The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1922-07-27
Circuit Judge Tells Blaine
Not to Pardon KlOuss
or Kuzmich.
IRAN ROTTEN PLACES"
Governor is Told Just What
Conditions Surrounded Con-
victiOn of Two 'KenOshans.

Judge E. B. Belden of the circuit
court has sent prOmpt!ande vigorous
protest to Governor John J. Blaine
against the showing of any executive
clemency to either Julius KIouss or
Jack Kuzmich, Kenosha men serving
time in the house of correction. The
hearing on the pardons is to come up
before the governor on Augusts9th' and
in concluding his letter in regard to
each of the cases Judge Belden says:
81 oppose granting a pardon OF
Communication of sentence to this de-
PENDANT. He should serve his, sentence
and meet the penalty imposed by the
law"
The judge. has not minced matters in
discussing the cases of Klouss and
Kuzmich, and has shown to the gov
ernOr lot of facts which, came tosthe
court in connection with the trials of
the two men. He has also given to'the
governor few facts which. were not
made known in the trial of the cases.
Reviews Court Sentences.
Judge Belden in the two letters mail
ed to the governor on Saturday after
noon reviews the trials and sentences
of Klouss and Kuzmich and then com
ments on the facts as brought out
'I think you are familiar enough
with conditions in Kenosha county
which led to the calling of the grand
jury and the subsequent convictions
that I need not here again detail these
conditions" says the judge. 81 refer,
however, to letters written by me to
you in the Ruppa and Harry Gordon
cases." The judge then, outlines. some
of the facts in regard to Klouss and
Kuzmich with a view of thoroughly
advising the governor as to just what
kind of citizens the twoshad been prior
to their being sent to the house of
correction.
A VIGOROUSLY Bad Place.
"Klouss ran VIGOROUSLY bad place
wherein he sold intoxicating liquors"
says the letter. ain common with
many others his disregard for law was
open and notorious and obnoxious and
his defiance of the law was brazen. Re
ports of Investigators employed in the
grand jury investigation detail compe-
tent evidence that he knowingly let
rooms for purposes of prostitution
"He pleaded guilty and was convict
ed of carrying concealed weapons. His
general reputation is bad.
Was Denied Citizenship.
"He was denied citizenship in the
circuit court of Kenosha county be-
cause of his character, his violations
of the law and because nearly all of
the statements in his application were
false. l held him for trial for per-
jury which I had good reason to be-
Iieve he committed in the trial of
case in the circuit court of Kenosha
county. He has not yet been tried on
that charge.
eff convicted men, of whose guilt
there is no doubt" concluded the
Judge, care released and excused from
the penalties imposed by the courts,
which have tried the cases and are
familiar with all the details and sur
rounding conditions, is nullifed and
the purpose of The sentence is held
for naught."
Kuznlich Not Any Better.
In regard to the plea of Kuzmich,
Judge Belden had this to say, after
reviewing the sentence:
"Kuzmich ran a VIGOROUSLY rotten
place and there was nothing unjust or
excessive about the sentence imposed
upon him. In common with many 9th
ers his disregard for law was open
and. notorious and obnoxious and his
defiance of the law brazen.
eve are all sorry for the wives and
children who suffer in consequence of
their husbands transgressions but we
must not forget that we have a duty
to uphold the law and punish those
who violate it. If the public is called
upon to care for them during the en-
forced absence of the law breaker that
expense must be regarded as a part
Of the costs of administration Of the
law"