The Democratic banner. (Mt. Vernon, Ohio) 1898-192?, 1922-06-13
The Governors
Decision
By MARY J. STRINCER


ana so we want you to pardon this
woman, governor" said the leader of
the deputatlon, because she Is more
sinned against than shining. She has
served ten years in the penitentiury."
"For a revolving MURDER" interposcd
the governor harshly.
FOR murder to which she was ac-
cessory. She was swoyed by the man
VINO committed 1t and has paid the
penalty OF his crime. We want to re-
store her to society, to give her her
chance IN life. She is still young, she
has been educated in prison. She
was accessory to the murder of u
brute. Her life was far from exem.
plary. But what started her upon the
downward road2 The man who took
advantage of her youth and innocence.
the first unnamed, unknown man who
made her what she is"
There was a pause in the governors
room. Governor Bates was scrlpulous
In the way he measured out Justice.
The deputation knew that all the
facts concerning Mary Soyforth would
be carefully weighed. 1t knew that
Governor Bates would act according
to the dictates Of his conscience.
But he had his sentimental side.
and DR.. Anne Prltchurd, the leuder of
the deputatlon, was playing It for all
1t was worth.
IF every man dared look himself
In hn ~ oh
who would not say, OF such women,
There, but for the mercy Of God,
stand ~"
The governor meditated. He had
released many prisoners during his
term of office. He had been unjustly
blamed and extravagantly praised. He
was not thinking Of what the news
papers would say. The business Of
the state was In suspense for half
an hour that he might weigh whether
or not Mary Seyforth should be re-
stored to liberty. 1t wns decision that
required almost superhuman clarity.
Her prison record?' lie asked.
Splendid" said Doctor Pritchard.
''Ill go and see her." announced the
governor.
The deputation withdrew. They had
gained something, at any rate, but
they had hoped for more"
That evening the governor went to
the penitentiary to see the woman. He
rose and bowed as the slight, prison.
clad figure entered the warden's office.
"Slt down, Mary Seyforth," he said.
"You know why am here. I have
been approached with view to grant
Ing you pardon. You must not be
Influenced by undue hopes. Tell me
your story"
The slight figure faced him across
the table, but she kept her face buried
in her hands. She did not answer
him.
"YOu were lucky to escape the
chair" said the governor judiciously.
I"Your life has not been exemplary.
am not reproaching you with it; I
am summing up the facts. Did you
love Carter?"
She shook her head.
"Then, why in Gods name, were you
uil uSSCSooy W hlo tHc SON-
ernOr demanded.
She spoke between her fingers: II
was alone in the world. had been a
servant. l had-a child to support. I
couldn't be servant and support 1t,
and-and Carter came to me and
promised to let 1t live with us If If
I'd agree. What Is one to do?"
"You should never have sinned in
the first place." answered the govern
or, but she went on:
"Then, when he planned to break
into the old mans safe, he swore
that there should be no violence.
When the old man awoke and cried
he strangled him with his pocket
handkerchief. I didn't know what he
was doing. When knew IL told
him to get out of my sight forever"
"All this does not excuse the fact
that you had deliberately placed your
self outside the social Institutions"
said the governor
"That's all. didn't ask for a par
don, and II don't want one. You
see, the-the child is dead"
you don't want to go free2" asked
the governor In establishment.
"No. What should l want my free
dom for? I'm happy here, In a way"
"You should have your chance In
life" said the governor. "A chance to
atone for the past by years of service.
You are now an educated woman.
You could obtain n position. Doctor
Pritchard has promised to See<to IT.
/ have decided to grant this applIca-
ton. But, Mary SeyfOrth, do not
blame society in your heart. You
alone are the cause Of your misfor-
tunes"
"How about the man-the first
mani" asked Mary Seyforth quietly.
for the first time looking him In the
eyes across the table.
Into the governors eyes a look of
horror came. He stared at her be.
wildered.
"You, Mary?' lie cried in horror
And the words rang through his
hroin "Uhpra hut for tho ,,o.. .