The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1912-03-26
Judge Carver of City Court Pa
roles Frank Crawford.
Letter of Sylvan Grove Man
\ Touches the Judge.
SAYS HE'LL SEE HIS WIFE
Promises to Earn Money to
Pay Fine and Costs.
Situation of Young Man Ex-
cites Much Sympathy.

Frank Crawford, who stole a watch
that he might visit his young bride in
the Oklahoma state asylum, was to-
day paroled by Judge Carver. Craw-
ford left this afternoon for Fort Supply,
Ok where he will meet his wife who
is to be discharged in a few days as
cured.
The parole of Crawford came today
following numerous requests for leni-
ency from every part of Topeka ana
many letters of sympathy from other
towns in Kansas. With the requests
for cIemency, came real money and
offers of financial assistance in the
payment of Crawford's fine and costs
After a conference with the county
attorneys force today, Judge Carver
decided that the young man was en-
titled to a parole. 1t was one of the
most pathetic cases tried in a Shaw
nee county court in months.
Recently Crawford worked for And
rev Wilson near Valencia. While there
the young man received letter stat
ing that his wife was soon to be as
charged from the Oklahoma asylum
Almost crazed because of his young
wife's trouble, Crawford stole Wilson's
watch that he might get money TO go
to his bride. He was arrested ana
pleaded guilty. Because of the circun'-
stances, Crawford was fined 81 ana
COSTS
the State Journal printed an account
of the case, Judge Carver was kept
busy until late at night answering tele-
phone calls concerning the case. Many
people offered to contribute toward the
rayment of Crawford's fine and costs
others offered to pay the entire amount
But Judge Carver urged that the pr1s-
oner be held a few days and no action
was taken.
sylvan Grove Letter EffectuaI.
To the county attorneys office came
requests to intervene in behalf OF
Crawford's freedom. The State journal
received many inquiries concerning the |
matter and this morning came letter /
from Ed Bushring, of Sylvan Grove /
Kansas, who sent 81 to help pay Craw-
ford,s fine and costs
'sWin you kindly have enclosed 81 /
paid to Frank Crawford to assist him
in getting out of JAIL Bushring wrote |
This is a sad case. I think it would |
be very nice if you could collect enough
so he could start for home and see his
wife at once. Please tell Mr.. Crawford
never to do so again; to keep always
honest and true and that l would like
to hear from him as to how he is get
ting along"
This letter was shown to Judge Car
yer. Similar requests were recounted
and Crawford was sent for. He went
from the Jail to- the court house with
out a guard and waited Is minutes in
the corridor until the court was ready
to see him.
Have you heard from your wife?"
Judge Carver asked the prisoner.
mo, only that card she sent and a
letter from the superintendent of the
asylum saying she can go home this
week.
well" said the court, 81 have de-
cided to give you a chance. I don't
think you are a criminal. You don't
l. 4 al
parole you and let you go home"
Crawford Breaks Down.
Tears welled in Crawford's eyes and
the face that seemed worn and haggard
when the young man entered the
courts private Office, shone with a new
light.
'sThanks judge. thanks" Crawford
Il don't know how to
thank you Do you really mean that I
can go right away? I'm so glad, but,
but"
And a worried expression passed over
the boyish face, as new thought en-
tered his mind.
Thanks awfully judge, but 1 haven't
enough money to go home on. I'll have
10 find some work and earn more
have only 81"
Then the court told. of the offers
If assistance from unknown friends
md Crawford's eyes grew big with
er received by the State Journal A
J. BOllinger, Crawfords attorney,
cached in his pocket and gave dol $
ar with which to help buy a ticket !
rhe ticket would cost Sc and Craw- y
ord now had IS of the amount A '
collection was taken and the entire '
mount provided with enough 10 buy t
omething to eat on the trip. "
Il want 20 send it all back to you !
md my costs, too said Crawford as I
lie rubbed his forehead in a dazed
ort of way This is the first time s
was ever in trouble and I don't {
Jnow why you have been so good to
ne. But it has learned me a lesson; {
nd none of you will lose anything t
wouldn't have taken the watch, only i
was wild to see my wife. 1 didn't t
mink about committing a crime when e
did it" 7
1t was a long speech and Crawford's /
ace flushed from excitement as he c
eaned nervously against the wall a
When he recovered his composure, g
lie shook hands with the judge, the {
curt attaches and members of the i
ounty attorneys force. Then he s
walked from the building to the Z
ANITA Fe depot.
Was Married in May. Z
Crawford was married May 6, Iasr Y
ear, to Alice Richmond, a 16-year- r
Id Lawton, Ok, girl. A few weeks o
fter the wedding the girl suffered