Chapter 61
CHAPTER XIX.
Prison experience cuncluded.—Efforts to get my case before the Supreme
Court.—Copious extracts from my diary kept in prison.—‘‘ Consider-
ing my case.”—‘‘Seeing about it,” etc., ete. —My appeals to Legis.
lntures, the President, Congress, ete.--How changes in Governors,
etc., are discussed by prisoners.—Prisoners that were shanghaied and
never convicted,—How I established my good conduct against the lying
gang.—-The ‘good Judiciary.”’-—Eftorts of and for other prisoners
and results.—Removal to Walla Walla.—My release, ete.
‘THE Governor treated the epitome, ete, of the foregoing
chapter just as he had all other communications in my behalf,
because he was able to squelch it from the people, of whom he
said, “ they make great clamor over pardoning.” He was dead
to every generous or just emotion aud every elevated senti-
ment.
So then I made an effort with the “good Judiciary” to
grant me some kind of a trial wherein I could be defenced or
defend myself, and in accordance with the same wrote the
following letter :
“Srarco, Thurston Co., W. T., June 21st, 1882.
Hon. 8. C. Wrnearp:
T hereby apply to your Honor for a new trial. 1 can show ten times
more than the reasons usually deemed sufficient for other men. The sub-
etonce of which are that there is not, and never was, any real case of crime
ust me, and there was and is an abundance of proof to establish be-
yond dispute my entire innocence of amy crime. That I simply killed an
assassin, who was hunting me like a wild beast on my own home, with a
cocked carbine in both hands and declared murder in his heart; that I shot
only after he had made the attack and fired the first shot, and while lie was
trying to kill me with his gun again cocked; that I thus defended my life
by every other right, besides following the advice, counsel and direction
of a ‘‘court of justice”; that my commitment to jail was bulldozed by a
little armed gang in the middle of the night, (which gang had previously
tried to jump another portion of my home, te which I had a U. S. patent)
they having a shyster “lawyer” for clerk and to fix up the proceedings,
who was also the: prosecuting attorney, and I was not permitted any
defens
That when in duress, my counsel betrayed or sold me, kept me 1n jail
for over mine months, while they helped to manage my conviction, not-
withstanding yea had declared « willingmess to give me an im-
362)
—— ="
he Supreme
-‘* Consider-
ls to Legis-
Governors,
nghaied and
ast the lying
oY prisoners
foregoing
my behalf,
{ whom he
2 was dead
ated senti-
diciary ” to
efenced or
wrote the
st, 1882.
w ten times
h. The sub-
hase of crime
establish be-
ply killed an
me, with a
; that I shot
while lie was
hded my life
nd direction
dozed by a
1 previously
J. §. patent)
yroceedinys,
rmitted any
pt me in jail
vietion, not-
me an im
My Re tease. 363
mediate trial, or examination, which should have ended my trouble. That
they extorted my means of defense by the most base, false pretenses, and
refused to be discharged when I had found them out. ThatC.. expressed
with me at court great surprise at the trick sprung on the stand (that the
gun was aimed at another), when it transpired that he had before granted
this in his charge for you that was rejected. That he had previously de-
clared to me, that he ‘‘had great influence with the court, that it loved him
though he despised it, and that he had written a charge for it which would
be the charge to the Jury, and under which I must be acquitted, so it
would be superfluous to make out or show all of my case,” or to hammer to
pieces and destroy (as could be done) all that was sworn against me.
All of which foregoing I will swear to and can give a bill of particulars
as to the same, as conclusive as any similar victim ever can under the same
circtunstances and duress.
If there is any recourse for such as me in the courts of this country, I
want to find it; and I most respectfully and courteously hereby apply to
you to assist me in doing so.
Gro. W. FRANCE.”
I also applied to others and to the Chief Justice of the
Supreme court, only to find it to be so exclusive and high-
priced and prostituted that to get there I would have to pave
the way and by-ways with gold in quantities which, by this
time, I had not.
Could anarchy be any worse condition for the common
people ?
Some months after the delivery of my epitome to the Gov-
ernor, he was at the bastile and I took occasion to spread out
a copy of it on a table before him, and urged him “ to point out
a single move, intent or act in my conduct as to the fight, or any-
where in the trouble that was bad, and to say what more he
required ? ”
To which he replied in the presence of others (which I
have the documents to prove), “Of course, France, you have a
very strong case ; I cannot discuss it with you, but I will let you
vo on the recommendation or favorable report of the Judge.”
To which [ replied, “ You know, Governor, that Judge Win-
gard will not recommend or solicit any man’s pardon.” “But,”
he replied, “I do not require that; you get only a favorable re-
port or word from him and I will let you go.”
I then asked him if he knew Mr. N_., ex-president of the
council, and “ whether he would consider him a reliable man ?”
a ee
ET a IEE yt Gist
$ is
TIRE AGREED TOBE Si NE Oa
364 Exrracrs From Diary Kept In Prison.
to which he replied that he “ did know him and considered him
very reliable, indeed.” I asked him to “publish my case and
argument (epitome) and see if anyone could be found who
would assail it or discuss it with me.” Noreply. I then sug-
gested that “he refer the question of pardon to any three
ministers,” he replied he “guessed we could get along without
preachers.” (The one who came there said he “would have
done just as I did, by the evidence.”) I then wrote to Mr. N..
stating to him what the Governor had promised, and requested
him to see the Judge accordingly, to which Mr. N..replied as
follows directed to me:
‘Dayton, W. T., October 10th, 1882.
Mr. Wm. B.. [who was the chief contractor of the bastile. |
Str:—You will do me a favor to assist Geo. W. France to get a pardon,
I know he has paid the penalty of the crime,which he was imprisoned for,
Therefore, it being justice to the man and the laws, I ask that you see the
Governor and state the case to him.
Judge Wingard thinks that France is entitled to a pardon.
Yours truly,
R, G. NeEwnanp.”’
Also this to me :
Dayton, W. T., Oct. 10th, 1882.
Sriseusve biecontat utara I have received yours of the 7th, inst., and also
one before that, I should have answered, but Judge Wingard was away at
the time. I spoke to him last Saturday; he said, he was willing that you
should have an unconditional pardon now, and I hope the Governor will
grant you an unconditional pardon immediately.
Every one here that knows anything of your case expresses a desire to
have you pardoned. So the Governor need not be afraid that the public
opinion is opposed to your being pardoned out of prison.
Yours truly,
R, G. NEwnanp.”
Not hearing from this effort, I addressed the Governor as
follows:
‘‘Sratco, Oct. 26th, 1882.
To his Excellency :—[ Bill Links. |
I herewith send your Excellency copies of letters from the Hon. R. G.
Newland, transmitting Judge Wingard’s substantial recommendation for
my pardon. Believing that this fulfills your Excellency’s requirements
and trusting that you will not be unmindful of your promise, I, therefore,
have sent for means to reach the wreck of my home and family.
I presume this matter has been presented to you by Mr. B.., as he
lered him
ease and
und who
then sug-
uy three
¢ without
uld have
> Mr. N..
requested
eplied as
1, 1882.
t a pardon,
risoned for,
you see the
RWLAND,”’
1, 1882.
., and also
yas away at
g that you
vernor will
a desire to
the public
WAND.”
vernor as
1882,
Hon. R. G.
ation for
uirements
therefore,
B.., as he
My Reteasr. 365
has promised to do so, and ‘‘lend all the assistance in procuring my release
that lies in his power,” but I would not neglect any portion of diligence,
duty or privilege in such a vital matter to me and mine. T have said that I
was Willing to be obligated to show and establish to the satisfaction of the
Judge, that there was not even the shadow of any true case of crime
against me, and I still court the opportunity to do so.
Very respectfully,
Gro. W. FRANCE.
Copy. Seatco, W. T., November 24th, 1882.
Dear SisteErR:—Yours of the 8th, inst., just received, with $25; but my
pardon is still withheld, notwithstanding the Judge’s substantial recom-
mendation and the Governor’s promise that this would effect my release.
NEO OKO RE STO Sa ttosisuaraiehuter sel ttetel e5svz Gero, W. FRANCE.”
From my Prison Diary.
* Jan, 20th, 188.3.—Goy. |Links] here. He came to me, spoke and
extended his hand very cordially; examined the medicine I was taking
(digitalis, iron and bismuth), noted my condition, saying: ‘‘you are cer-
tainly quite unwell,” etc., and that he ‘would see me again before he left.”
But he did not, and left without me getting anything out of him as to my
release and the Judge’s substantial recommendation. He is on his way to
the States,”
So I again appealed to the Judge, as follows:
‘“‘Sratco, W. T., March 1st, 1883.
The Hon. 8. C. Winaarp.—I beg your Honor to consider that in
August next, without any rebatement (and to concede to me the time I lay
in jail begging for a trial), I will have suffered five years of most terrible
imprisonment and distress; that my health is impaired, and that my home,
that I toiled the best years of my life to make, my means of livelihood,
family and affairs are in a most encumbered and deplorable condition, be-
yond my control. That, as I am placed, I cannot attend to and protect
anything, and friends who would help me declare their inability to do so,
and that Iam ‘‘already ruined !”’ They have suggested that I take certain
action in the matter, but find that my duress is such that I cannot ac-
complish anything, nor to even communicate with my wife and children
to know definitely the proper mode to pursue. And the breach is made
wider, the intriguing coil drawn tighter, and the ravage more ruinous every
day and hour. I beg your Honor to consider that I have ever earnestly
plead and affirmed that there was in truth never a stronger case of self-
defense, and that there was and is indisputable proof to establish this be-
yond fair question, and all else that I have claimed. And I have continu-
ally, from the day of the tragedy, plead and begged for an opportunity to
so establish it. But instead of granting this right I am condemned to
destruction, with no effective recourse, except through your Honor’s more
earnest endeavor. If you are loth to otherwise effect my release now, under
Se ee SRN ri A Soi ent Sana Ta
whiaets
‘
866 Extracts rrom Diary Kept mt Prison.
such vital and critical circumstances and misfortune—far reaching as they
he-—or if discredit as to the truth of anything I have uttered be in the way,
then I beg that you recommend and urge my release on condition that I
make each and every assertion that I have made and do make as to any
phase of my case, situation, condition and trouble, good and established
within a given time to your Honor’s satisfaction, and to be held in reason-
able restraint or obligation till the same be done. Grateful for fayors
done, IT implore you to consider well the full meaning of every word here-
in uttered, and that I am willing to stake what is left of my life and fortune
on the truthfulness of my assertions, and that time and events have already
proven much that was considered as with a sneer.
Most respectfully, and in great distress
Gro, W. France.”
March 6th, 1883.—Note from sister M. J., in the States, dated Feh’y
25th, that ‘they were telegraphing to find the Governor to interview him,
ete.”
March 18th.—Received letter from M. J., at Trenton, N. J., where
they were to see the Governor, who had just left very suddenly, but inter-
views his son and interests other parties, so that they are confident I ‘will
be released in a month.” Date of letter, March Ist,
March 20th.—Received the following terms for my release, in
the name of “the people” (?) (that had really declared that
they were wnanimous for my restoration) which I will give as a
fair example of SEVERAL such propositions :
‘¢Pomeroy, Garfield Co., W. T., March 8th, 1883.
G. W. France, Seatco, W. T.
Dear Sir:—I write to you to ask what is the least you will take for
a deed to your homestead.........csssccreessec eter sence ee eeeeeeeeens
This is private between us. I have been feeling the pulse of the ‘‘ people”
and trying in every way to see what chance there is for you to be released.
I know of only one way possible, and that is for you to have a few hundred
dollars, Would communicate the facts, if I knew how to get them to you
privately.
It is no illegal plan, but the best plans are sometimes frustrated by too
many knowing them.
Let me hear from you at once, and the least you will take in cash to
sign a deed to the land named.
Would you give it to get out honorably, if it could not be effected for
TORS A Prec Sthcs assur tibet steve Virny ae Das ek a Note a ewe shetlice See SIN ND sae sialetasritlaveseckonocess
Hoping you are in health, I remain yours,
Oh, no! this “ people” (?) (“who clamor”) would not rob
or ravage, or murder anybody. They would only give them “a
ing as they
in the way,
tion that I
as to any
established
lin reason-
1 for favors
word here-
und fortune
ave already
[RANCE,”
lated Feb'y
view him,
.dJ., where
, but inter-
lent I ‘will
release, in
ared that
ive as a
, 1883.
ill take for
b ** people”
be released.
w hundred
em to you
ated by too
in cash to
ffected for
not rob
them “a
My Retease. 867
fair and unprejudiced trial,” (?) torture, betray, deceive and loot
them of all—everything they possess! And do it so “ legal-
ly” and so “ honorably” (?) while to sand-bag a man, take only
$9 and a silver watch and let him go on home, is made a crime!
“Oh, consistency, thou art a jewel.” But think of the ex-
cursion tickets, the segars and whiskey and newspaper puffs
this “ people” (?) would enjoy out of so many yeurs of toil and
honest endeavor! Oh! my “people!” Would you, oh, would
you, so “legally” and so “honorably” picnic in my miserable
ruin, or “clamor” that I die ?
Is this the price of liberty? No! not even that, but to still
toil on for another such picnic to the gang.
“ For THIS his sword the midnight rufian vraws;
For Tuts the LICENSED murderer spurns the laws,
Rears his proud head diminish'd justice o'er,
His trophies watring with « brother's gore.”
“ The dagger, hid in honors specious guise.”
March 24th.—Governor [Links] here. Was distant and cold, said,
‘che knew my case as well or better than I did, and if he wanted to talk
any more to me about it, he would let me know.”
‘There was a laughing devil in his sneer.”
He would “smile and smile, while secret wounds did bleed beneath My
cloak,”
Perhaps I had better deliver up my homestead, my livelihood, so
many years of honest toil, and take to the road. Curse them, if I do!
“ Raised the fire of vengeance in the heart.” But how do I know, but they
would take the price and hold me all the same, or put me in the ground to hide
their crimes, as no sEcURITY is held out that I would not yet be held.
‘*Some men have so little sense of honor, that they do not regard an
oath as to their duty, even in the discharge of official duty. He who kicks
at this, his conscience stings and is the man.”
March 26th.—Mr. B.. came to see me; said, “ there was no
public sentiment against me whatever, and that the people
wanted me out, except members of the gang,” and said he
“would see the devils in HELL before he would give them a dollar
more.” But I was to be in hell while they were in clover.
April 18th.—Received letter from M. J., that they had been again to
New Jersey and ‘“ were assured by the Governor's son, that he would soon
accomplish my release,” ete.
868 Exrracrs From Diary Kepr In Prison.
‘Oh, labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial
fire, called conscience.”
As to his Excellency’s veracity: he writes as follows to a
sister in the States :
‘TERRITORY OF WASHINGTON.—EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT.
Oxympt1a, March 30th, 1883,
DrEar Mapam:—I did not receive your note
desiring to see me until after I reached this place. My son, Dr. [Links],
Jr., wrote tome. I have given much investigation to the case of Mr.
France, and regret to inform you, that it was a much more aggravated case
of mortal shooting than, perhaps, you know of. His case was fairly tried
and the Judge considers the penalty not excessive, I must state reluctantly to
you, that I have but little consideration for any person who takes human
life, except in clear cases of self-defense.
I am yours truly,
[Bill Links. ]”
To which she replies as follows:
Governor [Links].—Dzar Sim:-—Yours of the 30th of
March was duly received and its most mysterious contents sadly read, and
to our great sorrow not favorable to my brother’s release. Why is it that
Judge Wingard acts so strangely in this matter? He certainly has to others
said plainly that he would not oppose his pardon, besides the petition for
his release was signed by almost the whole community
His action svems so strange.
Did you not long ago receive a letter transmitting Judge Wingard’s
substantial recommendation for his pardon ?
The clique who set [Jumper] up, to get brother in trouble, was gov-
erned by no priuciple or feeling but those which avarice and unprincipled
ambition inspire, and are prospering on brother’s hard earned property; and
it is to their interest to keep him imprisoned as long as possible, so that he
may have nothing left with which to redress his wrongs.
I can very easily see how impossible it is for one occupying the positon
of Governor, to understand the workings of so deep laid a plot. But should
any man attack another, as he was attacked, on his own home, while quiet-
ly engaged with his employees sowing wheat, in this State most surely the
verdict would be justifiable,
Time will convince you, honored sir, of the innocence of any crime,
save of the clique and [Jumper] their agent.
My dear brother is losing his health and suffering more than tongue
can tell, and innocent as you, sir, or Iof any crime, save that of defending his
own life; and all he needs, is a chance to show that there was not even a
shadow of any true case of crime against him, and he courts the op-
portunity.
c of celestial
llows to a
ENT.
30th, 1883.
ve your note
Dr. [Links],
case of Mr.
pravated case
is fairly tried
reluctantly to
takes human
Links. |”
of the 30th of
adly read, and
Why is it that
y has to others
e petition for
ige Wingard’s
ble, was gov-
unprincipled
property; and
ble, so that he
ng the positon
1, But should
le, while quiet-
ost surely the
of any crime,
s than tongue
defending his
vas not even a
hcurts the op-
My RE ease. 369
The Jury was composed of an element that we would all be very slow
in intrusting so important a case. Some men have no sense of honor and
no regard for their oath.
I confess myself, that I would have very little consideration for any
person who takes human life, except in clear cases of self-defense, and I
am sure that this was such ACASQ co.cc cc cee ence ee ee ene enees
MJ."
May 12th, 1883.—Receive word from G. H... that he will ‘‘with the
sanction and in conjunction with Judge Wingard” endeavor to get me released.
[Which is the opposite of his Excellency’s statement, that
“the Judge considers the sentence not excessive;” so one or the
other evidently lies ; or else the Judge is “ strange,” indeed. |
“Calumny is often added to oppression, if but for the sake of justifying it.”
But I have a few friends left through all such reports of
“the lying gang,” and some of them urge the “ good Judge” to
recommend my release direct to the Governor, and to establish
who it is that is such a cold-blooded, villainous, brutal, cow-
ardly, unmitigated liar, and he replies as follows :
‘’ WaLta Wauua, W. T., June Ist, 1883.
His Excellency [Bill Links], Governor.
Str:-—George W. France, now in the Ter, penitentiary under sen-
tence for murder in the second degree, has served imprisonment as long as I
would have sentenced him to undergo, had the law allowed a less sentence than
Timposed. Very respectfully,
S. C. Winaarp, Judge.”
The foregoing document is considered by other Governors
to be alone recommendation enough to release prisoners, with
nothing else done in their behalf. One Governor (Knott) de-
clared in his inaugural address that he would grant pardons or
commute sentences “only when the court is satisfied that the
sentence is unjust.”
And to hold me longer with this staring him in the face
was to rob and torture me on the flimsy pretext of a mere tech-
nical sentence that had been thus abrogated by the “ good Judge.”
The Governor was so guilty that he would not face me any
more to talk, or make any reply to this recommendation ; he
heeded it no more than he had the other. He would not even
criticise or make objection to it. The question now was “ what
excuse would he invent next to spit at my stand-by friends, to
injure me, and yet not aggravate them so they would get mad
24
ens) an Seen
tetas
i
{
i
pre ahi om or eter pinta
STC AEP WR ARR eet ke i pec ER intense
a qeccenaiepsyiin
Pines mM Aa. smepserstonirwsinersattrnagtien,
370 Exrracrs From Diary Kept 1n Prison.
and how] out his brutal and mysterious conduct to the public?”
So they and I were always being advised to “ keep still.”
But J could get mad and still be damned ; for could they
not squelch my letters, etc., and thus keep me in the dark, and
the truth hid from the people who “clamor?” This censorship
over a prisoner's correspondence should be killed !
July 8th.— CR. BF... and J... jumped again.”
July 10th.—**T... and F... jumped.”
And who could honestly blame them to jump from such a
hell and such a Governor? Why should they be in prison and
the lying gang in clover? They had a right —by the higher law
of Heaven—to wade over the carcasses of such as would hold
them there.
July 13th.—S... came here from Dayton; brought word from B...
that ‘‘he was going to work to get me out,” ete.
July 23rd.—Get note [‘‘underground”’] from a friend, as follows:
“Copy of Judge W.’s recommendation received; all right. Be patient.
Your release will surely come ere long from the Governor.”
We had to smuggle, when we could, such vital papers,
letters and life-or-death business—out and in the bastile—so
they would not be squelched by the lackeys of the gang.
July 29th.—I get the following : ‘‘ We have just returned from Tren-
ton again; now make your calculations to be released very soon.”.........
‘‘Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
Whene’er ‘ve practise to deceive! ”
Ang, 5th.—Received letter from Mr. W... [It was registered, so I got
it; but, though he wrote several others, I did not get any of them.] He
says, that ‘Judge B... is working for my release; had written to the Gov-
ernor and to Judge Wingard; that he was personally acquainted with
them both, and that he would go and see the Governor and urge my
release; and they were ‘very confident of success.’ Also, that my wife
was working for my release and thought it so very strange, I did not
get her letters,”—[I had written a dozen letters to her without receiving
any reply. |
It afterwards transpired that his Excellency next invented
for an excuse to still hold on to me ; not that he “ was consider-
ing my case,” nor “that it was not yet time to consider it,” nor
that “the people would clamor,” nor that “I had had a fair
trial by an unprejudiced jury and a “good Judge,” nor that
2 public?”
i igg
could they
» dark, and
s censorship
rom such a
_ prison and
» higher law
would hold
rd from B...
1d, as follows:
Be patient.
vital papers,
» bastile—so
b gang.
ed from Tren-
”
VON, se eveeeee
stered, so I got
of them.] He
en to the Gov-
quainted with
and urge my
that my wife
nge, I did not
lhout receiving
ext invented
ras consider-
sider it,” nor
had a fair
»,” nor that
My REeE.gEase. 371
“my case was such an aggravated one,” nor yet that “the good
Julge did not consider the sentence excessive,” because all of
these excuses were now worn out and known to my friends to
be false preteats, and he knew that they knew them thus to be.
But as his conduct had not made my friends desperate or
dangerous to him, but only disgusted and sick, and as he was
keeping me choked down (I “must keep quiet!”) he could
therefore feed them most anything to keep them sick and still,
while I was dying in the agony of suspense and of despair. So
he spit this rot into the face of Judge B. and others, that my
“conduct was very, VERY bad.”
Great God! Is a man supposed to have any “conduct”
after so many years of cruel torture, and ravage, and betrayal,
and lying deceit? Deluded, deceived, oppressed, trifled with,
and murdered in a living tomb ?
‘© Oh judgement thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason.”
And if he still lives and has some kind of “conduct” left is
he to blame ?
And yet, during this very time the chief prison officials
were promising to recommend my pardon to the Governor “ if
he would but request it of them.” And neither they or the
Governor had any charge against my conduct to make to my
face.
About this time a friend told them that “it was a G—d
d—-d brutal outrage for them to hold on to me as they did.”
Nor did they dispute or discuss the matter with him either,
though he put it to them in their own language.
Ang, 15th.—Received the following from the States: ‘Judge R...
is hourly expecting an answer by telegraph from the Governor.”
‘Not so your friend—with grief oppressed I see
That peace, which smiles on many, frown on me.”
Sept, 13th.—‘*So far we can hear nothing from the Governor. We
are doing everything that can be done, to get him to act at once.”
Sept. 25th.—‘* We are still in suspense. Judge R... and ..... are
doing all in their power”
(It takes a lot of killing, expensive experience and » long time
for outsiders to learn the mystic, traitorous ways of a secret
gang, )
ie ae ais
: - 2 std =
a
He
nu
}
q
“ wa , “ " OB
> hae, PTR CE Ri NC eae a ee ments ae
872 Extracts rrom Diary Kerr in Prison.
Then the Governor’s son wrote to a sister as follows :
‘TRENTON, N.J., Oct. 2nd, 1883.
seantupaten bor surlacesechann My father wrote me in reference to your brother,
and I do not think, from the tenor of his lette:, that he is very favor-
able towards his pardon.
I anticipate going to Washington Territory about November 1st.
Please write to me and give me your brother’s full name, I have for-
gotten it. Yours very truly, [Bill Links], Jr.”
[And so, even he had to judge by the mere “ tenor” of the
Governor's letter, as to what he would do. |
October 1st.—Legislature met, and reports come that some
of the members and others are determined to secure my re-
lease; whereupon the “ doctor-Governor-and-the-law” ex-
claimed to a number of men: “ Well, by G—o-a-d, France is a
man that always behaves himself and attends to his own busi-
ness, and he has been here long enough, by G-o-a-d,” which
did not correspond with his Excellency’s rot to distant friends
“that my conduct was exceedingly bad,” and some of such dis-
tant friends blamed and lectured and charged me severely over
and over again to “ behave myself and KEEP quiet!” .“Oh, they
could not help me unless I would quit being so bad, and was very
quiet.” “Yes! ‘in some way’ (but what way they could not dis-
cover, except that I did not keep still enough.) I had offended
the Governor!” [Horvrible, HoRRIBLE thought, to “ offend” his
Excellency (?)]
That such slimy cattle as these blackleg governors could in
any way get my friends to doubt me, known as I was to
them, made my flesh creep and me feel that:
“With friends and falsehood I have done:
I've fifty had and yet not one,
They are only adders in the breast:
That nestling in, devour their nest;
That pleasing dream forever o’er
My bosom I unlock no more,
Yet though all hope of friends is fled,
T'll place acquaintance in their stead,
I weep the sad exchange I own,
(For my poor heart’s not callous grown.”’)
But the governor never DARED to tell, outside of the gang,
wherein I “ offended” or my “conduct was so exceedingly bad.”
OWS :
d, 1883.
our brother,
| very favor-
ovember Ist.
I have for-
ks], Jr.”
or” of the
» that some
ure my re-
e-law” ex-
France is a
gs own busi-
a—d,” which
tant friends
of such dis-
severely over
» Oh, they
nd was very
ould not dis-
nad offended
‘ offend” his
brs could in
1s I was to
e:
”
f the gang,
dingly bad.’
My Re tease. 373
Those who heard the superintendent and others talk about
it at this time, thought I would be released swre.
A member of the Legislature from my section said, “France
did wrong, br.t if he had not killed the man, he would have killed
France 1”
Copy. “Sratrco, WasH. Trerrirory, October 14th, 1883.
Hoy. 8. C. Wincarp :
Dear Str :—Your certificate, etc., of June 1st, 1883, was gratefully
received and sent to the Governor, but has afforded meno relief. Have
not the wishes of those who so criminally conspired to murder, plunder,
and outrage me and my family been sufficiently gratified and sangtioned ?
You must certainly know—if you have taken any pains to find out the
truth—that there was not the shadow of any true case of crime against me.
Butif you think there was, then why don't you name to me the pomt or
points, or phase in which you may think me guilty, and give me a resp< t-
ful hearing as to the same, inasmuch as I was not accorded this at the
more proper time ? I was thus shanghaied in your court and sentenced to
this prison by yourself ; but you have certified to the effect that you did
not quite mean it to be my destruction, and for which I am certainly duly
grateful. But how near it has destroyed meand mine you must be aware;
and as the Governor is as he is, will you not therefore please concede to
urge my case yet more strongly and effectively after all these years of
suffering and abuse, and of cheating hopes ?
Most respectfully, Gro. W. France.”
The efforts of those who were to get me out having availed
nothing, I made the following appeal to the Legislature :
‘“*Sratco Prison, Wash. Terrrrory, November 17th, 1883,
To the President of the council and the Speaker of the House—the honor-
able Legislature at Olympia, Wash. Territory.
I hereby earnestly request that your body investigate my case ; there
never being any true case of crime against me, as is shown beyond dispute
or refutation to his Excellency, the’Governor. My case being in truth—
as can be seen—the strongest case of self-defense ever brought to trial in
this Territory with an abundance of proof to establish it.
And I have the strongest petitions, vouchers, recommendations, ete.,
ever filed at Olympia in a similar case, including a goodly portion of the
jury, the Judge and all of my neighbors (except one) for my release, And
his Excellency promised to ‘‘let me go on the recommendation or favor-
able report of the Judge.” Yet I am being thus held to the destruction of
my health, and the ravage of my family and home I carved in the wilder-
ness, and where three of my children were born. I beg for an investiga-
tion in which I am accorded a respectful hearing, which my established
character should entitle me to receive ; or that I be allowed to make my
een RRNA ° RE EE TMNT SONNET RE
mentee ANAL Yt ORIEN et RAED
nn en entpntnine ©
” Mee ne ties 2 TR a ne FT AT A PE OE > eee ee . — aia . sain
. marae eee : TO a te ait oe SR She —— PTAs — —
. e Serie e " " .
anon tore en chert rs
- esa? st ; askance aipinad ; en:
“i - ~ So: 2 See <= oe ‘
taaaadoes
eee nates aneNNe eens
374 Extracts From Diary Kept in Prison.
case known to the Christian associations of the country, and to attend to
my business. Gro. W. France.”
“Wanita Wauna, Wash. Ternrirory, June 1st, 1883,
His Excellency [Bill Links] Governor :
Sir :—George W. France, now in the Ter. penitentiary unier
seatence for murder in the second degree, has served imprisonment as long as
/ would have sentenced him to undergo had the law allowed a less sentence than
[ imposed. Very respectfully,
8. C. Winearp, Judge.”
G. W. F.”
Iu the published report of the legislative proceedings of
November 27th, 1883, was the following, and all the papers
publishing the legislative proceedings contained substantially
the same paragraph :
‘* A petition was read from a prisoner now confined in the penitentiary
at Seatco named Geo. W. France, certitied to by Judge Wingard, relative
to his confinement, and asking for an investigation of his case. <A com-
mittee was appointed to examine into the matter and report.”
* December 13th, 1883 :-—Governor [Links] and son here;
the latter sought an interview with me and informed me that
he “‘ had promised my people in the States to do all he could
with his father for my release but had not as yet presented my
case to him,” [which made me acquainted with him, for he had
arrived at Olympia nearly a month previously, and now he had
no information for me and did not want any from me. The Goy-
ernor was polite enough, asked me how long I had served,
thought I looked better in health, etce., and inquired about
some of my folks in the States, but had never a word to say
about my “bad conduct” that he had been and was reporting
to others. I could not get any information from him as to my
release. They returned to Olympia when Dr. [Links], jr. sent
the following letter to the States:
‘¢TERRITGAY OF WASHINGTON, ExEcurivVE DEPARTMENT.
Ouympt1a, December 13th, 1883,
I went to see your brother Geo. W. France to-day. I have not had
&n opportunity prior to this. Your brother seemed to be quite cheerful.
My father has not been able to do anything for him as yet. I donot know
exactly what course he meais to pursue.
Yours very truly, [Brun Links], jr.”
el tll eee ca etn, a) tage ee
to attend to
FRANCE.”
» Ist, 1883,
utiany under
ent as long as
sentence than
D, Judge.”
W. FF.”
ceedings of
the papers
ubstantially
e penitentiary
ard, relative
case. <A com-
”?
d son here;
ied me that
all he could
resented my
», for he had
now he had
The Goy-
had served,
ired about
word to say
g reporting
im as to my
nks|, jr. sent
>ARTMENT.
13th, 1883,
have not had
uite cheerful.
T donot know
Links], jr.”
My RE Lease. 375
”
[Those who wilfully tolerate secret “mystery” in office,
should be made to suffer its practical workings direct. |
“ January 7th, 1884,—Dr. Links, jr., in reply to a letter wrote: ‘I
had a free conversation with your brother concerning his case, and under-
stand it thoroughly. The legislature did not appoint any committee to in-
vestigate his case. Judge Wingard has not recommended his pardon.
Yours, ete., [Brut Liyxs], jr.”’
We had no conversation about my case AT ALL. He did not
want any. As to the other matters they are on record, as I have
shown. A committee of three was appointed by the legislature,
but one of my shyster lawyers and one of my jury (both masons
and wicked enemies) managed to get on to it in the deadly
guise Of friendship, and thus was the investigation and report
squelched. I wrote several letters to the committee but could
never get any reply or any hearing.
A member of that legislature told me that “ Judge Wingard
joined in urging him and other members to work for my re-
lease, but that ‘they had no influence whatever with the Governor
in my behalf” [He evidently owed first allegiance to his secret
sworn brethren and their government. |
* January 9th, 1884.—Dr. Links, jr., came here as prison physician.
* January 23rd.—Governor [Links] here. Iasked him if he would let
me go? He replied that he ‘‘ would see about it;” so he has quit ‘‘con-
sidering ” it and is going to ‘see about it.” Sincerity never thus equivo-
cates,
Who is it that is an unmitigated liar? From Judge Win-
gard :
‘*Watia Warns, Wasu. TERRITORY, January 26th, 1884,
Your favor of the 16th inst. is received. I sentenced Mr. France to
the minimum term of ten years. If I could have done so I would have
sentenced him to five years imprisonment, because in my opinion that
would have been all he deserved. I have written to the Governor saying
that five years imprisonment would atone for his crime. Why the Goy-
ernor does not pardon him I do not know. I have heard, but could not
prove it, that Mr. France has offended the Governor in some way. The
relations of the Governor and myself in regard to pardoning have not been
harmonious. The Judge has no power to pardon.
Respectfully yours, etc., 8. C. Wrxearp.”
In what way did I offend (?) his Excellency? Was it be-
cua
aie
a ee anneal
Grae rotene pleating aphasia casa sarees
ssp vacccuics nie {aaa we
Ese
376 Exrracts From Diary Kept 1n Prison.
cause I did not surrender the wreck of my home, or what? Why
did he not dare to state wherein I “ offended” him? And again:
“Waria Watia, WasH. Territory, February 13, 1884,
Yours of the 5th inst. enclosing the letter of [Bill Links], jr., is at
hand. I herewith return said letter as yon request.
The letter which I wrote to the Governor—the substance of “hich I
stated in my last letter to yon—I sent to Geo, W. France, and I know he
received it. What he did with it I do not know. Itis to be supposed he
sent it to the Governor [of course, I did]. Iknow nothing of Mr. France's
family since I refused to entertain her (Mrs. F) application for a divorce,
Respectfully yours, 8. C. Winaarp.”
The Governor and Co. seemed to think that their efforts to
make this a secret prison were entirely successful, so that
people must take their words for the truth, while the facts would
be squelched when the victims were made to “ keep still.” And
according to the following from the son and “executive clerk”
I was getting along splendidly, so why was the rush and clamor
about me getting out into the cold, cruel world! Nor does it
appear that I was “ offensive” to anybody here or to the gov-
ernor. It is the cruel, unjust “ people” again who are so hos-
tile,” and would “clamor” against my liberty. But why did
they not tell this to the people, or their true representatives? To
them the pretext was, that “my conduct was bad,” or I had in
some mysterious way “ offended the Governor,” and why did he
hold me through all those previous years of unjust suffering
and destruction, during which time it was conceded that my con-
duct was good ?
But what need he care about my “offensive” conduct as
an unwilling victim to depravity, when the people with whom I
had and was to live were so well satisfied with my conduct asa
citizen among them that they clamored for my restoration ?
‘* TERRITORY OF WASHINGTON, EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
OtympiA, January 24th, 1884.
Your letter received. In regard to your brother’s pardon I will say
that no committee was appointed by the Legislature to investigate his case.
I saw Mr. France yesterday ; he isin good health and spirits, It is
impossible for you, without practical knowledge of frontier life, to under-
stand how hostile the people are to pardon persons who have committed
hat? Why
And again:
ry 13, 1884,
ks], jr., is at
eof which I
nd I know he
» supposed he
Mr. France's
for a divorce,
WINGARD.”
ir efforts to
‘ul, so that
facts would
still.” And
utive clerk”
and clamor
Nor does it
to the gov-
are so hos-
but why did
atives? To
or I had in
why did he
st suffering
hat my con-
conduct as
ith whom I
onduct as a
6
cf
pn ?
ARTMENT,
24th, 1884.
on I will say
igate his case.
spirits. It is
ife, to under-
7e committed
My Re ease. 377
capital offenses, and how difficult it is for the Executive to carry out his
personal inclinations, especially in cases where prisoners are well con-
nected, and interest manifested in their release. The Governor would
gladly accede to your request, but there is at this time so much of violent
crimes committed that the public visit their extremest indignation at any
liberality exercised in this direction.
Just so soon as he can consistently do so, he will give favorable con-
sideration to your application in behalf of your brother.
Yours respectfully,
[Binu Links] jr., Executive Clerk.”
At the very time the doctor and executive clerk says I was
“in good health and spirits,” he was dosing me with digitalis,
opium, bromide and iron—standard medicine for heart disease,
with which they had afflicted me. And he repeatedly stated
that he was “ giving me stronger medicine, and more of it, than
he gave out to any other patient that he had, as my condition
required it,”
And the governor, who, when bounced as Governor, suc-
ceeded his son as prison doctor, frequently censured and forbid
me giving any of my medicine to others similarly afflicted, as “ it
was too strong for their condition.” Sometimes it seemed that
they were determined that I should die here, and were I not
endowed with exceedingly strong vitality they would have suc-
ceeded, so that I would never have a hearing! And how
“good [?] my spirits” were in such a dying condition, can
never be told.
Not satisfied to defame me as to my case, my family, my
conduct and my standing with the people! they must lie about
my condition, when vainly struggling for even a hearing in my
own behalf, and suffering in their hell of a living and dying
tomb all the tortures that devils could inflict and their victims
endure !
But I always hoped and prayed for something of a here-
after, wherein I would be accorded as much asa respectful and
honest hearing that would be beneficial to others if not to my-
self; and I managed to get the following certificate from the
ex-Governor:
“Sratco, W. T., August 30th, 1886,
George W. France has been confined for many years, his heart action
a} |
i
| { ;
Ya
BY ft
i ‘s
me ie) | 4
a
‘ if :
1) |
a
tee Se
Hy
ii
HA |
ett ae
iy
poe ae
ae
a ee
mee asaen
878 Extracts rrom Diary Kept in Prison.
is very weak and impaires his health generally. He has been under medi-
cal treatment for four years. [Bruu Links] M.D.
Physician to the Territorial Penitentia,,
As to the “people [?] of the frontier,” even the tender-
feet of Boston and New York knew and have always known that
the “people of the frontier” are never “hostile” to a home-
builder for killing a robber and assassin in the act, even if he
did belong to the same secret sworn brotherhood as the goy-
ernor, who is his accessory! “The people of the frontier” are
never hostile to a man for killing even a mere burglar, or incen-
diary, or horse thief, or “member of the bar,” or any other
blackleg thief, no matter what his title may be, or whether he
parades the Bible through the streets and wears for a blind
emblems of honest toil.
And the more such “ violent crimes” are meted out to
such vampires, the better do the people like it; because the
courts being s) prostituted, this is often their only recourse to
hold what they have honestly earned, and they would rather
kill vampires than for them to picnic in their ruins. It is only
members of the gang that are hostile to their entire extinction.
And by the laws of Moses, a man is justified in killing them
even when they are only “breaking in at the gate,” unarmed, and
only to steal!
By considering the courts as gateways to the homes and
property, and even the liberty and justice of the people: how
many midnight blacklegs are there on the frontiers, who “are
breaking in through these gates,” (whose guards are prostituted
and drunk with plunder) to rob and pillage, to ravage, mur-
der, torture, deceive and d- ame! that they may picnic in the
ruins and gloat over the misery of their victims ?
Not by the laws of Moses only, but by the spirit of all
criminal laws from Mount Sinai to the Seatco hell, honestly
meted out, and by the rights of man to hold and enjoy his own,
such vampires should die.
By the Egyptian law: “To see a man struggling for his
life with an assassin and to fail to assist him, was a capital crime.”
There are thousands of men in secret prisons struggling
with assassins and their accessories as you are reading this ; and
will you, my fellow-man, do noihing to assist them ?
under medi-
is] M.D.
enitentias
the tender-
known that
to a home-
even if he
is the gov-
ontier ” are
ur, or incen-
any other
whether he
for a blind
eted out to
because the
recourse to
ould rather
. Itis only
extinction,
killing them
armed, and
homes and
eople : how
b, Who “are
prostituted
hvage, mur-
cnic in the
spirit of all
ll, honestly
by his own,
ing for his
ital crime.”
s struggling
g this ; and
My Retease. 379
It is when these vampires and gallinippers—reeking with
crime and desolation—are set free, protected, or sanctioned by
their secret brethren, in office and out, that the people do and
should “ visit their extremest indignation.”
For example :—When the ex-Governor applied for office by
the votes of the people, he got only one vote in the four coun-
ties wherein my case was best known. And later, when he
was nominated by another ring governor as one of the trustees
of the insane asylum, he was rejected by all but two votes, while
the other nominees were confirmed by the Legislature.
“January 2nd, 1884,--J, H.. pardoned ; had served twenty months
on four years for grand larceny and forgery, had 1» petition whatever, as
far as any of us can learn—secret influence. P. S.—He steals $20 from a
trunk, and is next heard of in a hospital at Portland, down with snakes in
his boots.
* February 13th.—Governor [Links] here ; ‘complained to lim of the
refusal of the warden to mail my epitome to be published, as I had com-
plot before, ‘and that I was prevented from attending to my most
vital business;” he replied, that ‘he (himself) had not killed a man,” and
that ‘I did not manifest any sympathy for the man I killed.” I replied,
that ‘‘ were I killed in the act of murdering a man to rob him, T would not
be entitled to any sympathy and would not get any.” But he manifestly
holds, that it is no crime for one of his gang to murder, rob and ravish,
for he has never had a word to say against his conduct, nota word. Nor
has the warlen (another secret brother) who has likewise insinuated that I
should join in hiding the crime, and revere the name of his brother
villain, No wonder that the worst characters that come here mean to join
the gang on their release.”
* February 14th.—H.. . gets a windfall of $20,000, There was no fool-
is.ess about his getting /is short time, which was almost due, He had
killed a man in a saloon and got one year,”
I thought I would discover whether the Government at
Washington, which the people so blindly elect, cared as much
for a distressed and ravaged home-builder in his own country, as it
does for some blackleg free-mason or odd-fellow in trouble in
a foreign land.
‘‘Sratco Prison, WasH. TERRITORY, February 25th, 1884.
His Excellency, President Arthur, and the Congress of the United States:—
Is there any recourse for a victim falsely and cruelly imprisoned here,
and when it has and can be shown beyvd dispute or refutation that there
never was the shadow of any true case of crime against me ? It being in
truth as strong a case of self-defense as ever went to trial—that of defend-
a
PLR Rhye Neer ee
3880 Exrracts From Diary Kerr In Prison.
ing my life on my own hard-earned home against a most damnable and
furious assault to ,urder for plunder and ravage; hunting me while
peacefully at work, with a cocked carbine in both hands, and firing the
first shot, with an abundance of indisputable proof—both personal and cir-
cumstantial to verify the same, with verified statements, petitions, vouch-
ers, etc., etc., constituting the strongest claim for justice and clemency
ever filed in the Territory—including that of my neighbors almost unani-
mously, four judges on the bench, and a goodly portion of the jury that
aided in shanghaiing me, and all in vain.
That to despoil me of my fortune and work my destruction, I have
been thus imprisoned five and a half years, wrecking my health, ravaging
my home, sucking my heart’s blood.
That by honorable toil and conduct I helped to build this country,
and therefore have a right to protection against the sharks and cut-throats
—who are so powerful here—and my children to their rightful heritage on
which they were born.
That the Legislature here appointed a committee to investigate my
case, but it failed to report the crime done against me, or to accord me a
hearing. Therefore, I hereby appeal to your Excellency and to Congress
for such relief as is found to be just.
I can be found as an old settler on the records of the land department
for the Walla Walla district ; and our delegate knows enough of my case
to vouch for me if he is so minded, as well as others there.”’
[I concluded with Judge Wingard’s recommendation. |
I had to send this out “underground,” and I never learned
whether it was lost before it was mailed, or was squelched at
Washington. However, little or nothing was to be expected to
be done against the gang by an administration that appoints
only members of the same to office, as will, further on, more
plainly appear. A foreign subject in distress might get some
attention ; but a full-fledged, native-born, homebuilding citizen
is—like the Savior—without friends or protection in his own
country.
Know ye, therefore, that if ever you have occasion to
become acquainted with our Government, you will find to your
sorrow and dismay, that it is rotten with practical masonry,
reeking with corruption, and is against the people, and will con-
clude, that unless members of secret-sworn brotherhoods are
excluded from office, this boasted government “of the people”
will sink in its own iniquity and perish from the earth.
‘*March 12th,1884,.—Governor [Links] here; [ pressed him for a reason
for holding me in spite of the Judge’s recommendation, etc.; he replied,
N.
damnable and
iting me while
, and firing the
sonal and cir-
etitions, vouch-
>and clemency
's almost unani-
f the jury that
ruction, I have
lealth, ravaging
1 this country,
and cut-throats
itful heritage on
investigate my
to accord me a
nd to Congress
and department
ugh of my case
”
never learned
squelched at
e expected to
hat appoints
her on, more
tht get some
ilding citizen
in his own
occasion to
find to your
al masonry,
and will con-
erhoods are
the people”
rth.
m for a reason
.; he replied,
My REL&Ease. 381
that that document ‘‘amounted to nothing with him, but that jive words
from the Judge—that he had omitted—would have released me long ago,
and would uow.” I asked him ‘‘to name the necessary five words,” and
he replied, the form should be, ‘‘I hereby recommend France’s pardon.”
I thought it very singular that the Judge had not sense
enough to properly commend one man to another’s favor, and
when so many experienced and competent men had declared it
to be a “very strong recommendation,” and that it should take
the governor only nine (9) months to hatch out the only
“proper” form for a Judge to express his opinion, and discover
another false pretext for his own conduct.
Nevertheless I sent the following telegram to the Judge:
‘“‘Sratco, Tuurston Co., Wasu. Territory, March 13th, 1884.
Hon. S. C. Wincarb, Walla Walla, W. T.:
The Governor takes exception to the form of your recommendation,
and says the following five words would be effective: ‘‘I hereby recom-
mend France’s pardon.” Will your Honor kindly comply ?
Gero. W. FrRancz.”’
‘© March 26th.—Doctor here ; says ‘‘ the Governor had received a letter
from the Judge in my behalf, but knew nothing more as to the matter.”
‘‘ April 5th, 1884,—The Governor with tie other prison commissioners
here ; the Governor said he ‘‘had received a letter from Judge Wingard
in my behalf, about the same as the other,” and that he ‘‘ would see me
privately! before he left.” But he did not do so at all.
I waited nearly two months, and not getting even a pretext,
I sent the following note by the Doctor to his father—the
Governor.
‘“*Seatco, May 9th, 1884.
His Excunnency, Wm. A. [Linxs] :
Deak Sir :—My most vital affuirs are in a very sad and critical con-
dition, and if you hold me longer in prison, ruin and destruction will be,
as it has been, the result, and which will be on your head ; as you well
know this to be all unjust, cruel and wicked against me. I would never be
as cruel and inhuman to even a brute. You shouldalso consider that had
you made known to me at the outset your determination to hold me, right
or wrong, and against all the indisputable truth that has heen shown and done
in my behalf, that I could and would have been free to do right, and hap; y
with my family at home, years ago, by other courts. But you promised
otherwise, and I trusted to your honor.
As I have never lied to youor any one else concerning my case, which
during all these years of trial and torture you must know to be the truth,
therefore, will you please concede to believe me now and act, when I
promise and swear it to be better to permit me to save and care for the re-
ie
+4
Le’
Pek
eag
2
ey
882 Extracts From Diary Kept In Prison.
maining wreck of my home and family, which demands my immediate
presence, than to cause such ruin and destruction as your Excellency even
would regret and recall. I earnestly request an early and definite reply,
Very respectfully, Gro. W. France.”
‘¢ May zOth.—Governor Links here, but he avoided seeing me.” k
‘* June 9th, 1884.—K.. pardoned ; served one year on his two year's
sentence, and vy his word was an old and most constant criminal and
would be again, had been arrested many times, and the people were
‘*clamorous ” against him—more masonry.”
June 12th.—Doctor and Governor Links here—and I inter-
viewed the gentleman. I asked him if he had heard from the
Judge in reply to my telegram, and he said he had; but that
he had written to him “blunt, crabbid and InsuttTiIne!”—so he
did! “ Had not recommended me,” and that he [the Judge] “cid
not want to be bothered anymore about it.”
The Governor did not question the truth of my telegram at
all; but asked if I “ would do the same deed again?” TI replied
that “I did not see how I could avoid it under the same
circumstances, and save my own life, as my pistol did this sure-
ly.” Yet, he said that I “did wrong to ever carry arms at all.”
[Mark, that he had never a word, and never had, against
Jumper’s hunting to kill me with a carbine, which he held was
WRONG TO REPEL!
How is that for equal rights and even the right to live, when
in the way of the gang!
They want to drive the people into as defenceless a con-
dition as the following victim; so they can pluck and murder
them without any danger to themselves.
‘Dr. Bories, of Missoula, was decoyed by a fellow into the confession
that he didn’t carry a shooting iron, and then the [odd] fellow poked a
revolver under his nose and made him hold up his hands while he went
through him to the tune of $60. ]
Then I asked his Excellency, “what more he now
required?” When he (passed the Judge, so I would not
“bother” him anymore, and thus get his Excellency “insulted”
again, as the Judge was getting more “offensive” to him than I
was!) and said, that I “should have some of the Jury.” Why!
Isaid: “you have already got that.” And as he could not
think of any other excuse, he ended the interview. Then the
Doctor came to me and declared that ‘he was doing all he could
y immediate
ellency even
finite reply.
FRANCE.”
yme.”
is two year’s
criminal and
people were
©
nd I inter-
d from the
3 but that
a!”—so he
Judge) “did
telegram at
” Treplied
r the same
ad this sure-
”
rms at ail.
had, against
1e held was
to live, when
bless a con-
hnd murder
he confession
low poked a
thile he went
e he now
would not
“insulted”
him than I
y.” Why!
could not
Then the
all he could
My RE te&ase. 883
for me.” “Willhe let me go?” I asked: “Yes!” he said,
and then he “didn’t know.”
On the same day R.. was pardoned; had served eighteen
months and ten days on a sentence of two and a half years for
robbery. He had been on bread and water several times for
bad conduct, had several fights and was shot and wounded in
an attempt to run away ; whereupon a prisoner who could not
get even his short time due him by law, became “hostile ”’
indeed, and threatened, with quivering lips, to vivisect his Excel-
lency. Another who had been led to expect a pardon, was
given a siege of bread and water for telling him he was a
“damned liar,” [and so he was].
It is reported that governor Links is to be removed soon,
and the prisoners are earnestly praying that the report is true;
it is conceded, that he is even worse than the other, and that a
change must be for the better.”
While the governor did not want me to bother the Judge
anymore about such a trifling matter to him as my liberty and
life, and desired me to “keep very still and serene,’ while he
tormented and prodded me to death, J was inclined to bother
the Judge just as long as I could get him to bother the Governor,
or his successor, if he did “ offend and insult them.”
Begging and praying to God and man (or devil) as ardently
as a just cause could inspire, had been a sorry, agonizing
failure, so I was not serene, and as I was to suffer on, I would
also struggle on, with at least protests on my lips and curses in
my heart.
‘Sratrco, June 29th, 1884.
Hon. 8. C. WiNaarRD:
Dear Sir :—The Governor asserts that you have not and will not
recommend my pardon, and that ‘‘you do not want to be bothered about
it.”
But this is a serious and vital matter and not a mere question of
“bother”? or of etiquette, but of right and justice, And I am still so
cruelly and fraudulently held, and even the ‘‘fire years”
lated.
I was hunted and found, when attacked, possessed of a $25,000 plant
and fortune honestly earned, with my family I idolized, and a character
unblemished ; was peacefully at work on my own hard-earned home, and
so cautious of doing wrong that I was acting under the instructions of a
peace officer,
assurance vio-
sooner = SRSA EES: aes PAOCEERE LAE) ETRE
See sh NRO UNIT sn CCR ,
: peiriitis ; ’
LATO SLES OTN ELIE eR LONG LESTE TA GN ARE A AL EAA a Oe Ee
2 - i RST:
SSG EES FI SS ea
es ‘i r os
384 Extracts From Drary Kept In Prison.
No one has ever pretended in my hearing, that I was hunted and at-
tacked for any other purpose than to murder me for the fruits of my toil,
Nor can any one truthfully deny that I was prosecuted, sold, shanghaied,
and am yet held for this same criminal purpose, and to sanction the
crimes done against me. For this is a fact well nigh accomplished, and
declaring itself. With my course of life and associations, how could I
know the character and purpose of the blackleg monsters whom you had
licensed to practice in your own court, and in whom you REQUIRE their vic-
tims to trust for justice without any recourse. And with your knowledge
and experience, how could you fail to see that my case was not presente:/,
plead or argued, nor half of my proof used ; but managed away or against
me, or squelched ? Yet I was entitled to both a speedy and a fair trial,
even if it would be some ‘‘ bother,” better that, than murder and ravage.
I did nothing but defend my life and home, and with big odds against
me, as you must know ; and unless it can be shown that I deserved to ‘ie
there, it cannot be justly held that I should die a more horrible death here.
And I respectfully submit whether it would not be in a right sense of
justice and humanity for you to ‘‘ bother” yoursi\f enough to stay this foul
and murderous oppression ? and more certainly so as itis done in your
name; and I will ever be grateful, and also to hear from you direct. Is
there any way for me to have a trial or a respectful hearing, or anything
but hell ? Why am I discriminated against ? Was the life and motive of
the assassin with his carbine so much better than mine ? Did you receive
a telegram from me ? Very respectfully, Gro. W. France.”
A few days after this W. C. [Mason] was appointed
Governor.
From the Press :
‘““W. C. [Mason] succEEDS THE GALLINIPPER.”
‘‘The wires bring us the welcome intelligence that the President has
at last appointed a successor to the man from New Jersey, who has dis-
graced the executive chair of Washington Territory
We freely and thankfully bid adieu to the New Jersey Gallinipper. Bill,
Ta-ta.”’
‘*General T... returned home on Friday from a visit to the East.....
He did not come back with a commission in his pocket, but we would in-
finitely prefer seeing him appointed to a good office, than some of the
scalawags who have lately and in the past been foisted upon our unfortun-
ate Territory, for no other purpose than to get rid of them at home.”
‘Governor (Links], the carpet-bag executive that presides over the
destinies of Washington Territory, is the most unpopular officer that has
ever been appointed to govern that most afflicted part of the North-west.
Every useless and designing politician, who can no longer benefit his party
in his own State, is exiled by the administration to poor, oppressed
Washington.
Of all the irresponsibles [Links] is the weakest and worst
iunted and at-
nits of my toil.
d, shanghaied,
» sanction the
ymplished, and
, how could I
whom you had
UIRE their vic-
our knowledge
snot presented,
Way or against
id a fair trial,
r and ravage.
ig odds against
deserved to die
ible death here.
, right sense of
o stay this foul
s done in your
you direct. Is
ng, or anything
fe and motive of
Did you receive
W. France.”
ns appointed
a)
bh President has
by, who has dis-
the East.....
at we would in-
n some of the
our unfortun-
at home.”
bsides over the
officer that has
he North-west.
enefit his party
bor, oppressed
My Re Lease. 885
Where he is best known [Links] is regarded as a fraud, and is charged
with incurring debts which he cannot liquidate. From u gentleman at
Tacoma he borrowed $500, but failed to settle at the appointed time and
for a long time thereafter, and it was only by a threat of arrest that the
debtor compromised by a payment of $300. The people of Washington
do not want [Links] for any position, and the sooner he is removed and
his successor appointed the greater will be their rejoicement.”
“An alleged forgery.—A bill of equity has been filed in the clerk’s
office of the Second Judicial District at Olympia by the prosecuting at-
torney, against the territorial auditor and treasurer. The bill sets forth
that the last Legislature passed an act, appropriating $30,000 a year, for
two years, to defray expenses of the Territorial Insane Asylum, and that
the said act was in some measure and by some person unknown altered
and forged, before reaching the Governor, so as to appropriate the sum of
$98) 500 Micceesioresie crscece and that the Governor signed the forged bill, being
wholly unaware of the change and increase of the amount,appropriated. .
Prarnckitescan Of course, our dear, innocent, old Governor would not be
guilty of forgery—any quicker than he would drink a glass of whiskey,
while preaching on temperance.”
“For twenty-five years the parties have made political
hospitals of the territories for broken down hacks, schemers
and bummers. It is doubtful which have given us more trouble
—these or hostile Indians. We desire that further marauding
of our interests should cease.”
“Watta Wauua, W. T., July 7th, 1884.
Mr. Gro. W. FRANCE.
Str:—I have just received your letter of the 29th of June, postmarked
July dth, [It is a wonder they sent it at all, in spite of its being stamped
and marked to register.] I did get your dispatch and enclosed it to the
Governor with a letter. He replied, in substance, that you do not state
the whole truth—that ‘he has had more trouble with you, than all the
men in the penitentiary,’ and much more, which I shall not write.
I shall probably see the new Governor next week, and, if I do, I shall
represey’; vouz' case to him, as I nave already done to Governor [Links].
Iw . .. like you to understand, that I have done more for you, than I
have ever done, or am likely to do agein for any one in prison.
Yet, you are continually complaining, as if J had caused your mis-
fortune, or had been your attorney, or the Grand and Petit Juries that
indicted and convicted you.
Because of the facts in your case I think five years imprisonment
sufficient and have repeatedly said so. But I can’t pardon you, and you
know it, and it is not my business to solicit pardons.
Respectfully yours, etc., S. C. Winearp,”
25
386 Extracts FroM Diary Kept 1n Prison.
[I answered this under date of November 23rd, 1884. ]
Aug. 14th, 1884.—‘“Governor [Mason] arrived in Olympia.”’
The inmates of the insane asylum and of this prison were
vitally interested as to the kind of a man the new Governor
would be, as the management and control of both prisons
needed to be exposed to the light of day and of heaven, by a
rigid and public investigation, and justice meted out to the
midnight gentlemen in control.
In discussing the new Governor’s character, some held
that as he had an ample fortune (which he had never earned)
he would be really the Governor, above bribery and just to all.
And that as he had lived in the country a few months—off and
on—and owned some land, he might have some little practical
knowledge of common affairs and some sense and feeling of
justice as to the common people; and delared that “anyway we
had all to gain and nothing desirable to lose by the change.”
While others maintained that he was a Free-Mason — and a
haughty one—and cared nothing for outsiders, or the common
people, except as beasts of burden to ride on and give him
power and glory, and that he would be as much in the gang
and a tool of it, as though he was as poor as his predecessor.
The brethren of the masonic press got right down and
worshipped him as a true and living God; as they had generally
done to his predecessor while he was the rising sun of the mid-
night rings.
“ August 24th, 1884.—I wrote to Governor [Mason] giving
him a synopsis of the papers he should find on file in my be-
half, and requested that he would carefully examine thew, and
if anything was lacking to justify my release, to inform me
accordingly.
“ September 28th.— Received the following letter from
Judge Wingard :
‘*Ouympra, W. T., September 26th, 1884.
Gro. W. France.
Dear Sir:—I have been here attending a session of the Supreme
Court.
I have laid your case before Governor [Mason], and while I do not
know what action he may be disposed to take in the matter, I think he
may look favorably upon the question of your release,
Respectfully yours, S. C. Wincarp.”
IN.
mpia,”’
$ prison were
lew Governor
both prisons
heaven, by a
d out to the
r, some held
never earned)
nd just to all,
nths— off and
ittle practical
nd feeling of
i “anyway we
1e change.”
Viason — and a
the common
ind give him
in the gang
redecessor.
ht down and
had generally
n of the mid-
lason] giving
le in my be-
ne thew, and
o inform me
letter from
ar 26th, 1884,
' the Supreme
while I do not
iter, I think he
VINGARD. ”
My Retxasr, 387
neers:
October 3rd, 1884.—QGovernor Mason :
said that “the papers of Hiecee ‘ on] called the first time;
ere only turned i
three days before and he had not hola at i laa a
would do so on his return and inve ee
“the first one ;” that he “had a very 8
: r é i ve ( str y
Wingard in my behalf—that he sai¢ i ee ne
new trial,”—here a i
had three petitions,” ete., to which
that “what the J udge hag do
But he said “we have a good judiciary!” m
him to promise that « jf anvene judiciary!” Then asked
é “would tell me as a
Posing it but Governop [Links]: that
1, and therefore opposed it,”?
be?” « No, no! certain]
Judge for further infor
4 ”
first one? «T believe your co
999 °
here?” * Yog gip »
beyond
ever mind that,” Said he, “foy
has always been good,” He
earnestness and
“be back again
othing but a midnight devil of a
only in self-defence,
Peet
888 Extracts From Diary Kepr In Prison.
ee
destruction they had wrought, staring them in the face, and
haunting them in their dreams, no wonder they cowered to meet
their victims on a common level.
“For whence, dull reas’ner, can a fear arise,
Lest peace and plenty gild the path of vice ;
Think’st thou that he whom conscience racks within
Can escape the vengeance that awaits on sin?
Whilst shuddering memory, by guilt oppress’d,
Plants her blood-thirsty daggers in his breast ;
Shakes her dread arrows with vindictive ire
And damns the trembler to eternal fire.
Fire, where infernal furies fan the flame,
Which hopes ne’er soften, and which years ne’er tame;
Not all the tortures of afflictive steel,
Which law can sanction, or which sense can feel,
Thrill thro’ the tortured frame with half the smart,
As crimes unpardoned through the guilty heart.
His sickening conscience loaths the odious light,
Each fear returning with returning night;
Whilst terror wears his tedious hours away,
Himself the accuser, and himself the prey.
This is the guilty wretch, whose conscious soul
Shrinks back with terror, e’er the thunders roll,
And turns pale and trembles at the electric light.
eoeoeeer eee ee eevee eee oe eeeee
Say, if such woes on luckless guilt attend,
What grief shall rack that wretch the fates befriend ;
Eternal terrors—while the loathsome food
Cloys his pall’d taste, and taints his meagre blood ;
No more rich wines allay his tort’ring pain,
Cool his parched lip or calm his whirling brain.
Not all the sweets prolific gaul can yield,
Nor all the products of the Iberian field
Can bribe his soul to quaff the luscious draught,
Or drown in wine the racking pang of thought.
Eternal clouds hang low’ring on his brow,
And mighty horrors aim the vengeful blow;
Should balmy sleep allay his tortured breast,
For one short moment in oblivious rest,
e face, and
ered to meet
within
d,
iS
e’er tame;
feel,
smart,
part.
ht,
i
roll,
light.
befriend ;
’ blood ;
i) ain.
ught,
pht.
———
My RELeEase. 389
Swift to his thought, the fane where late he trod,
The insulted altar of his injured God,
And thy dread form gigantic meet his view,
Guilt swells the form his frenzied memory drew ;
Till tortur’d nature triumphs over pride,
His fears confessing what his tongue denied.
Tor quick and restless is each sinful breast,
By hopes transported, or by fears opprest ;
Tho’ bold in acting, yet they find in time,
That guilt strikes home, and punishes the crime.
Again to sin and sorrow they recur,
The path of vice still widening as they err ;
For who that once has lost his heavenly guide,
Ere stopped the torrent of overwhelming pride!
Or sense of shame once banished by disgrace,
Relum’d the blush of virtue in his face ?
Guilt leads to guilt, possession wakes desire,
And treach’rous fortune fans the rising fire ;
Each crime unpunished prompts a thousand more,
Till habit leads, where passion swayed before.
The wretch who late his sacred trust betrayed,
With blood e’er long shall stain his murderous blade,
Overturn his country, or‘with trait’rous art
Aim the dark dagger at the patriot’s heart ;
Till injured justice lift her iron rod
And vengeance thund’ring from the throne of God,
Give to Hell’s op’ning jaws their destined prey,
And sweep the monster from the face of day;
Unpitied shall he fall, without a friend,
His life detested, and accurs'd his end,
And thou, proud mortal, whose imperious soul
Would teach eternal thunders where to roll,
Shalt see that God, who marks each latent ill,
Can spare alike, or punish where he will;
And trembling own, whilst humbled in the dust,
That man is impious, but that God is just.’
w— Sis! J
And their knowing that to increase the oppession, likewise
Saag I aa i tt BRAN AEA ap ai ba
BE aac A ited teh OE TR Mey ae: POUR Ct eee ea et
SRETEY LR Lh alien
i Fre
asia SE AMET HS SBIR a PS
Extracts From Dtary Kepr 1n Prison.
increased their guilt, and would consequently, in the end, but
increase their danger ; they therefore evidently intended /or me
to die in prison, so that I could neither expose or kill them for
their torturing crimes. And I considered it to be necessary to
guard against being poisoned by such guilty-minded cowards,
No linked member of secret intrigue should ever be suffered to deal
out doses to victims of their gang.
Mark and reflect, how this linked prince would still be
Governor—and he was—how the secret clans affiliate in prostituting
the Government against the people.
“Seatoo, THurston Co., W. T., November 23rd, 1884.
Hon. S. C. Winaarp:
Dear Sir :— ¢ gratefully received your letter from Olympia,
as well as the one previously; as to which I will say, that I told
you the truth as I have always done.
I did neither misconstrue Governor Link’s words nor his
meaning —that is supposing him to mean what he said —that
“the five words” as given you “from you would release me.”
As to your letter to him in reply, he gave me as his reason
for not honoring it—not such as he did you—but that it was
“short, crabbid and insulting” and “no recommendation.” Nor
did he question its truth as to my part—not at all.
It, however, gave me some consolation to know that it was
not only his defenseless, suffering victims—honestly struggling
as does the lamb with the wolf, the fly with the spider and the
bird with the snake!—who “insults,” “offends” or troubles
his Excellency as he gloats over the mangled remains of his
victims.
And he gave as his reason for holding me, to my people in
the States, that “my case was an aggravated one and you was
satisfied with my sentence.”
I give you this as a mere sample, or glimpse of the stabbing
in the back and in the dark I have to endure, and the character
of the influence practised against me. The same that tried to
murder me at home, and succeeded in shanghaiing and selling
me to accomplish their hellish ravages. Of course, so long as
such blacklegs have influence at court, and honorable men and
modes are spurned, there is no assurance forme. And it wasa
———_———$ $$
he end, but
nded for me
ill them for
necessary to
ed cowards.
fered to cleal
yuld still be
nm prostituting
23rd, 1884.
yom Olympia,
ay, that I told
vords nor his
he said —that
| release me.”
. as his reason
t that it was
ation.” Nor
w that it was
tly struggling
pider and the
> or troubles
emains of his
my people in
and you was
rf the stabbing
the character
that tried to
g and selling
be, so long as
able men and
And it was 4
My Re ease. 391
sorry day for me when I trusted in the merits and justice of my
cause —though it was never excelled—for justice and vindica-
tion at such courts.
Governor [Mason] was here about seven weeks ago; said
he had a letter from you in my behalf, and would write to you
for further information. I had hoped that you would conclude
the matter while at Olympia, but I suppose I must suffer and
not complain.
Very Respectfully,
Gro. W. France.”
“Wanta Waa, W. T., December 7th, 1884.
GrorGE W. FRANCE :
Dear Srr +—Your registered letter of 23rd ult. received on my return
home. In reply I will say, that after I wrote to you from Olympia last
September, I received a letter from Governor [Mason] saying, in substance,
that ¢e-Governor [Links] opposed your pardon on the ground that you
had offended him in some way, and had not behaved well, ete. Governor
Mason said he would look into the matter further, and hoped he could
comply with my opinion that you had been in prison long enough. Ihave
heard nothing from him since. If I could let you out I would.
Yours, ete., S. C. Winaarp.”
“ December 10th, 1884.-—It is reported that during a recent
visit to Olymyia Judge Wingard had a quarrel with Links
about his conduct towards me, and that during which the Judge
declared he “ would never send another man to this prison that he
could possibly avoid,” etc. Some are discussing the matter and
will watch the court proceedings closely, and see whether he
does or not.
“ December 17th, 1884.—Governor |Mason] started to the
States, and without coming here. This is how ‘he looked into
my case further.’ ”
“January 12th, 1885.—Dr. Links, jr., here ; he denies posi-
tively that his father has opposed or is opposed to my release,
declaring that “he knows” and will swear to it, and that “ Gov-
ernor Mason only says so for an excuse.” Also, that “my con-
duct has not been bad and that I HAVE NOT OFFENDED HIS FATHER.”
If the common people knew the real characters of those
they are led to support for office, and knew the main spring of
their official actions, when they get there, instead of thus being
enslaved by the prostitution of their own government, they
OHS Det ttee be’ oe
392 Extracts From Diary Kerr 1n Prison.
_— — — er ne
would raze to the ground every den of the lying robber clans in the
country.
“January 16th, 1885.—G.. and W.. came here from Day-
ton; and say that “the people think it is an outrage that I was
sent or held here at all, when it was so plain that I only de-
fended my life,” and that Judge Wingard had said on the
streets that “ had he known I would be held more than a year
or two he would not have sent me at all. ”
“T see in the papers that Governor Mason will visit Wash-
ington and also New Orleans before his return—he thus picnics
while his victims languish.”
“ March 14th.—See that the Secretary, as acting Governor,
has pardoned a man out of jail. And also that the Governor
will soon return.”
“ January 26th, 1885.—Been very sick for the last two weeks
and over.”
“ But he who fails and yet still fights on,
Lo, he is the twin born brother of mine,”
So I wrote the following letter :
‘“¢Sratco, WaAsH. TERRITORY, March 28th, 1885,
His Excellency, Governor [Mason]:
Str :—I am impelled by my distress to remind your Excellency of the
cruel wrong you are doing me and mine by prolonging my imprisonment.
Although you are in the enjoyment of good fortune, luxury and
power, I implore you not to thus despise all that is honorable, just
and humane, because it be unfortunate and hunted down. You
have showings, references and proofs conclusive to unprejudiced men,
of my innocence of any crime, and of my character where I worked
so hard and prospered so well, till attacked by the blood-thirsty
assassin and robbers—to which you have failed to even question, as in-
vited to do. Therefore, you are presumed to know the cruel injustice you
are inflictin, and that Iam not a liar. I hope you are not so heartless as
to enjoy the say and the misery there is in it ; but why do you allow it to
continue ti.’ 11 my well-earned fortune and good health and most sacred,
devoted ties all that is worth living for—is ravaged and consumed in the
flames of vi ence, avarice, and a damnable revenge, and all for what?
Because I we 1d face and defend my life against the flaming fire and lead
of the robber assassin on my own devoted altar.
‘Woe be: unto him who calls good evil and evil good,’ and who, while
extoling assassination and rapine, spurns and stamps homely, friendless vir-
tue in the dust.
Judge Wingard says, that ‘had he known I would not be presently re-
—— a Par Ol, oe
elans in the
from Day-
» that I was
I only de-
aid on the
than a year
visit Wash-
thus picnics
g Governor,
1e Governor
st two weeks
8th, 1885,
cellency of the
imprisonment.
b, luxury and
onorable, just
down. You
ejudiced men,
nere I worked
blood-thirsty
uestion, as in-
1 injustice you
so heartless as
you allow it to
1 most sacred,
bnsumed in the
all for what?
g fire and lead
nd who, while
friendless vi-
e presently re-
My Re .e£asr. 393
en a nme
—
stored, he would not have sent me here, and that if he could let me go he
would do so.’ Are you not, therefore, taking undue advantage of the
court's mere technical sentence, which itself rejects, and its ignorance as to the
executive character, to complete my ruin ?
If your Excellency will not let me go, will you please grant me the
favor to so answer and inform me, to answer the questions and points in
my argument and plea (epitome) heretofore submitted, and to deliver to
me «ll the papers and letters received by the Governor in my behalf ?
Respectfully yours, Gro, W. France.”
“ June 2! st, 1885.—Received letter from I. J. T.; he, in con-
junction with H. A. anc others, propose to get up monster
petitions for my release ; says ‘about everybody in my three
counties would gladly sign them,’ he will write to the Governor
to find out what more is necessary to be shown or done to
secure my release.”
“ July 4th.—Received the following letter from I. J. T.:
‘*Pomeroy, W, T., July Ist, 1885,
Mr. Grorce W. France ;
Dear Sir :—I saw Mr. H. A.. and had a talk with him on petitions,
ete.; he will attend to the business in that county; he is a strong friend of
yours and a fine man too, and will work with us to get you out to again
breathe the free air of Heaven............ 6.600000 You will please get a
certificate of the prison warden showing your good behavior since you
were there. It will have weight with the Governor. I wrote to the Goy-
ernor but have not heard from him yet. We will give the matter a thorough
effort, and use all the means in our power for your release for the reason
that you ought to be out. T always maintained that you were unjustly in-
carcerated, and that it was done by chicanery, and hope we will soon see
you here again. TI heard a disinterested party say that he was positive that
McK... swore to a lie which went far towards putting you in prison.
We will work this matter with a determination not to fail, though
perhaps if J were in prison no one would try to get me out, but they
night. But I want justice done, and justice demands your release loudly.
ey heads Sle ysantbies The M.. gang will, of course, work against the matter, but
Judge Wingard knows and has called them penjued publicly, and they
will get n> quarter at his hands............-...0.. EA ea Mae as
T pointed out to the warden the paragraph of the letter re-
questing a certificate of my good behavior and: requested him
to fill the bill, to which he replied, that “it would do no good
for him to do so, as that was S..’s place (S.. was superintend-
ent then) and that he should do so.” To which I replied, “ you
know that 8.. will not help anyone out by certifying to his good
a ee ee
*
ann ar ctl ic i ta
394 Extracts From Diary Kert In Prison.
conduct.” “But,” the warden replied, “it is his place to do
it, and he ought to do so for you, I cant.” Therefore I deter-
mined to establish the fact in spite of them, and a fellow-
prisoner wrote out the following certificate, and was more or
less joined by all the rest, as follows:
‘‘Seatco Prison, WasH. Terrirory, July 6th, A.D., 1885.
We, the undersigned, do hereby certify, that to cur personal knowledge
during our acquaintance as fellow-prisoners, and on information and be-
lief as to the remainder of the time of George W. France’s incarceration,
that said France’s conduct as a prisoner has been unexceptionally good,
or equal to the best of the prisoners, and will bear a most rigid examina-
tion, which he solicits. F. E. Srrona,
ex-Sheriff and Assessor of Wah Kiacum Co., W. T,
‘©The Signatures attached to the foregoing certificate constitute all of the
prisoners, except one Chinaman, two Indians, one woman, and (8) others, who
acquiesce in its truthfulness, and if summoned, will testify to the same.”
OaTH.
‘*We do solemnly swear that the foregoing certificate and statement is true,
as we verily believe. So help us God.
Frep. E. Strona,
A. J. VINCENT,
Gro. W. France.”
TERRITORY OF WASHINGTON, County oF THURSTON.
Personally appeared before me this 14th day of July, A. D. 1885,
Fred. E. Strong, A. J. Vincent and Geo. W France, who are personally
known to me, and subscribed and swore to the foregoing oath.
Given under my hand and seal this 14th day of July, A. D. 1885,
(Seal. ) G. S. Princr, Notary Public.”
The eight (8) prisoners who did not sign felt it to be im-
prudent—as their cases stood—for them to thus enrage the
gang against them; although they would be glad to be put uni
oath and thus compelled (?) to testify in the matter. Of course, my
position as warden of the big hall, etc., would of itself been proof
enough for any honest Governor.
The only way I could get a notary to attend to this matter was
by a strategy, or we, nearly all, would have sworn toit. It hap-
SON.
his place to do
r1erefore I deter-
n, and a fellow-
nd was more or
th, A.D., 1885.
personal knowledge
nformation and be-
nee’s incarceration,
sxceptionally good,
nost rigid examina-
‘Gy
Kiacum Co., W. T.
te constitute all of the
2, and (8) others, who
y to the same.”
and statement is true,
ED. E. STRONG,
J. VINCENT,
. W. France.”
HURSTON,
f July, A. D. 1885,
who are personally
ing oath.
ily, A. D. 1885.
, Notary Public.”
felt it to be im-
thus enrage the
ud to be put unin
er. Of course, 1/t)/
itself been proot
o this matter was
orn toit. It hap-
My RELEzAsE. 395
—_—
pened that I had at this time a power of attorney to be ac-
knowledged ; so under the shadow of doing this, and using my
friends Strong and Vincent as my witnesses to the same, we
pushed the other matter through right in the shadow of the
elevated ears, and in the snapping teeth of the superintendent,
who, with others, was playing cards at a table close by. And
when I blandly invited the gentleman to join my friends in the
certificate, he brayed out in reply, “ No, I wont!” To which I
replied, “that is what I had understood, and had, therefore,
appealed to my friends to establish the fact beyond dispute or
question.”
Now this notary manifested an earnest and kindly feeling,
such as is very rarely enjoyed in such a circumstance, saying
that I “had established the fact in spite of them,” and was so
pleased with my sand, that he refused to accept any pay for his
services, another having charged me $6 for but a single .c-
knowledgement.
The next thing was to prevent the matter from being
squelched, and the warden was so anxious to get it in his fingers
that he said I might send the papers without their counting as
letters, which were only allowed to be sent once a month.
So I wrote a brief of the certificate on the power of attorney
and registered it, also stating on it that I would forward the
other to I. J. T.. with whom he was in correspondence, and so
he got it.
‘*Pomeroy, W. T., July 26th, 1885.
Mr. Gro, W. FRANCE:
Dear Srr:—I have not heard from you for a long time [as though it
WAS MY TOUE) 6.6.0 sev iie 6 6 aseed ees I am in receipt of a letter from the Gov-
ernor. He wants to have a talk with you befure we get up more petitions
and will then let us know whether this is necessary.
I think the chances are favorable for your release, as it is left entirely
to yourself, as your talk with the Governor will decide whether you get
out or not. [ What deceitful, lying rot on one side, and stupid ignorance on the
other’. |
T have written to him very fully and referred him to several responsible
men knowing you and your case, and I will write to him again.
Hoping to hear from you at once, Iam, Yours truly, I. J. T.”
It was difficult to convince any one of the people that a
victim was denied the right to attend to such vital business
j
fi
:
i
q
$
ae |
i
ug
i
By
2
}
i
396 Exrracts From Diary Kerr In Prison.
whenever necessary, and one would frequently have several
different business matters with as many different persons living
and being in different sections of the country, each requiring
him to write “at once,” when he could only write one letter a
month, and there was no security or assurance that it would go,
except to send them out “ wnderground,” and then it was diffi-
cult to make one’s friends understand that they must acknowl-
edge its receipt by a simple mark or expression, and refer to it
im no other way. For when detected it was used as a club or
knife against the victim.
This, that follows, is his Excellency’s rot:
“Executive Orrice.—Ouympra, W. T., July 22d, 1885,