The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1903-09-24
.CONYlCTS PARDONED
The Peonase Cases Settled By
Release From Prison.
ALABAMA PRISONERS SET FREE.
Reasons for Executive clsmency
Given-The President Acts In the
Interest of Mercy.

washington, Speciai.-The PFest-
dent has granted full and uncondi-
tional pardon TO Geo. Davis and
Barancas F. Cosby, convicted al Mont
gomery. Ala. OF violation of the peon-
age law. These men were indicted
for holding Pike Swanson in a condi-
ton Of peonage. pleaded guilty on
June so. 1908. and on the same day
were sentenced TO Imprisonment for
a year and day in the United States
penitentiary at Atlanta, Ga They
have been imprisoned ever since. and
were released on telegraphic instrac-
tions from the Department of Justice.
During the month of June more than
eighty indictments against a number
OF 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 cacpS
The prisoners have undergone the
humiliation of imprisonment in the
penitentiary, the sting of condemna-
tion 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
Tense, but pleaded guilty at the earl
lest opportunity. They were contrite
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 agains'
| which it was directed, in these com
| munities, has been completely
| crushed. Connivance with the abuse:
| of corrupt magistrates in that locality
| in the exercise of power to hire out of
| tenders for payment of fine and cost!
| on conviction for small and Otter
| sham OffenSes, in order to reap prof
| for the hirer, has been thoroughly eZ
| posed and broken up. 1t has met th'
! hearty reprobation Of the great mas
Of the people in all walks of life. TIL,
| example has been all sufficient I,
| deter others from like offenses in tn,
future.
THE press, the pulpit, the bar an
the people at large, as well as thos'
in Tallapoosa county, have been out
spoken in their qualification that th'
evil has been broken up and hav,
| heartily commended the course of tn
authorities in dealing with it. Thi
| spirit, as yuu will see by the accom-
| panying petitions, actuates the pee
| pie of that county, who, in numerou
meetings have asked the pardon Of tn
| prisoner. Among the signers Of pc
titions for pardon are many negroes
They feel safe from any repetition o
like offense, and join with their whit
neighbors in these petitions 70
clemency, believing, in this instance
that it will rebound to the publ
| good, and smooth the relations be
tween the races. The great body of th
| people Of Tallapoosa county have. il
effect, became sponsors for the goo'
behavior Of the prisoners, and tn
loyal observance of the law in thi
respect by all others IN the futr-e.
public opinion, stronger even Inan IN
power of the law, has been arouse
to stand up in the future for justic
and fair play to the weak. Grantin
the prayer Of these petitioners woul
recognize and strengthen these mora
influences, which, at last, are the onl
enduring foundations of a reign c
law. / cannot doubt that good woul
come from granting the prayer Of th
petitioners.
- After much reflection an
consideration Of tie matter, unhes
tatingly recommend an immediate an
unconditional pardon"