Omaha daily bee., 1902-05-25

at shefaeld. England. In July last a full
history Of the case was transmitted to the
consul for his information and advice.
Major Howe consulted officers Of the War
department and found that no precedent for
a pardon Of this character was on record
in the Wal ONCE, and II was doubtful II an
innovation Of this kind would be consid-
cred. 1t was further shown that on Janu-
airy II, 1887, her majesty the queen issued
a proclamation granting pardon to all SOL
diers and sailors who had been in a state
Of desertion, or absent without leave"
previous to January Fl, 1877, who should
report themselves in person within two
months II living In Great Britain or within
four months II residing outside the king
dom. Having had this offer Of clemency
and not availing himself Of the same, Il
was not likely that the government would
interest itself further, and, moreover, no
one but his majesty the king had the au-
thorlty to grant a pardon Of this character,
and to reach his majesty was no easy mat
ter, and at all events with the red tape
and dignihed methods Of the War office, to
say nothing Of the numerous pigeon holes"
where many documents in the past have
been known to stop on their way, 1t would
be many months, but more likely years, be-
fore a decision would be reached.
Goes to the King.
But the American consul, while somewhat
discouraged, was not disheartened and he
determined to make the effort. A petition
for pardon to his majesty the king was
prepared r~eciting all the facts In the case,
covering the ground mlnutely from the year
1s49. This was forwarded to the War office
at London and duly acknowledged with in
formation that was anything but encourage
ing. A long correspondence followed and
finally Major Howe made q trip to London,
where he had the personal acquaintance OF
many army officers and gentlemen promi-
nent in public life, whose assistance he en-
listed, and without entering further into
details, suffice to say, before he returned to
Sheffield the petition had reached the desk
Of Lord Roberts, commander-in-c chief Of the
army Of Great Britain, and had received his
favorable Endorsement. A month later his
majesty had granted the pardon, and a pro-
tecting order was directed to issue from the
War office to Private -. No. 3461, Second
company, Thirtieth Foot Of his maJesty's
regulars, thereby relieving the Nebraska
statesman from further military duty to his
majesty the king of England after an en-
listment covering hfty-three years.
Early In the month Of April, 1902, there
Saileu IEOm view 10TH On q Wnllo SNdE liner
bound for Liverpool a venerable looking old
gentleman. with flowing white locks, of some
three-score years and ten. His gait was
steady as that of a young man Of 30 and in
his face beamed a look OF happiness and
contentment. His measured words and
clerical bearing attracted the attention OF
his fellow passengers, who among them
selves came to the conclusion that he was a
missionary on his way to some foreign land
to teach the gospel to the heather, but be-
coming better acquainted they learned their
mistake, for before the end Of the voyage
was reached he had told them his story.
This benevolent looking old gentleman was
the Nebraska farmer-statesman, formerly
Private -. No. 3461, Second company,
Thirtieth Foot Of her najesty's regulars, re-
turning to Old Derbyshire." the home Of
his birth, to claim the legacy left him by
his ancestors.