The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-03-01
FORMER VALETNOT
WOR1HYOF P ARDON
Governor Says Farewell Word
in Case Unless Higher
Courts Act.
SATISFIED IN HIS STAND
Calls Brandt Self-Conicssed
Forger, Who Attacked Honor
oil Woman.
SATISFIED IN HIS STAND

Albany, n. Y, February 29.-Brand-
ing Folke Z. Brandt as a self-con-
fessed forgcr, and declaring that until
1t is conclusively shown that the
former valet of Mortimer l.. Schiff did
not commit the crime for which he
was sentenced to thirty years impris-
onment. Governor Dix, in sta tement
and maintain his determination that
Brandt is not worthy OF pardon. The
Governor says the statement is his
farewell word in the case unless the
higher courts set aside the writ of
habeas corpus BY which Brandt won
his release.
The Governor declares he has no re-
greet for his action and offers no ex-
cuse. Moral as we'll as legal con
sderations. ne says, Influenced him.
Attack Was Mnde.
Referring to the statement of Brandt
and his attorney that no attempt was
made to attack the honor of n woman
in the prisoners appeal for clemency.
the Governor says
I'm regard to this particular feature
of the case. there remains only to
say that the application for clemency
does include statements of scan
dalous / ature. and which reflect upon
the integrity and honor OF Il woman
who Is mentioned by name,
"Ir. the exercise OF executive dlscre-
ton it is as much my duty ~ protect
the fair name of a woman AMI n
;nolhct. who has never had an op; o,
tunity to defend that which Is tlcarcr
than life and liberty. as It Is to protect
that much mooted legal rights OF one
who has been convicted of i crime
upon his own plea of guilty.
II decided that upon Brandt's own
missions and statements. he VAS not
"a. pl oper subject for executive Glenn
cncy. without regard to the truth or
falsi'3 of his sworn statements and
admissions in open court. In the let
tiers submitted 10 me lie has attcinptod
tc disprove the crime Ia whicn lie
formerly pleaded guilty by stating
facts and uttering insinuations which
would make him guilty of q still more
abhorrent offense An oifense against
the sanctity OF the home by an accu.
sntion utterly dlsbelierc. refused
through the exercise of clemency, TO
condone a wrong more despicable and
inSidiouS than burglary or assault ny
blasting the character and reputation
Of woman on the unsupported state
ment of self confessed forger. whu
In the letter which is before me. calls
God to witness the truth OF present
statements. which contradict what he
previously declared under oath.
Facts Not Adequate.
"Eut while frankly and deliberate
ly base my refusal 10 extend clemency
upon the fact that. In his effort 10
secure pardon. Brandt has not
scrupled to attack the honor of wo-
man. and to invade tho sancity of u
home. / also declare my conviction
that the facts in the case. as presented
to me, by no means indicated that ;hc
law had been violated In the convic-
ton and sentence thcrcupon."
To Sustain this point tho Governor
points out that while District Attor-
nty, Whitman has expressed publicly
the opinion that Rrandt's Indictment.
conviction and sentence Were illegal.
he did not make any reference to suu,
a contention in his report to him or
urge full and Immediate pardon COR
tho former valet.