The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1917-01-31

All privileges dlC dSGOTutu luE
prisoners which can be- extended
without impairing the discipline OF
the institution. and any prisoner.
With a reasonable disposition, will
appreciate fayors shown to the ex-
tent of trying to deserve them.
The superintendent of the Farm
is responsible f.. the discipline of
the same, al the rules protect the
prisoners from either cruel or ex-
icessive punishment for offenses- The
superintendent is Hon. ID. w. Pur-
Wis, formerly sheriff Of Columbia
county. and for the last eight years
or more in charge of the Farm and
Hospital: for some years as superin-
tendent for the former lessees at
Ocala, and during the last three
years in charge of the State Farm at
Raiford. These three years include
the entire time the writer has been
connected with the Prison Depart
ment of the State. In all of that
time. / have never heard a single
prisoner. while in the prison or af-
ter leaving it, have an unkind word
tc say of their superintendent Wis
itors to the Farm have frequently
observed and remarked on the ex-
Extraordinarily kindly feelings which
exist between the superintendent
and his men, and how he commands
their respect and affection alike with
a rare blending Of firmness and con-
sideration.
Another matter which goes far
toward the reformation of Florida
prisoners-and this applies to these
! in the lessee camps as well as those
at the FARMS the liberal attitude
of the several pardoning boards of
the last few years in granting con-
lditional pardons to those whose con-
duct warrants it, There has per-
| haps been nothing in the last three
of four administrations so freely AMI
generally unfairly criticised as the
granting of conditional pardons. /"
This form of pardon is simply a pa
role with stringent restrictions that
the applicant shall thereafter lead a
sober, peaceable and law-abidine
life, under penalty of revocation by
the Board or by the Governor with
out redress or appeal. 1t is more
binding than parole, because, I'M
der ruling Of the Supreme Court
several years ago, the conditions arc
lasting. and prisoner may be re-
turned at any time for their viola
ton, even though the time for
which he was originally sentenced
may have expired before the viola
ton occurs. Undoubtedly, in indi-
vidual cases, the several boards may
have acted unwisely in granting
such pardons, but the small percen-
tago revoked indicates that in pfac-
tically all cases the clemency exer-
cised is appreciated and its condi-
ltions respected.
Now, have not written this with
any idea of asking for its publica-
ton; it is too long for one thing,
and such was not my purpose in
writing you, anyway. | am writing
simply because l respect your paper
too much to believe it would do any
one or any branch of the State gov
eminent an intentional injustice,
and | regard its influence too highly
to want to see it labor under any
misapprehension as to any subject
editorially discussed in its columns.
Neither do l ask the source of the
information upon which the editor
ial was based, as I recognize that
this request would be unethical
l grant that we have not yet at
tained perfection by any means in
the handling of our State prison
system, but do not believe the State
| is fairly open to criticism for COM
plete neglect, especially with regard
to its central farm, of the moral
well being of its prisoners, which
might be implied from the editorial
in question. If you can favor the
department with any suggestions or
information whereby this important
element of prison work may receive
more appropriate recognition, l can
assure you 1t will be my pleasure to
submit same to the Board for its
consideration and action.
Trusting / have not trespassed up
on your patience in writing so lone
a letter, and with best wishes for
your continued health and proeper.