The Indianapolis times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1922-1965, 1930-07-08

The decision once again
brought up sharply agitation
for MONEYS release, started
at the time Mooney was con-
victed of taking part in the
bombing which caused the
death of nine persons and
seriously injured forty 9TH
ers.
Third to Reject Plea
Governor Young was the states
third chief executive to rule against
a pardon for Mooney. Former Gov
ernor w. D. Stephens declined to
pardon Mooney, but committed his
original death sentence to life i'm
prisonment on recommendation OF
the late woodrow Wilson.
Former Governor Friend w Rich
ardson declined to act on MONEYS
pardon appeals.
The Governors ruling here today
was anticipated, since he previously
indicated the pardon boards recon-
mendations and the supreme courts
action in the Billings case would
have a strong influence on his deci-
sion in respect to Mooney.
Given Careful Study
Il am aware the governors de-
cision read, that this decision will
be disappointing to many, particu-
larly to those who have come to feel
strongly on this subject without
having had opportunity to study the
case at first hand, but in matter
like this 1 must be guided by a
conscientious regard for my oath OF
office, rather than a willingness to
respond to popular appeal"
The Governor said that while two
of mis- predecessors in Office had re-
fused to pardon Mooney, he, never
sheless, had given the application
for pardon most thorough and
careful consideration.
Governor Young said he had no
prejudice against Mooney for any
social theory Mooney held or for
any other crimes with which he may
have been charged.
Spent Months in Study
IF he was innocent of this par
ticular crime, to keep him in prison
would be an ineffaceable blot upon
the good name of this state" the
Governor declared. "On the other
hand, if he was not innocent, he
was guilty of one of the most un-
called-for and atrocious crimes ever
committed, the Wanton murder of
unsuspecting men, women, and chill
dren gathered upon public street
to witness a patriotic demonstration
of San Francisco citizens.
although I spent many months
in studying these cases and carefully
read the transcript of the trials as
well as thousands of pages of the
briefs, petitions, affidayits, and other
documents filed with me, as con-
tinuously stated during my investi-
cation, was not able to convince
myself of the innocence of the two
prisoners.
But I had been convinced that
innocence or guilt of the one inn
piled corresponding innocence or
guilt of the other, and that what
ever treatment was accorded the one
should in all fairness apply to the
other"
Welcomed Court Test
Accordingly" the Governors
statement continued, "it was with
much satisfaction that l learned
that Billings had applied to the
justices of the supreme court for ?
pardon recommendation, for l real
lied that this would mean an indie
pendent and unbiased study by the
highest judicial body of the state,
composed of men Of specialized
training and outstanding ability,
and I sincerely welcomed this as
sistance in a case which found ex-
ceedingly difficult and battling.
The Governor then went on to
declare that as early as November,
1929, he decided that whatever
recommendation the supreme court
should make in the Billings case
must apply with equal force to his
decision in the Mooney case.
Under state law, Billings, a two
time loser" was forced 10 seek the
approval Of the supreme court be-
fore ne could appeal to the Gov
ernor for a pardon. Mooney, be-
cause he has only one conviction
against him, carried his request foi
| freedom direct to the Governor.