The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1911-11-13
lWashington Post.)

ook
How the elimination of politics and
influence of all kinds as deciding fac
tors in extending executive clemency
by President Taft is resulting in more
pardons being granted during his adj
m~inistration than in any other is
shown by figures now being prepared
at the department Of justice for Moor
last fiscal year, which is to be made
public In the near future. These fig
nres show that up to July 1 President
Taft had granted pardons Of one kind
or another in AS cases.
President Roosevelt was in the
white house six full fiscal years, and
ten months of the fiscal year Of 1902
and eight months Of the fiscal year of
1909, Vet during that entire time he
extended clemency in only 97s cases.
President Taft has been in charge two
full fiscal years and o months of
another. If lie continues at the pres
ent rate he should run far ahead of
Roosevelt's record. which, it is assert
cd, established a precedent.
Immediately after President Taft
assumed his duties the pardon figures
months between his inauguration and
the end OF the fiscal year of 1909 he
had granted 50 pardons Of various
kinds. In 1910 he allowed 225, and
the figures for 1911. just completed,
show he extended executive clemency
in 1853 cases.
President Roosevelt only granted 81
pardons in 1905 and 81 during that
portion Of 1903 when he was presi-
dent. In 1902 he granted 104. in 1909,
1874, in 1904. 1852, in 1905, 1874, in 1906,
124 and in 1907. lis.
Until President Taft entered the
white house it was generally believed
that influences of various kinds en-
tered into the exercise of executive
new system should be introduced, and
that each case placed before him
should be considered entirely on its
merits, without IN regard to politics.
Other presidents disliked to grant a
large number Of pardons, but he has
acted on the belief that no matters
how many pardons he has granted. he
will grant more IL they are deserved.
Under former administrations 1t
was often believed to he an accepted
policy h la n petition presented ac-
cOmpanied by huge lists of influential
names should he granted. IL possible.
and that a petition without such Il list
often was refused unless the prisoner
actually deserved %cleSnency. Now one
ing on a petition for clemency is that
m good aso for a pardon Is worth
more than 1000 names. This rule cx-
plains the failure of several influential
persons to get pardons during the Taft
administration. and the %pardoning Of
many inconspicuous persons.
interviewer with many of the vafi-
Gus kinds Of pardons granted by Presi-
dent Taft IN the recommendation OF
Attorney General Wickersham AM
James y. Finch. attorney in charge OF
pardons. are stories of suffering anG
want. mistaken identity, miscarriage:
of justice. reconstructed honesty ant
circumstances which run the entire
scale Of human emotions and condi'
tions.
Civil Rights Restored.
In o Of the cases wherein tn,
president has acted favorably, sen
fences have been committed, or per
SONS convicted Of various crimes hav.
been restored to their civil rights. :
few ines have been RENTED wholly. Z:
few conditionally. ~ few forfeited citi
zenships have been rrnitted, and nnl!
four rcspites have hcrn granted. j
few conditional pardons have als'
been granted.
! When the president sits down 4