Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-12-31
STATE HOUSE.
Governor and Council Grant
Pardon to Daniel Murphy.
Maine Automobile Clerk Makes
Monthly Report to Auditor.
The Nominations by the GOVERNOR
3 More Pardon Cases Scheduled.
STATE HOUSE CALENDAR.
Regular Meeting of the Governor and
Council at 10 A. M. Wednesday, Jan. 81.

The Governor and Council after t
short hearing Tuesday afternoon on
the petition for the pardon of Daniel
Murphy, who is serving a life sentence
in the State prison for the murder of
his father, granted the pardon after a
short executive session in which the
evidence was deliberated. 1t was urged
by those who appeared for the petit
toner that Murphy is in the last stages
of tuberculosis and is expected to live
but q short time.
The hearing on this petition was
brief. Matthew G. Morrill, of Gray, in
spector of prisons and jails, stated that
when he saw the prisoner last-about
three months ago-he was very thin
and had bright spot on each cheek.
Mr.. Morrill, read letters testifying
that Murphy had been a model pris-
oner and had but a short time to live
in or out of prison. According to a let
ter Of recent date from c. E. Shorey,
superintendent of the harness shop
Murphy has been one of the best of
prisoners and one of the best workmen
during the time he was under the
charge of Mr.. Shorey. About three
tinue work on account of his health.
The petition which was handed to
the Governor and Council asking for
Murphy's pardon was signed by a
number of the best known citizens of
Mars Hill, the place where the crime
was committed.
Charles E. Gustin of Mars Hill, an
uncle OF Murphy. said that Murphy's
mother and his two brothers could
take care of the consumptive.
Murphy was scarcely more than a
boy when he committed the crime.
On the night of the murder, June 6,
1898. Murphy, who was then but 16
years of age, entered into a dispute
with his father. in the course of which
he called his father a liar The dispute
arose over some posts which We're be-
ing placed in the cellar. The mother,
who was lying down in a room nearby,
heard the sound of blows in the ia
Tiers bedroom, which young Murphy
had just entered and starting towards
her husbands door she met Daniel
coming out dragging a bloody axe be-
hind him. Leo. the other son, was
standing back TO her, his hands ON the
fathers shoulders The father had been
brutality assaulted, his legs being near
~ severed from his body.
The following October the trial was
commenced, and Murphy was convicted
and sentenced to life Imprisonment.
He-commenced to serve his sentence
April 90. 1900.
The Governor and Council transacted
routine business during the afternoon
DR.. A. G. Young, secretary of the State
Board of Health, appeared before the
Council. asking for an increase in the
salary of Henry D. Evans. director of
the State laboratory of hygiene He
stated that Mr.. Evans had received
some very good offers outside of the
State, ard that, in order to hold him
the salary must be increased. Dr.
Young spoke of Mr.. Evans as invalu-
able to the work of his department.
The Governor and Council went into
executive session about o'clock, adj
journing shortly before the supper