Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1920-12-07
BEGS IN TEARS
FOR PAROLE


wrecked and broken up more homes il
Muncie than any other man."
RELATIONS WITH WOMEN
LAID BEFORE BOARD.
His relations with women. previous tc
the murder of Under, indictments which
were returned against the doctor for re-
ported abortions, and Federal grand jury
indictments, all were related to Mr.
Pursely by Mr.. Long. These facts were
laid before the board.
Harry Long told me he would never
recommend a parole for DR.. Ross" said
Pursely. "But he also told me that ow-
ing to his intimate acquaintance with
DR. Ross family, that he would not OPP
pose clemency for the man
Pursely told how he had been informed
that Dr. Ross early conduct at the prison
had been anything but meritorious, and
that this had changed only when it was
thought there was a chance 70 freedom
The people of Blackford County are
as keen right now against Dr.. Ross as
they were at the time he was convicted,
said Mr.. Pursely Every body in Black
ford County has respect and high re-
gard for the Under family. and I am
sure they would oppose a parole for the
convicted man..
Mr.. Pursely then went into q recitation
Of how clemency toward prisoners who
had not been reformed would tend TO
encourage other prisoners and law break
ers. He said he was sure the ends of
Justice would not be served by extending
elemency TO DR.. Ross.
While Mr.. Pursely was addressing the
board In regard to DIR. Ross character
Harry r. Lewis Of Amboy, brother-in-
law Of DR.. Ross, and Mrs. Walsh sat
quietly listening to every word. Pursley
told the board he had clippings which
related every incident when DR.. Ross
would he arrested for various offenses,
and told how once. when a street vender
was selling his wares In front of the
doctors office, DR.. Ross had turned a
stream of water on the crowd.
Not one person In Blackboard County,
with the exception perhaps Of one man,
a Socialist who opposes punishment OF
any kind, would recommend a parole foT
this man" said Pursely.
Marion Under, brother Of the murdered
man. did not address the board.
ASKS CHANCE TO
ATONE FOR WRONGS.
At the conclusion Of Mr. Pursely's
statement. the board Of pardons asked
Mr.. Lewis II he desired to add anything
to what had already been presented on
behalf Of DIT. Ross.
Il think there Is nothing 7 can add,
said Mt Lewis. II viii leave to the
board the investigations Of the actions
If Ross as related In the speech OF Mr..
Pursely.
I'VE might say something in defense
OF DR.. Ross but l think the board is
able 70 determine the facts in the case.
Mrs. Walsh broke down completely
during her statement TO the board, as
she told how her brother might have
made mistakes In his early life. but
added that their only ambition now was
to see him have chance 70 atone for
his wrongs.
If It were possible 10 bring back Mr..
Under We would certainly do so, but
that IS impossible I am sure that Mel
son has had punishment enough. and
now l want to see him have a chance 10
show that he has changed.
Il am not pleading for Nelson" said
Mrs Walsh, ~ the tears streamed down
her cheeks Rather am / pleading for
his brother, Ralph, who IS in serious
condition, and FOR his mother.
1T is largely due TO worry over Mel
son that caused the poor health Of
Ralph II is all we have left now. We
haven't much IN life and we would Ike
to see Nelson have a chance She con,
Guided
As she talked to members OF the board
after adjournment, Mrs. Walsh broke
down again.
The board stated that a complete new
investigation Of the charges brought by
Mr. Pursely would be made and that
careful consideration would be given
the case at this session.