of Missouri before the war. The
come Of good family. I knew their fathe
and mother. and they were good people. an
these boys gave promise to become goo
men,
During the war I think Cole Young
saved my life. and. OF course. feel kind
} toward him and his brother. On this a,
. count. take the liberty Of addressing 70
, !! in their behalf. II you can see your We