The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1913-12-09
JUDGES LETTERS In
5. K. WILLIAMS CASE
TRIAL JUDGE PLEADED STRONGLY /
WITH GOVERNOR.
Judge Prince Wrote Twice in Williams
nenau-.SnId sentence on His
Conscience.
Special to The Herald and News.

Special to The Herald and News.
Columbia, Dec. 8.-Because he was
re-arrested by the United States au-
thorities after ais release from the
State penitentiary on, parole during
good behavior, there has been good
deal OF comment in regard to the case
OF Samuel K. Williams, who was con-
victed in Charleston in October, 1908,
of violation of an act providing pun
ishment for safe-cracking, and SEN
fenced by Judge George E. Prince to
serve fifteen years. Williams was in
the governors Thankgivings list of
paroles during good behavior.
/, The governor acted in this case up
on two letters from Judge Prince, the
trial judge, which are as strong pleas
in behalf of parole for Williams as
could possibly have been written. They
are peculiarly interesting, and. In
one sense OF the word, somewhat re-
markable. Judge Prince said in his
letters that he could not relp feeling
that ne gave this man sentence en-
tirely too severe and that the sentence
was on his conscience.
Judge Princes two letters, which
will be read with interest, are as fol-
lows:
Anderson, S. c., June 9Th, 1911.
Hon. Cole. l.. Blease, Columbia, S. C.
Dear Governor: In looking through
my desk tlis morning, l came across
the letters OF S. K Williams, convict,
and ST. Julian Jervey who was solici-
tor at the time of his conviction, and
it has occurred to me that these COM
munications ought to be submitted to
! your consideration.
l would especially invite your at
tention to the letter from Williams and
would earnestly urge you to do some
thing for this man whose sentence is
on my conscience. can't help feeling
that | gave this man a sentence en-
tirely too severe. l hope you may see
your way clear to either parole or par
idon. | cheerfully assume all respon-
sibility for this recommendation.
Yours truly,
(Signed) Geo. E. Prince.
"Yorkville, S. c., Sept. -, 1913
Hon. Cole. L. Blease, Governor of
South Carolina, Columbia, S. C.
] Dear Sir. am taking the liberty
! Of inclosing for your consideration a
letter l have just received from one S.
X Williams, who is now confined in
the State penitentiary, serving a s n
tence Of fifteen years, passed III on
him by ne at Charleston, S. c., in lie
fall of 1903, for the crime of having in
his possession burglars tools. crst
gave him ten years and one month,
and because of some insolence il open
court, added TOUR years and eleven
months. At the time passed slid
sentence, under my construction of
the statute in such case provided,
was of opinion that if | gave him ten
years or less, | would have to put
him on the county chain gang, and felt
certain from his past record that he
would make his escape from the gane
in few days. Hence, in order to
make sure of him, sent him to the
penitentiary. as above stated. He then
became very angry and insulted me in
open court. In order to punish his
contempt of court, | added to his SEN
tence as stated above When first
, sentenced him, my purpose was to ask
the governor to pardon him after a
few years. thought this course wiser
than putting nim on the chain gang,
where | was certain he would remain
for only short time before escaping.
I am now thoroughly convinced that
he has been adequately punished for
any and all offenses committed in this
State, and join him in earnestly urg-
ing your excellency to hear and grant
his prayer for communication OF SEN
tence to five years. 1t might be best to
parole him Please do one or the 9TH
er, as I now feel that I gave him too
severe sentence, and if now had the
authority to do so, | would with cheer
ful alacrity suspend the remainder
OF said sentence This is the same
man about whom you and Aad some
correspondence a few years since.
If you have not the time or patience
to investigate this matter fully. then