Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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APPLAUDS BLEASE'S USE OF PARDONING POWEI Former Member of Penitentiary Direc torate Argues That System Con trolling Convicts Renders Pardons Acts of Mercy. As chairman of the board of direc tors of the State penitentiary for si: years, from 1884 to 1890, I studie closely the conditions of convicts an the treatment accorded them in ou prison management. I desire now t say something upon the subject. Ther has not been a time in forty year that the system pursued under ou laws has :,ot been brutish and mur derous. I spoke in the National Pris on association in Boston in 18S8, whei President Hayes was in charge of it upon the subject of "South and Pris ons." When I was compelled to ex pose what was then inhuman treat ment of negro convicts in buildin, railroads and digging phosphate roc in our State, it was a fact that the: were being murdered. I made specia efforts for six years to work out re lief upon this line and we soon suc -eeeded in getting the convicts upoi farms and in such labor as they wer< trained to do and could stand. Thi conditions have been better, of course ever since, yet in a large degree nov the system of operation is inhuman and as practiced, unworthy of Chris tian people. I wrote a treatise upoi this subject in 1890, which I inten< at an early date to reproduce for th, good it may do in the improvemen of our prison management, of coursE I refer to the treatment of negro con victs in the main, who are overwork ad, beaten with stripes and abused b: the guards, and driven under the las .and spur. Ten Hours too Much. 'The term "hard labor" in our law: 'means no more than an ordinary ma can stand. It is not generally so re garded, but is taken by many to meai extraordinary work, which is often re quired of convicts. There is more t say upon that line perhaps now thai upon any other in connection with ou: prison. Ten hours a day is ordinar ily regarded a day's work for a hear Aty and healthy man. They can stan4 'that much who are used to worn -when they work moderately, whic] our colored laborers do nowadays.J anan not accustomed to work much of course, can not stand ten ho*s o hard labor. This class in the peni tentiary is required to perform th same amount of labor\ as those wh, -are accustomed to it, cTna they sool 'break down and are dead and buriec There should be some system made t regulate this uneven condition to say -the lives and health of the poor con wicts. Hopeless and Dispirited. ' There is another )phase of the sub ~ect I would again' oall attention tc whic'h is most important and demand Leg "I wish to say that I have used Sloan's Lini - m e nt on a lame leg that has given me much trouble for six months. It was so bad that I 'couldn't walk sometimes for a week. I tried doctors' medicine and had a rubber bandage for my leg, and bought everything that I heard of, but they all did me no good, until at last I was persuaded to try Sloar's Liniment The first application helped it, and in two weeks my leg was well."-A. L. .HUNTER, of Hunter, Ala. Good for Athletes. Mr. K. Gr..MAN, instructor of athletics, 417 Warren St., Rox bury, Mass., says :-"I have used, LINIMENT with great success in cases of ex treme fatigue after physical exer tion, when an ordinary rub-down would not make any impression." i Sloan's Liniment 1ias no equal as a remedy for Rheu matism, Neural gia or any painlor. stiffness in the muscles or joints. Pices,25c.,50. & $1.00 Sloan's book on horses, cattle, sheep ---- f.ree. Address ...E5 Dr. Earl S. Sloan, 6__e Bon, Mass., U. S. A. ing and necessary to correct if we t would save the lives of the imprison ed population. It is this: The impris oned, shackled, dispirited and cast down criminal, under whip and spur, with no hopes of freedom and nothing in the future to look for in the world, is in fact in no condition to labor at all, and when hard driven, as our - convicts are, soon, yield up the ghost. c I have thought for years that convicts I should be required to do only mod I erate hard labor, of course lighter r :ork in proportion. But to get it jown to a working principle I make zthe: following statement of a fact v hich I hope will reach our peniten c'tiary guards and overseer, and cul - minate in an act of our legislature to - regulate and correct the conditions referred to, to wit: Say that ten hours a day is full labor for a healthy young - freeman, this is all that he can stand - in moderate labor. The average free - man can not stand that much, and live, considering the ordinary condi tions of life among men and women, r many weakly and sickly and perma 1 nently diseased. The freemen are no - in prison, are not downcast, they are - not shackled, but have something to look to, and they work vol intarily and for its enjoyment and comfort. 3 Now, I beg that we .%cnientst in our , minds the conditions of the convict as r mentioned above and tli me youLr conclusion. Can the poor convict un - der his conditions stand what the i freeman can stand in labor, and live? j Your answer is no. Then I say that 3 the system 'that will work a convict t as much as a freeman will work is killing and murderous. If I had the - control of our penitentiary I would - never allow a convict worked at hard labor ten hours a day, law or no law. At the highest estimate I think seven hours a day as a limit for a convict at hard work should be observed and be enacted into an absnlute law. Un der this rule these poor people will have all that they can endure. Many can not stand that much. Many may live to get through these terms, but all, if long then under present condi tions are broken in health and soon pass away. Humane Purpose. I write in the interfst of humanity only, and I expect tog pursue this theme further in the future, and will have much more to say. I design very shortly to make a call for a con vention of some of our Christian peo pie of our State to meet for the pur pose of organizing a State Prison as sociation, to have for its object the improvement of prison conditions and the protection of the State'st priso'ners in the penitentiary, )!n our county jails and upon the chain gangs. I Ithink this of exceeding great import ance and it must be done quite soon. Our State association would connect itself with the National Prison asso ciation. I would like to have sugges tions from good people in th.is State who are interested in this question. I <ould suggest further while I am on the su.bject that the system of sen tencing convicts is most irr-egular an:1 dangerous. One judge would give ten years when anothcr judge with a soul in him would make it five One would giv 1 year, another would make It 2 years. Td the strong and hearty con vict it may do, but to the sickly and weakling it is death very soon. The unfortunate accidental criminal is punished as the hardened criminal. It is usually left with the chief executive of the State to investigate these con ditions, and we sometimes see that relief is given in the exercise of a humane system of inquiry into such cases adverted to. Pleads for Governor Blease. Now, Mr. Editor, I wish to remark that this article has been prompted just at this time by the positive and vigorous action of our governor, Blease, .in the pardon and relief of so many suffering human beings in our prisons. I beg the newspapers to hold up in their criticisms of his par doning work, unless they know of wrong being donie, which has not yet occurred to my knowledge. Governor Blease is in a position to know the conditions and facts upon which he in humanity decides to act. Let him be the judge and be allowed to pur sue the good work he is doing. I think that if all the facts and condi tions were known that it would be seen tnat one-half the convicts now in our State prison should be liber ated in some human manner. Gover nor Blease is not doing any more t'an he should do in this line and not as much as I think he ought to do in mercy and humanity. I don't want to see him hold up, and I am made hap p whenever I see a poor prison con ict given his liberty and freedom. I am willing to tak:e the chances of see ing this work overdone. I might as well remark that my motives and promptings may not be misconstrued that Governor Blease does not expect me to defend him, nor do I know that he will appreciate it. If I understand him he is not my friend. Why? I do not know, so it will be seen that I write from the purest motives. Applauds Blease's Actions. I applaud his pardoning exercise and many other acts of his I have ap proved, but in this I bid him God speed and will hold up his hand. Whatever else may be said of him he is a Christian; and has shown that he is a man with a so.l. His predeces sors have been yrants and have left the high office with the blood of poor criminals and unfortunates, on -their hands. I desire to see a better order of things in our government. Norton W. Brooker. Columbia, S. C., March 22, 1911. ** * * * * * * * * * 1* * * WINTHOP NOTES. * * - - * By Gillette Schumpert. * * * * * * * * * * * * The Easter rabbits visited the chil dren of the Wynojo and Arcade mills Friday. The little folks of the college kindergarten helped by the teachers and students, contributed money with which to buy eggs for the day's hunt. The principal of the xin<zergarten, Miss Macfeat, and her Rinaergarten seniors, took charge of the children. They had the brightly ayea eggs on the frort campus, where all hunted and pla, d until 12 o'clock. It was a joyous sight to see the many eager little faces peeping among the grass, and to hear the shouts of pure delight when a "rabbit egg" was found. Tomorrow is going to be a great day for our little friends of the country. There is to be held here at Winthrop a meeting of the rural schools of York county. Several hundred children are expected, and contests will be held. These contests are to be in all sub jects, causing much interest on the part of all. Tables have been ar ranged on the campus, where the pic nic dinner will -be served. Mr. R. C. Wyche, "King of Story Tellers," and president of the Ameri can Story Teller's league, is visiting Winthrop. Thursday Oight he gave us "An Evening With Uncle Remus," and Friday night he told more stories, also giving a talk on "The Art of Story Telling." 'Tis needless to say that we are all enjoying this visit, for who among us will ever grow too old not to enjoy a story of "once upon a time?' Several years ago the South Caro lina legislature included cooking in its* list of required subjects for the State high school. The elementary course in domestic science which is taken by all regular normal stud:ents at Winthrop college is not sufficient to fit them for teachers of this sub ject. The college felt that in order to give justice to the State, eh should offer a 13ermal course in domestic science. That course was oft'ered this year, and in June two students will be graduated from it with the degree of bachelor of - science, and several others will probably complete the course next year. This course re quires four years of college work, in cluding the language, English, and history as required in the normal course with science. .It also' takes up the subjects of hodsehold chemis try, home care of the siok, the princi plas of laundering, study of the water supply, the drainage and cleansing process, plans for building, finishing and furnishing a house, dietory work for children, for women ror a family, etc., with estimation of cost, and a course in methods and mate rials in teaching the subject. The students have been making an especial study in adapting the equip ment to the needs of the town and country schools. They have selected a portable -equipment which could be carried by the teacher from one to another of the rural schools in any vicinity. The equipment costs about $25, and may be seen at the college. There are few who do not appre ciate the need of knowmng more about the best choice and preparation of food. Now, prominent educators such as ex-Presidenit Eliot, of Harvard, and practically all of the present students and writers of pedogogy and psycho logy, are urging its educational vamue. The schools are rapidly Introauci' it and Winthrop hopes to be of aid to the State schools in this lIne. Winthrop College. April 15, 1911. outhern Educational Conference, Jacksonville, Fla., April 19 to 21, 1911. On account of the above occasion the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad com pany has authorized special low rates April 17 and 18, with final limit tick ets to reach original starting point not later: than midnight of April 30. For rates and information apply to nearest agent, or to T. C. White, gen eral passenger agent, Wilmington, N. DR. ME LBAU will answer emergency calls in con nection with his office work. Special ties, morphine and other drug habits. Hours 9 to 1 forenoon; 4 to 8 after no.1O-2-6mos CHICAGO E. ST. LOUIS KANSAS CI wOUFACT oR "SUPREME" and "SOUTHERN BIG" BRANDS ATLANT. You can't always tell what a fe mechanical condition and may have want, but there are other considera should know when he is buying pla He should know from what soi can depend upon it to feed his cro By no surer way can he guaran by the use of our excellently prepared Blood, Bo They are in absolutely fine and dry inechanical c bution and uniform feeding of every plant. Th< ing substance but the most scientifically prepared packing plants which insures c-uick and const seasons alike. They prevent shedding and keep This is why the "SUPREMa" and "SOU1 found better by those w ho -y ^r,d Lhem besi dealer for a copy of Dur 1911 Year" Bok and see FOR SA A. D. Hudson. Newberry, S. C., Smith Mercantile Co.' S. C, J. S. Wessinger, Chapin, S. C., Jas. H. Eargle, What kind of Shoe wil to Dolars Buy? Perhaps you've been taught by ex perience not to ex- 4#A $2., pect much for 91 $2.00. If that ing Shoe $3. is the case The equalstheb Southern Girl Shoe will surprise yoi $2.00 used to buy a good shoe. V will buy a better pair of shoes to-di before-certainly if you buy THE SOUTHERN C $2.00 'SHOE It has all the snap and shapeliness, made shoe. There is comfoi-t and fit i form line. It is as perfectly made as: 1 ever saw-every stitch right where it bel< * * cannot buy better sole leather. The uj j I froin the best part of the skins. All this long wear. It's the best shoe that is for the price. We have a dealer in your for the Red Bell on the box. CJRADDOCIK - TERRY a - Lynchburg, Va. "I forgot to teE you to bring some suga. "Afright, I am In You can afford to forget things i a t:>phon'e in your home. To telep a u;dreds of useless trips every day for ive in the country. You can have this y2':r 1.cme at small cost. It will save y a:nd add to the pleasure of your family Onir free booklet tells all about i.fu service. Write for it today. ;iu do. Address Farmers Line Department 20UTH ERN BELL TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH COMPANY 163 South Pryor St., Atlanta, Ga. TO DBAW JURY. of thirty-six men wh petit jurors at theC Notice is hereby given that on Fri.. pleas which will conw lay, April 21, we, the undersigned Jno jury commissioners for Newberry - Eug. county, S. C., will at 9 o'clock a. in., Juo. in the. office of the Clerk of Court, Jury Commissioners openly and publicly araw the names ICounty. I Ty ST JOSEPH OKLAHOMA CITY URrR.5o BLOOD, BONE and TANKAGE FERTILIZERS A, GA. rtilizer is by looking at it It may be in good every earmark of being just the thing you tions that are more important that the farmer nt food for his crop. irce his ammonia is derived and whether he p constantly and continuously till maturity. tee himself full protection in this way than ne and Tankage fertilizers on all his crops. ,ondition, thus insuring free and even distri y do not contain one ounce of any ammoniat animal matter from our six large Lnt action through wet and dry the stalk healthy and vigorous. 'HERN BIG" Brands have been le other fertilizers. Call on your what others think of them. LE BY Kinards, S. C., Sheal y & Derrick, Little Mountai Pomaria, S. C. s same shoe Ow utograph'' brAiA 50-$3.00 Is Good r Welt sewed; in onf lege Woman's Walk 0$3.50-$4. 00 ft !st custom make. I. You say re. say $2.00 Ly than ever IRL qe tl et of a custoneeyurpctciol n every foot any shoe you >ngs. Money ppers are cut meanis wer, sold ~to-daytR C HIL town. Look/ Cthe store now." A ' you haveoulic RokH otose who. this _w___ __ L. Epps,_____________ ofnd utsoprabit le o mPentmsedLonerDistaerpnde f yu hvef oule the rmoey otheero. hone save s Everisyfur if thegh l- e thsewhhaw etos, rit. uabuso bakasave syatically / our ga. teyu pceto A psta SFETYa frd you savings Erad wiawenteTreos t eteur -Recsint. Cah'e. ~ BSUMMER BOMRS., "RocklHis"rAgents ourtof cmmonwberryIP, e-rSiC.n - ofteneutMapprtunty911h. C. Ggga, TA haerald a od es-t -ae menocoes oonr o laerr;n 4-11-tif ou give the mnew w he ro-ns f..t.is..yours;... if..not,..the other fel