Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-02-06

but few days and person guilty OF
cruelty to his horse a life term in the
penitentiary, except the conscienceS OF
the members of the parole board and the
exercise of their Judgment as to what
| is right. Under the other measure a
man guilty OF q crime the penalty for
| which the present law fixes at not less
| than one or more than ten years would
| still be sentenced by the court within
| those limits. the court having discre-
| ton 10 fix a further maximum and
| minimum sentence within those limits.
The parole board would then exercise
it's Judgment in parohng the criminal
and could not release him on parole
before the expiration OF the minimum
sentence fixed by the court nor hold
him in confinement after the expira-
ton of the maximum sentence.
The removal OF the power TO rec
ommend pardons for murderers in the
first degree from the legislature is in
line with the advanced thought. 1t Is
held by a great many that a criminal
does not have u fair chance TO present
his claims to the legislature. The MEM
bership OF the legislature Is so grcar
that stiff opposition to a pardon on the
part OF the member from the county
where the crime was committed, Will
almost always defeat the application
for pardon and on the other hand UNI
deserving criminals will sometimes es-
cape punishment if the member from
the county supports his petition. The
legislature is more often moved by
prejudice and passion in the matter
than otherwise, in the judgment OF
many who have studied the matter.
The Joint legislative committee which
visited the state penitentiary at Ana
mosa was much impressed with the
view that the institution could easily
he adapted TO the purposes of state
reformatory for men IL 1t should be de-
cded that the system OF Iowa be mod
ernized.
we find that the prison" says the
report. would be admirably adapted
for a reformatory In case the state
should adopt the reformatory plan.
We think there is sufficient room to
accommodate all who might come
here"
The committee found that the man
agement system and discipline are OF
the very highest order. the grounds.
and equipments in excellent
condition; but that the prisoners
should be provided with work. and to
do this there should be extension of
the printing department, and that the
prisoners be taught trades. Appropri-
atoms aggregating $4,000 were rec
commended
The report on the Cherokee hospital
commends the Clearly and orderly
manner in which the institution is con-
Quoted. Attention is called to the
of the institution and the fact
have shown this, therefore 1t is rec
that new building be con-
structed to accommodate the increas-
Ing number Of patients. An appropri-
alton of $125.0O0 for this building is
approved, and $4,000 for minor items. |
The report on the Clarinda hospital |
the work of superintendent |
Witte and his wife. and his assistants, |
md generally commends all that is |
being done for the care and comfort of
.ha unfortunates. The male wards |
we're found not crowded, but some OF
he female wards We're overcrowded. |
The committee was impressed with the |
fact that there is nothing asked for by |
he superintendent or board that is not |
needed. The sums aggregate
100000. The chief item is $4,000 for
/ cottage for women, and this was
found to be essential. We believe"
,aid the committee chat the Sncress |
and the future efficiency of this in
;titution will depend largely upon the
LIBERAL manner in which the appropri-
ltions committees may deal with this