The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1903-09-24
CONVICTS PARDONED
The PeOaage Cases Settled Ey
Release From PfisOa.
ALABAMA PRISONERS SET FREE,
Reasons for Executive Clemency
Given-The President Acts in ths
Interest of Mercy.


dent has granted full and uncondi-
tional pardon to Geo. Davis and
Barancas F. Cosby, convicted at Mont
gomery. Ala, of violation Of the peon-
age law. These men were indicted
for holding Pike Swanson in a condi-
tion of peonage, pleaded guilty on
June 80, 1903, and on the same day
were sentenced to imprisonment for
a year and a day in the United States
penitentiary at Atlanta, Ga. They
have been imprisoned ever since, and
were released on telegraphic instruc.
tions from the Department OF Justice.
During the month Of June more than
eighty indictments against a number
CT individuals, for violation OF the
peonage law, were returned by the
grand jury at Montgomery, and sew
eral convictions were secured, the
sentences imposed ranging from the
minimum, one year. to the maximum,
five years. The President granted the
pardons in the above cases upon the
earnest recommendation OF Judge
Jones, who sentenced the prisoners.
In his letter to the President, Judge
Jones says:
"The favorable recommendation
now made proceeds on no idea that
the sentences were unjust, but solely
from the conviction that the punish
ment already undergone by the prison
ers has accomplished all the real ends
of the law in these cases.
1.-The prisoners have undergone the
humiliation of Imprisonment in the
penitentiary, the sting Of condemna-
ton by their neighbors and associates
and the wide publicity Of their offense'
They have been separated from their
families, and have worn stripes. There
is no ground for believing that they
will ever again, under any circum-
stances, whatever, engage IN like
practices. They attempted no de-
fense, but pleaded guilty at the earl
lest opportunity. They were contrlte
and admitted that they justly de.
served punishment. The reform OF
offenders themselves, so far as the
law contemplates that has been COM
pletely effected by the punishment.
THE question Of pardon may, there
fore, be properly considered now SOLE
" as regards its effect upon the ad-
ministration Of justice and the public
welfare. The law has been thorough
ly vindicated, and the evil against
which it was directed, in these COM
munities, has been completely
crushed. Connivance with the abuses
of corrupt magistrates in that locality
in the exercise Of power to hire out Of
tenders for payment Of fine and costs
on, conviction for small and often
sham offenses. in order to reap profit
for the hirer, has been thoroughly eX-
posed and broken up. 1t has met the
hearty reprobation of the great mass
Of the people in all walks Of life. The
example has been all suficient to
deter others from like offenses in the
future.
"The press, the pulpit, the bar and
the people at large. as well as those
in Tallepoosa county, have been out
spoken in their qualification that the
evil has been broken up and have
heartily commended the course OF the
authorities in dealing with 1t. This
spirit, as you will see by the accom-
panying petitions, actuates the peo-
pie Of that county, who, in numerous
meetings have asked the pardon OF the
prisoner. Among the signers OF pc
titions for pardon are many negroes.
They feel safe from any repetition OF
like offense, and join with their white
neighbors in these petitions for
clemency, believing. in this instance,
that it will rebound to the pubic
good, and smooth the relations be-
tween the races. The great body OF the
people of Tallapoosa county have, in
effect, became sponsors for the good
behavior Of the prisoners, and the
loyal observance Of the law in this
respect by all others in the future. a
public opinion, stronger even than the
mower of the law, has been aroused
to stand up in the future for justice
and fair play to the weak. Granting
the prayer of these petitioners would
recognize and strengthen these moral
influences. which. at last, are the only
enduring foundations Of a reign OF
law. cannot doubt that good would
come from granting the prayer OF the
petitioners.
.*s After much reflection and
consideration of the matter. | unhesl-
tatinglv recommend an immediate and
unconditional pardon"