The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-07-26

| One trouble with the Birmingham eamp was pointed out by member of the goy- ] ernor's staff this morning, and that was the lack of target range for the artillery. It is almost impossible to get range for the artillery anywhere except on the coast, where the shot can be sent into the sea. For this reason it is very probable that the artillery will go to Mobile after this.
 Pardons Issued.
 Two pardons were issued by acting Gov ernor Cunningham this afternoon, one for William M. Steelman of Etowah county, and the other for Anthony Brantley. negro of Jefferson county. Steelman was convicted in 1893 for mur- der in the first degre and sentenced to life Imprisonment. His brother, George l.. Steelman. was convicted at the same time for the same offense and given the same sentence. The charge was killing man named J. M. Davis. Some time ago George l.. Steelman made a confess sion, in which he said his brother was not guilty of the crime and that he al- lowed him to be convicted in order to save himself from hanging. William Steel man has been a first class convict almost all his service and has earned nearly $3OOO for the state during that time. Con- corning his pardon the governor says:
 This applicant for executive clemency was convicted, jointly with his brother. for murder in the first degree, March ls, 1893, and sentenced to the penitentiary for life. He has been in the penitentiary for eleven years and four months. The | testimony is to the effect that he was a man of good character prior to his con viction, and the universal testimony of contractors and officers of prisons where he has been employed is to the effect of unqualified good conduct He has often | been trusted by officers of the prisons, 1 and has proven himself worthy of every trust. He has worked at many places since his conviction, and the officers of these places all testify to his good char acter and recommend clemency During the administration of Goveonrr Oates the entire jury which tried him petitioned for | executive clemeney on the ground that he l was convicted on circumstantial evidence | The board of pardons on two separate oc- casions have recommended a pardon His brother, convicted for the same offense, has confessed in the presence of the chap | lain of the penitentiary and also made | affidavit in which he says: That he alone Is guilty of said murder, and that his | brother, William M. Steelman had noth- ing to do with said murder. knew noth- ing about it. and is entirely innocent thereof. Notice has been given twice lo the effect that application would be made for pardon and nothing in opposition thereto has been received in this offiee | In consideration of the probability of this mans innocence,- and of his lmprison nent in the penitentiary for more than eleven years, during all of which time he has discharged every duty put upon him and his uniform good conduct, let pardon issue"
 Convicted of Highway Robbery.
 Brantley was convicted in the courts of Jefferson county In 1886 of highway rob- bery He has been one of the best ne- groes in the mines for several years, and has elicited the sympathy of many lead ing men of the state in his behalf On his case the governor makes the following comment:
 This applicant for executive clemency was convicted in October, 1886, for rob- bery and sentenced to 99 years. He has served IT years and nine months. During this time his conduct has been most ex- emplary, often aiding the officers of the prison in preventing escapes and inform ing of conspiracies to escape. He has been at the coal mines during this period. nearly all of the time being first class. The trial judge recommends favorable consideration of his petition. Board of pardons recomemnds executive cemeney. In consideration. of his uniform good con- duct and faithful service. let parole lssue' conditioned upon good conduct"
 Pythian Meeting.
 Members of the order of Knights of Pythias in Alabama are Interested great ly in the all day meeting, with dinner on the ground, which Grand Chancellor F. P. Nichols has arranged for next Wednes- day at Doanoke his home. His idea is to get as many of the members of the order in the Fifth congressional district there on that day as possible, and have a general good time and build up renew ed interest In the order. He expects to have several of the grand lodge officers besides himself and a number of past grand officers. Time will be given for speaking and discussing the best plans to be used in maintaining enthusiasm in the work of the lodges.
 This district meeting is a result of a recommendation in the report of Grand Keeper of Records and Seal Miles, made at the recent meeting in Birmingham He expressed the belief that 1t would be wise to divide the state into districts, fol- lowing as nearly as practicable the con- gressional lines. and appoint district dep nties who may have county deputies. At least two district meetings should be held each year at which there should be refreshments and some provision made to entertain outsiders. in order that they may have a chance to learn something of the good fellowship in the order.
 Meetings Held.