The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1908-03-19
Story of Seven Little Girls in
Need, Touched Judge Fox
and Ambrose Petry Was
Released.
PROSECUTOR PLEAD FOR
DISMISSAL OF MAN.
Charge of Forgery Against
Him Will Be Revived If He
Does Not Lead an Upright
Life.

Justice and not law, was exercised
in the Wayne circuit court this morn
ing. The embcr of love for his fell
low creatures that burned in the
breast Of the prosecuting attorney
was famed by the breeze of indigna-
ton. Judge, III not be a factor to
such prosecution he said, and moved
and the release of Ambrose Petry un-
der suspended sentence, The Judge
saw fit to comply and Petry was ac-
corded his liberty. He was charged
with forgery. Petry was given to un-
derstand he is a parOled prisoner and
is at all times under the jurisdiction
of the court. He was admonished to
lead an exemplary life and told vio-
latiOn of the mandates Of the court
means a sure term. in the penitentiary.
Refused Them succor.
The man is the father Of seven
children, all girls and the oldest but
thirteen years Of age. During the
time the father has been confined in
jail, the mother has striven to care
for the large family. The father of
Petry, who is well supplied with
worldly goods, has violated his prom
ise to care for the wife and children
in the sons absence, and, it is as
serted, not only has refused them sue
cor but has persistently remained
away from their home near Eldorado.
Ohio, and will not even look at the
in his plea by the prosecuting attOr-
ney to influence the court to release
a man, whom he had intended to pros
ecute to the full extent of the law,
until he learned of the eXtenuating
circumstances involved.
Reputation Good.
Previous to his most recent trouble
Petry had ranked we'll in the estima-
ton Of nei@hbors and friends. The
sheriff Of preble county wrote to P.
J. freeman. pauper attorney, and in
formed him he had investigated the
mans history and found his reputa-
ton good. Other Preble county
friends wrote letters asking for elem
ency. The mental condition of Petry
was referred to and declared to be
somewhat doubtful at times. This
fact was urged in his behalf
In his statement to the court. Pros
ecutor Jessup said: The entire
amount of money this man obtained
by his method has been paid back tc
the banks. His mental condition is
somewhat in doubt and do not care
to prosecute a man who has such 9th
or influences BROUGHT to bear upon
him as has this man. The check
which he forged was cashed a. tie
First National bank Of this city and
passed by il to an FIdOradO bank f0I
collection Of the man whose name
was used. The father of Petry
agreed to pay back all the money on
the underst tanding that his son was
not to be prosecuted. In fact Petry
the prisoner, was appealed to by q
we'll known business man Of this city
whose name l do not care to state
and the proposition made that he con
fess, pay back the money and escape
prosecution. The same proposition
was made afterward by banker al
EIIOradO and a banker Of this city.
am not asking this court TO convict
anybody upon such testimony anG
would not have brought the charge
had | known tine facts of the case at
the time. I don't think man >
rights ought to be taken away upon
any such promises. I would not have
you ler him 60 entirely. because :
man who has done such a thing once
might do il again and it is best u
protect the public, The father has
,ione nothing for his seas family de
spite his promises and III view OF al
these facts I would suggest his re
lease under suspended sentence.
Acquitted Man sohbed.
Thank you. judge" said Petry. aft
er the court had given him to under
, stand his relation To Tie Law in the
future. You may 90 now he wa.
told, and after shaking hands witt
attorneys and other bystanders. in
| Guiding the sheriff and reporters
Petry sought the door. His eyes filled
with tears and after leaving the cour
room he found relief in suppressed
sohs.