The Washington herald., 1913-02-23
The Pardon of Thomas Whalen -~~~~~~-~-~-~-~~ :

might have, in his campaign. tho as
sistance of that skilled and unscrupu-
lous manipulation. The pack of coun-
try newspapers took up the Couriers
cry. Whalen's illness was, either is-
nored. or referred to as feigned. at the
direction Of prison authorities and the
Governor. And Yet certificate pigeon
holed In Gilman's desk. signed by the
prison physician, stated that Thomas
whalen. had pulmonary tuberculosis and
was in Q nnoribund condition.
In his office in the city William Handy,
the chairman Of the State central COM
mittee. read these newspaper stories. and
swore as he did SO. That night the
shrewdest and maddest politician In the
State stole out of town. The next morn
ing Gilman was surprised when the big
man burst through the door marked 'pri-
yate," brushed by him and entered. un-
Before the stately door swung to behind
him. Gilman heard him demand:
What's all this hear about your par
doning Tom Whalen?"
The private secretary did not hear the
Governors reply, for with deliberate step
he had crossed the room and closed the
door. He heard nothing clearly. for Ham
dy's voice came to at ALL Once he thought
he heard "mawklsh sentiment" and the
action of a political imbecile." but what
he mostly distinguished was muffied pro-
family. The young man for the first time
In his experience was delighted when his
bell buzzed Just then. When he entered
upon the scene. the Governor, rocking
complacently in his high-backed chair,
was saying:
But what II it's my duty?"
DUTY be damned" shouted Handy.
rising to his feet. and shifting the desk
with a heavy fist he had had folded during
the conversation. The wrath which the
politician had kept bottled up overnight
had burst out at last.
Il am running this campaign" he cried.
''and as long as do run It. do not pro-
pose to tolerate such incredible folly as
pardoning Tom Whalen."
Gilman. wide-eyed. gazed in amaze at
the two men. Handy stood glaring at the
Governor. his fist fastened where It had
fallen. The Governors lips were tightly
compressed A sheet OF scarlet swept
over his dark face. Both men were strong
willed. The tensity Of such a moment
could not long endure. Its contagion
spread to Gilman's nerves. The Gov
ernors splendid frame seemed to dilate.
and Gilman suddenly became conscious
that the admiration hr had always given
the man had never before measured UP
to the fullness of John Chatham's de-
serts. II was with relief that he saw
the Governors glance turn from Handy
to bend on him.
GILMAN" nc said. have a pardon
made out for Thomas Whalen.''
This answer to Handy's threat was
punctuated by fash from the Cover
nor's eyes.
And Gilman" the Governor continued.
"Yes. sir"
wire that woman-whats her name?"
"Barry?'
"Yes-Barry-wire her 10 come. I think
I shall prefer TO tell her mvself"
Handy dropped. heavy with exhaustion.
into his chair He tried to speak but had
trouble with his articulation. When he
mastered his tongue. he could only blurt:
Now you have done II, haven't yOu?"
Yes" said the Governor in gentle as
sent. Il have done IT" This sigh that
ended this remark was one in which
heart -burdeninG care was dissipatei. II
was a sigh that resolved a vast difficulty.
When the woman came the next morn
ing Gilman led her at once into the Gov
presence. Before him lay a large
document, lettcred In preposterous script.
lined in red ink The woman knew this
imitation parchment to he the pardon OF
Thomas WhaIen. The Governor rose and
stood until she had seated herself. and
then said. drawing the pardon on the
desk TO him. "I have decided to grant
the Duplication for Whalen's pardon"
The woman's fingers clawed the carved
arms of the chair. Gilman stared with
parted lips. The Governor continued as
he hastily scanned the pardon: D..
II take this action because circur1-
stances recently revealed lead me to be-
lieve that WhalCn is innocent"
The Governor dipped his pen in the ink.
They fern a very abuse proposition"
he said. posing his pen nicely in his fin
gers. "and I am not sure that every one
can grasp IL"