V. France, who,

f years ago near
| six years and is

», had a close
at continually
igrants might
ited the sheet

> secure a pardon
e has been in the
b longer.”
bublesome”’ to
betting me in.
st filling with

; against the
that is equal,

a worse coll-

n of all legal
hid sheet] is @

h Governor here

prnor says he
,
ood conduct.’

My RE.gaseE. 401

Has not a word to say about the injustice, corruptions and
brutality of the contract bastile; or of the asylum; or the steal-
ing by the gang of the University lands. Is pleased that “the
Territory is an attractive jield for the “legal profession” and
favors their being encouraged and even turned out at the
expense of the people, instead of showing how easy this swarm
of vermin could be done away with by reforming the Judiciary,
and how much better this would be. Gives the excuse of the
territorial treasurer for paying out money without any warrant,
on the ground that he “had conformed to the practice of
former years.” Favors a strong and “loyal” militia who will
blindly obey their [masonic] commanders to protect the Chin-
ese; while American citizens are afforded no protection against
the robber clans, and when stripped of their property are in
large numbers stigmatized as tramps and vagrants and driven
out, with no “strong and loyal” militia to protect them, or
Governor to plead their cause.

A General of this militia was afterwards indicted eight (8)
times for forgery and robbing a county treasury of over
$60,000; then the “charitable brethren” interfered with the
“good Judiciary” which put off his case, while they railroaded
through to prison a lot of outsiders, to be held there for 5, 7, 8,
9,10 and 14 years, for stealing a little grub, a few dollars, or a
horse! And the General of the loyal (?) militia has never been
punished at all, but is picnicing with the plunder, and was
billed to marshal a Fourth of July parade !

From the ring Press.—‘‘ Doesn’t affect the parade.”’—‘‘There has been
not a little gossip in this city, since the indictments have been found
against General [Mason], as to the propriety of that gentleman leading the
column in the great parade here on the Fourth of July. So frequent had
the question been asked on the street, that the P. [ correspondent called
upon the chairman of the [ring] committee on programme and asked him,
if there had been any change in the arrangements with regard to General
[Mason]. ‘‘Certainly not,” said he, ‘‘ while there have been some ugly
charges entered against General [Mason], he has not been tried upon them
or adjudged guilty, and it is not for us to do one or the other in advance
of the court.” [Oh, how considerate with one of the gang.] ‘‘He is the
Adjutant General of the militia of the Territory, and as such was invited
to marshal the parade. He has accepted, and no other arrangement will
be made, of course, so long as he signifies his willingness to serve by not
resigning.”

26

Pacific N. W/. History Dapt.

PROVINCIAL LIBRARY
VICTORIA, B.C,

402 Extracts From Diary Kept 1n Prison.

[So the subjects of the secret governments desecrate and
trail our flag in the dirt. Indeed, the time will come when
such gentlemen will need a “strong and loyal” militia to guard
their lives and plunder from the wrath and justice of the
people whom they spurn, loot and shoot down. Think of a
gang of such “loyal” (?) men shooting down unarmed citizens
in the streets, as they did at Seattle, and talking about the
“equal rights of men.” He was made General and “billed tc
marshal the Fourth of July parade!” Why then should other
criminals reform! when the courts and government are thus
prostituted and virtue made a cringing slave to depravity or
shot down in the streets and field? And when this Governor,
in violation of law, to protect masonic Chinamen, and his
“loyal” militia who were being arrested for murder, and when
good citizens could gst no protection; he formed a military
commission “the most powerful court under military govern-
ment” and detained this very General as Judge Advocate and
Recorder of this extra “good Judiciary,” to try and punish
offenders against white and yellow Chinamen !

Jan, 5th, 1886.—‘‘Rey. Parker here. Brought message to Mr. S...
from members of the Legislature, that they ‘would shake the swindle up

and end the prison contract.’”
Jan, 7th.-—‘' No Legislature or Governor here yet.”

I sent the following petition to the Legislature :

“Seatco Prison, W. T, January 8th, 1886.

I hereby respectfully and earnestly petition the Legislature
to rigidly investigate my case and duress—according me a full
and respectful hearing as to the same.

IT earnestly certify, that I have been unjustly, cruelly and
corruptly held in prison for over seven (7) years, when it has
and can be shown beyond dispute or refutation, that there
never was even the shadow of any true case of crime against
me, and having all the time an abundance of proof to so
establish my case; that I was shanghaied and not convicted,
and every effort to make the fact known to the people has been
squelched. ThatI have as worthy petitions and other show-
ings as was ever filed at Olympia. That Judge Wingard,
learning the injustice of my “ conviction” (?) joined in urging
my case repeatedly to the Governo:--so that he declares he

esecrate and
come when
itia to guard
istice of the
Think of a
med citizens
g about the
d “billed te
should other
nent are thus
depravity or
is Governor,
men, and his
ler, and when
xd a military
itary govern-
Advocate and
y and punish

nge to Mr. S...
p the swindle up

re 3

Bth, 1886.

he Legislature
ing me a full

, cruelly and
when it has
n, that there
rime against
proof to so
lot convicted,
pple has been
other show-
ge Wingard,
ed in urging
declares he

My REeEtEasr. 403

“has done more for my release than he ever before did for
any man in prison,” and that I “should have had a new trial.”
Please investigate, give me a hearing as to any point held
against me, and take such action as is found to be just.

Gro. W. France.”

Jan, 19th. —M... and K... here from Dayton. Bring word that the
county officials and ‘‘ everybody ” will sign my petition.

Jan, 25th.—‘ Priest here. Took petition of the prisoners to the
Legislature to appoint the Chaplains, or other outsiders, as a commission
to investigate and report to the Governor as to any prisoner’s conduct; also
to pass a one-third rebate law, like that of other States, for good conduct.
The priest and the other visiting minister will favor the same.” [N. B,—
But they were ignored, because it would interfere with the gang. |

February 1st.—‘‘ Rey. Parker here from Olympia. Thinks the prison-
ers will be removed to Walla Walla in July, to utilize their labor in the
building of a Territorial Prison that is provided for to be built there. And
also thinks and prays that Governor |Mason] will soon be removed.”

During the session of the Legislature, in discussing the
Local Option Bill, the Governor is reported as saying as to his
approving or vetoing it:

“‘T must say that I feel a great deal of embarrassment from the situa-
tion in which I am placed with such piles of remonstrances and petitions,
on the one hand and on the other, constantly coming in. There was a
telegram from Tacoma with thirteen pages of signatures, and others from
other places........ Telegrams have come from Seattle, signed by promi-
nent business men, and last night a message came from eleven business
men, four of them liquor dealers, asking for the approval of the Local
Option Bill.

This matter of petitions is one that is of very uncertain quantily. T have
had petitions come in here, for the pardon of prisoners, signed by almost
everybody in the county, and, yet, neither the Judge nor the Prosecuting
Attorney had signed them, It may seem presumptuous to open this

matter, but I deem it due to myself to respect a request to be heard on a
question of this kind.”

Whenever the people suffer one or two members of a secret
sworn brotherhood, who belong first to their gang, to exercise
more influence and power than all the people combined, then
whiskey and vice are sure to geta hearing, while liberty, virtue,
right and justice are spurned to languish.

When the “ judge and prosecuting attorney” are mere tools
ofthe gang, as is so often the case, where then! is there any
recourse for their victims ?

Est eae treo ela et

404 Extracts From Diary Kepr In Prison,

If the earnest will and voice of the people is thus to be
spurned at the crook of the finger of perhaps the vilest villain
in the gang! (as has been seen) what is there then in the
most sacred right of petition ?

Is a masonic railroad company a friend to justice or the
people? Can one of the people get any justice against such a
gang in the “good judiciary ?”

And, moreover, will not the “good judiciary” bankrupt
him if he appeals to it for a final decision ?

Is the masonic gang, called the “members of the bar,” a
friend to justice or the people ?

Do they not cause all the laws to be flawed, so that it is
simply a matter of fancy or of interest or corruption as to what
they are - to be held to be one thing to-day and another thing
next month for a price ?

Do they not, as secret middlemen, make the courts sink
of prostitution and cold-blooded robbery ?

Are they not as a cancer to the people? Are not judges
and prosecuting attorneys of this gang and secret sworn brethren?

Do not the masonic railroad companies really make the
selections for office, and are supported by a petition of the
brother members of the “bar” —the cancer of the people ?

Could a prince of virtue and ability get a judgeship against
both or either of these masonic “charitable societies,” THE
cancer of the people ?

Where then is a victim’s recourse when the people even en
masse are considered as a “very uncertain quantity,” as against
one of these tools of the gang, whose stay in office depends on
the amount of innocent blood and plunder he sucks from the
victims! when the most sacred right of petition is nullified,
spurned and spit upon ?

That the cancer may suck the homes and heart’s blood of
its victims. No law should be made or unmade against the ex-
pressed will of two-thirds of the people. Nor shoud any bill
become a law until sanctioned by the people, and when thus en-
dorsed no court should be allowed to abrogate or nullify it. Tf the
people do not know their constitution, and whether a law would
violate it, then it is time for them to build one that they can
understand.

hus to be
lest villain
en in the

‘ice or the
nst such a

’ bankrupt
the bar,” a

o that it is
1 as to what
other thing

courts sink

not judges
m brethren?
y make the
ition of the
people ?
ship against
sieties,” THE

ople even en
as against
depends on
ks from the
is nullified,

t's blood of
hinst the ex-
buld any bill
en thus en-
y it. If the
a law would
hat they can

My Retease. 405

If the courts were honest they would not wait till laws
have been in force for eleven or seventeen years, and then
annul them to enrich the gang. But they would confirm or
abrogate them forthwith on their enactment, if at all.

But a mere sprig of a cancer need not be expected to favor
such reforms. He would sooner build with the people’s money
a hatchery to breed little cancers, for such an “ attractive field.”

** February 4th, 1886,—Legislature adjourned without visiting this
place. It is left discretionary with the Governor whether the prisoners
are taken away the first of July or held here to enrich the gang, till the
prison is built.”

**Seatco Prison, WasH. Ter., February 16th, 1886.
Hon. R. O. D....

Dear Sir :—Will you please inform me as to the action taken on my
petition to the late Legislature for an investigation of my case and duress,
and whether it was squelched and the reason therefore, and greatly oblige,

: Gro. W. France.”
More rot.

‘*GOLDENDALE, WasH. Ter., March 4th, 1886.
Gro. W. FRANCE:

Dear Sir:—The Legislature concluded that it was not proper for it
to take criminal matters out of the hands of the courts. The only party
to appeal to after conviction is the Governor. If the Legislature should
go into the subject of investigation there would be little use for courts. If
yours is a meritorious case, and the Governor is apprised of the facts, that
would go to show the error of your conviction, I have no doubt that he
will extend the executive clemency. Yours Respectfully, R. 0. D...”

Then, when the Governor belongs to the gang, there is no
recourse for one of their victims. And if the Legislature will
not investigate and correct such corrupt abuses, then there is
“little use” for legislatures. One who writes or talks like R.
O. D.. on being informed of such distress, is either a fool or a
thief.

The kind of an outfit this Legislature was and how it
was run by masonic gangs.

From the Press :—‘It is impossible to conceive of a more
corrnpt, worthless and faithless body than the wretched Legis-
lature of 1885. Upon the members of that body the railroad
strikers of Oregon and Washington set to work as they had
never set to work before. A lobby [mason] was established at
Olympia, which practiced methods of such shameless corrup-

406 Exrracts From Diary Kept in Prison.

tion as has seldom been seen in the United States. The real
story of the last Legislature, of the lobby established by two
great corporations who combined in the nefarious work of de-
feating the will of the people, of the open and notorious cor-
ruption which was employed to bind a majority as with hooks
of steel to their [masonic] masters, of the means by which any
legislation in the interest of the people was prevented: that
story has never been told, and if it ever is told and told truly,
the people will listen with amazement to a story of corruption
such as has seldom blotted the annals of free government.....
.... All good citizens should hope that the next Legislature
will be a vast improvement on the last. It it is not, the people
of Washington Territory had better give up the idea of at-
tempting to govern themselves, and throw themselves upon the
protection of some kind-hearted Czar.”

[But the gangs prevent by daw and a corrupt judiciary the
telling of the “true stories” of corruption and crime of their
members. Here following is what one of the gang says as to
such law. |

‘‘Below is given the text of the libel law. It makes the publisher of
a libel responsible in civil damages or criminally, and we believe it to be
a good law that no fair, honest man need fear, but which wili have a
salutary effect upon all evil-minded persons.”

[And here follows the truth :]

“An attorney in this city assures us that the lately enacted
libel law is operative only against decent people, and is null
and void against persons destitute of good character.” [None
of the laws are operative against members of the gang, and a

Judge has lately openly declared substantially, that “the laws

against stealing do not apply to members of the gang.” One
who had robbed a county treasury was discharged by the

court “because the law did not apply to him” (or his case),

“that it is so, he is positive. It is a delightful law, indeed, that
will tolerate and foster a social condition of this nature... ..It
was perhaps an understanding of this character that induced
notoriously bad men, scandal-mongers, and professional libelers,
to urge the passage of this libel law, that they might go on in

their wickedness, and flourish at the expense of the better

portion of the community.”

Legisl:

the ped

belong:
an adval

A
broug}
mende
import
the filt
have b
alike. . .

Th
and def
manage
known
ial Offic
instruct
they ca:
shameft
been be
their fa
is a citi
of this «
facts ar
be acco’
Olympi
connect;

‘ity to e

could b

My REeEtease. 407

Aaatn.—‘‘One of the last acts of the Legislature was to pass a law,
exempting from ‘taxation charitable institutions and church edifices end
grounds to the extent of $5000 in value.

The people of Washington Territory at the last general election decid-
ed by an overwhelming majority in favor of taxing church property. The
Legislature did very wrong in passing such a law.” [But they consider
the people a ‘very uncertain quantity.”’|

This bill was enacted so as to exempt from taxation (/e
dens and other property of the midnight gangs, which are con-
sidered by the brethren in office as “ charitable institutions.”

Again from the Press.—‘Tt will take two years and an outlay of
thousands of dollars in legal expenses, to decide what is law. About the
first thing that a lawyer now undertakes in the interest of his client [if he
belongs to the gang] is to get the laws “busted,” if thereby be can gain
an advantage.”

And again. —“TIt is asserted that every corrupt practice is
brought into play, that money is freely used, that men recom-
mended by their duplicity and their ability as fixers have been
imported from beyond the borders of the Territory to perform
the filthy work of the lobby, and that the wishes of the people
have been deliberately overridden by lobbyist and legislator
alike.......

They can and do exert a supervision over all legislation,
and defeat any that ts conceived in the interest of the people. The
managers of the lobby at Olympia, among whom are a well
known Oregon politician, and an equally well known Territor-
ial Official [both masons, of course], it is asserted, receive daily
instructions from headquarters—instructions it is safe to say
they carry out to the letter. Never has our Territory been so
shamefully, outrageously disgraced....never have a people
been bound hand and foot and handed over to their enemies by
their faithless servants in a more shameful manner. If there
is a citizen of the Territory who does not blush at the thought
of this corruption, he is unworthy of his citizenship. These
facts are coming to the ears of the people slowly. This is to
be accounted for in several ways. The devotion of both of the
Olympia newspapers to the cause of monopoly [masonry], their
connection with all that is evil in our politics, and their hostil-

‘ity to every popular movement is well known. They, of course,

could be relied upon not to tell anything of the operations of

Paani os

ie

7 oo at aaah ace ater ae P

Pilea AA SL GVRP IL

a ;
t3

‘% ;
i ee
ie ay
th f
zg

tee
5

:
te oe

as cers

a oar ak tees

408 Exrracrs rroM Diary Kerr in Prison.

the lobby. The correspondents at Olympia have, with one ex-
ception, been purchased or cajoled, and have become pliant
tools of the corruptionists. With such a condition of affairs it
has been an easy matter to carry on the nefarious work as if in
the dark—to persuade legislators that their actions would
never be known by their constituents.”

“ March 19th, 1886.—I wrote to the prison director who
was to assist the Governor in the investigation of my case:

“When you were here with the Governor you appeared to
be interested in my case, and said you would, at the Governor's
request, investigate the matter, including all the papers on file,
and would also write to the references as to the same. But I
have failed to hear anything further from you or the Governor,
And I am still here, suffering the cruel ravages of the black
conspiracy.....Now I earnestly request you to frankly and de-
finitely answer me the following questions. Will you, please,
do so?

First.— What papers, letters, etc., did you find on file as to
my case at Olympia ?

Second.—Will you, please, answer the questions and poiuts
as given and numbered in my argument and plea?

Third.—Is not my case and innocence fully shown and de-
monstrated? If not, on what point ?

Fourth. —Ave not my references for proof very complete
and knowing, and as worthy of belief and influence as any
against me ?

Fifth—Is there any stronger case, in justice and right, or
any urged by better or more competent witnesses and proof than
given in my favor? If so, please name any such case!

Sixcth.—-Is it fair play to be influenced and contrclled in
such matters by secret influences that fear the scrutiny of light?

Seventh— Why is a respectful hearing and an open daylight
investigation of my case always squelched ?

Eighth Does not Judge Wingard declare virtually, that I
am unjustly held in prison?

Now, Mr....., please be so good as to answer my questions
honestly, frankly and specifically—manly. And greatly oblige

Yours very respectfully,
Gro. W. France.”

with one ex-
ecome pliant
n of affairs it
work as if in
ctions would

director who
my case :

1 appeared to
1e Governor's
apers on file,
same. But I
the Governor.
3 of the black
ankly and de-
ll you, please,

d on file as to

ns and poiuts

Ihown and de-

ery complete
ence as any

and right, or
nd proof than
ase |
contrclled in
iny of light?
open daylight

‘ually, that I

my questions
reatly oblige

Y, FRANCE.”

My REeEtease. 409

“P, S.—If you will not answer these questions, which are

of such vital concern to me, please transmit the same to the
Governor, with my request that he will do so. G. W. F.”

To which he replied (?), ignoring my questions —fearing to
face the truth, as they always did—and gave this rot as a
“reply”:

“Tn reply I will say:—I had not forgotten your case, but it stands in
the way. The case is before the Governor for his action and investigation,
and is entirely out of my reach. Ihave had a number of talks with the
Governor and have tendered him my services whenever he requires them.
That is all I could do. The Governor has his own ideas of these matters,
and your only way is to address him direct. His conversation with me
was confidential. I will, therefore, not repeat it.”

So the matter was conceded to be a ring secret, that they
were bound to keep in the dark.

As to me “addressing the Governor direct,’ I had al-
ready done so, but with no more effect, than if he was pledued to
the gaug to keep the matter in the dark, so it would not be
“troublesome” to them.

A man had been elected as Delegate to Congress, as a
champion of the people against the gang known as the N. P. R.
R. But whether he was a mason himself and thus betrayed
the people I did not know, but thought I would find out whether
he would really defend one of the people against the gang. So
Taddressed him as here to follow:

° Seatco Prison, Thurston Co., W. '., April 7th, 1886.
Hon. C, S. VoorHEeES, Washington, D. C.

Dear Sir:—Over seven years ago, by the aid of C...’s treachery, I
wis shanghaied from my home in Columbia County and incarcerated in
this prison.

It was a ccaspiracy to murder and rob me, I being possessed of &
$25,000 plant and fortune T had honestly earned, as the land records will,
ina degree, show. In repelling a murderous attack with a carbine, while
peaceably at work on my own home, I returned the fire with a pocket
pistol, killing one of the gang who was thus shooting at me, killing a horse
by my side, And he having sworn to kill me at such time, place and cir-
cumstane-. Then by the treachery of C... and another blackleg shyster
(B...) a iasge amount of money was, under diuse, false pretensions, extorted
from me, without affording me any real trial—-which I have always failed
to get—and the facts of the damnable outrage are sought to be buried with
mein this prison, while my family would be destroyed. Every eifort to

iittala amherst etapa

BE iE CRETE
Si ice ptlipaiernttmen Sync one git

sansnnnthbeeeammasememmnnmnasmnenannanmiatatel

410 Extracts From Drary Kept In Prison.

procure an open, honest investigation has been squelched; the Governors
putting me off with false promises and turning a deaf ear to all of my
appeals us well as from Judge Wingaru (to whom I refer), my neighbors
aid that of others usually successful in releasing prisoners from other
prisons. There was never the shadow of any true case against me; so evi-
dent is this, that no open opposition has appeared against my release, and
the Governors know that I am innocent of any crime.

I have been informed that I could get out for more mone~; butI
earnestly appeal to you to present my case to the President, to the Secre-
tary of the Interior and to Congress, and establish whether there is any
recourse in such a case of cruel, brutal, inhuman outrage and ravage,
or not.

I have appealed in vain to the Governors to put a finger on any point
or phase charged against me, that has not been completely refuted, and
that 1t would be, beyond question. But they could not do it and will uo!
attempt it. Yours very truly,

Gro. W. Fraxcr.”

(Written after my release.)

“ProLa, GARFIELD Co., W. T., July 28th, 1888.
Hon. C. S. Voorurzs, Washington, D. C.:

Dear Sir:—I wrote to you by registered letter, April 7th,
1886, informing you that I had been shanghaied, and was then
incarcerated in the Seatco contract-bastile. That I was inno-
cent of any crime, and had never had and could never get any
real trial, or find any recourse in the territory, etc., etc. And
appealed to you to present my case to the President, Secretary
of the Interior, and to Congress.

But I never received even a reply. I desire, if you please,
to know your reason for thus ignoring such an appéal for
justice and humanity in behalf of a pioneer homebuilder, cruelly
languishing in prison to be plundered and ravaged by the gang,

Very truly, Gro. W. France.”

‘*Housk OF REPRESENTATIVES, U. S.,
Washington, D, C., August 9th, 1888,
Gero. W. France, Esq., Peola, Wash. :

Sm:—I have no recollection whatever as to the circumstance to
which you refer in your letter of the 28th ult. I will be glad to serve you
in any way I can, if vou will make the case known to me.

Yours truly, C. S. VoorHers.”

“ Proia, GARFIELD Co., W. T., August 28rd, 1888.
Hon. C. 8S. VoorHexs :

Dear Sir :—Your favor of the 9th inst. at hand. TI enclose

SON.

hed; the Governors
eaf ear to all of my
fer), my neighbors
isoners from other
against me; so evi-
nst my release, and

more mone *; but!
ident, to the Secre-
hether there is any
yutrage and ravage,

, finger on any point
pletely refuted, and
ot do it and will uo!

”?

tno, W. FRancy.

ly 28th, 1888.

1 letter, April 7th,
ied, and was then

That I was inno-
buld never get any
bry, ete., etc. And

esident, Secretary |

sire, if you please,
ch an appeal for
bmebuilder, cruelly
vaged by the gang,

ro. W. FRANCE”

rrvss, U. S.,
August 9th, 1888.

the circumstance to
be glad to serve you

op me.

G. S. VoorHers.”

lust 23rd, 1888.

vt hand.

T enclose

My Re ease. 411

Post Office receipt of the letter I wrote to you while falsely
confined in the Seatco bastile.

You can serve me and a just cause by having the depart-
ment investigate the matter and find out to a certainty who
sole that letter ? Other functions of the Government were pros-
tituted against me, and the post-master, being one of the prison
contractors, may be the thief.

The letter was of the greatest vital importance—beyond
that of dollars and cents—and now let it be known whether such
brutal crimes can be done with impunity or not. Many of my let-
ters were never received, and I wish you to inform me whether
you will push and stay with this matter to a definite conclusion.

Yours truly, Gro. W. France.”
‘“‘ConFax, W. T., September 7th, 1888,
Geo. W. France, Peola, W. T.: ‘

Dear Sir :—If you will, upon my return to Washington next fall, again
direct my attention to the subject matter of your letter of the 23d ult.,
which was forwarded me here, I will very gladly institute such investi-
gations as you suggest. I return the registry receipt with the suggestion
that you will send it to me when you write in the latter part of Novem-
ber, Very truly yours, C. S. VoorHrés.”

EYE * December 10th, 1888.

....In accordance with your promise to investigate,
ete., the matter of the loss or theft of the letter I registered to
youfor investigation of my case while falsely imprisoned, on
your return to Washington from Colfax, I herewith return the
receip' and urgently “direct your attention to the subject” as
you suggestad in your letter of September 7th, 1888.

Picasa let me know if you receive this, also the result of
investigaiion, as I desire to push the matter to some definite
conclusion. lease have the receipt preserved, and in case of
failure return it to me and greatly oblige,

Yours truly, Gro. W. France.”

This investigation was squelched also, and the receipt
stolen too, as I never heard anything more about it. It should
interest and spur the American people to action to know that
ew! branch of the government is rotten with linked masonry, 80
i'a’ only eutside criminals can be punished for crime.

“ne J4th, 1886,—Contract let at Walla Walla to build a peniten-
tiary,”’

412 Extracts From Diary Kerr 1n Prison.

‘* July Ist.—Prison contract is expired; so the Governor can keep
the prisoners wherever he pleases, and can utilize their labor in the build.
ing of the pen at Walla Walla, there being suitable temporary quarters
that could be had, or a cheap building could be built on the ground
and afterwards used for shops.”

But the Governor chose to leave the prisoners to enrich the gang
at the expense of the people, and continue the contract-bastile-brutality
as long as possible.

“ July 9th, 1886.—Ex-Governor [Links] tells me voluntarily,
that “if he was Governor he would let me go,” that “my con-
duct has always been good,” and he “ will recommend my pardon
to Governor [Mason].” I reply that “I thought you was op-
posing 0 ‘ease ?”

“No, 3 said; “J late not done that. All I have got
against you is, you made Judge Wingard and me enemies.”
“Will you give me a copy of your recommendation to the Gov-
ernor ?” said I.

“Yes,” said he, “I will bring it the next time I come.”
[He is now the prison doctor. It will be remembered how /
made Links and Wingard enemies. |

** July 27th.—Ex-Governor (Doctor) [Links] here; said ‘he would
write the recommendation to the Governor to-night, as soon as he got
home, and also a copy of it for me.”

** August 29th, 1886.—Doctor (ex-Governor) here; says he ‘ has written
and sent to the Governor his recommendation for my release,’ that ‘jour
conduct has always been good, and you have been here long enough.’ Will
bring copy of it next time he comes.” So he says, with his mouth—more
ROT.

** August 30th.—J. P.. pardoned from Oregon penitentiary—had a
life sentence and served about five (5) years ; was first sentenced to hang.”

‘* September 18th.—Governor [Mason] goes to the States without com-
ing here at all.”

‘* Must rampant vice still triumph over laws,
And will not pitying heaven avenge our cause?”
‘Only the actions of the just smell sweet and blossom in the dust.”

“Sratco Prison, W. T., October 20th, 1886.
Hon. N. H. [Mason]:
Str:—As you are acting Governor, I most respectfully and
earnestly appeal to you for my restoration.
I have been cruelly and malignantly imprisoned for over
eight years. Yet, if you will examine all the papers on file in

ISON.

Governor can keep
¢ labor in the build.
temporary quarters
1ilt on the ground

to enrich the gang
act-bastile-brutality

ls me voluntarily,
2” that “my con
mend my pardon
ght you was op-

All I have got
1d me enemies.”
ation to the Gov-

xt time I come.”
membered how I

re; said ‘he would
, as soon as he got

says he ‘ has written
release,’ that ‘your
long enough.’ Will
th his mouth—more

penitentiary—had a
sentenced to hang.”
States without com-

vs,
use ?”’
som in the dust.”

r 20th, 1886.
respectfully and

risoned for over
papers on file m

My REeE.ease. 413

my behalf, or heretofore addressed to the Governors, and never
answered, you will be compelled to see thai I was never guilty
of any crime. And which fact, if not apparent as to any point,
[have always begged to establish beyond dispute, if such point or
phase be pointed out that is held against me.

If, after all this suffering, and abuse, and ill-health, and
ravage, you have the hardihood to reject my petition, at leas:
please answer this letter, and the points made in my argument
and plea on file—each to each, as pointed out and numbered
from “one to four,” which will be doing that much more than
your vindictive, unrelenting predecessors have done, and know-
ing all the time that I was shanghaied and betrayed for plunder
and ravage, and that I only defended my life.

Yours very truly Gro. W. France.”

This official was also a secret-sworn-brotherhood-man, as
his evasive and contemptible vot shows for itsel, for neither
would he face my case at all, and he holds that the “neople and
justice be damned,” and that the masonic prostituted courts
are infallible.

‘‘ TERRITORY OF WASHINGTON.—SECRETARY’S OFFICE.
Ouympra, October 28th, 1886,
(zo, W. France, Seatco, W. T.:

Dear Srr:—In reply to yours of the 20th inst. I will say that I
find nothing on file in this office that would justify the executive in
taking action in your case that would set at naught the action of the
judiciary. :

My own idea in regard to pardons is that in no case should the
executive interfere with the courts, unless evidence is produced that
was not before the court and jury, that would have cleared him on h!

trial. Very respectfully yours,
N. H. [Mason], Acting Governor.”

The executive is sworn to virtually “interfere with the courts”
whenever they are prostituted, or through error do an injustice
insuch eases. Ifthe courts were infallible, there would be no
need of a higher power, and a fool ought to know that a secret
ring court and a fixed jury care nothing whatever for the kind or
amount of evidence in the case of the gang against a good citizen, or
«good citizen against one of the gang, except its bearing on the
public mind in making them odious. Yet this ring official

i}
j
if

sR

et ialameataae tae ile

Pan Ed

414. Extracts From Diary Kerr In Prison.

holds and acts, that in such cases of court prostitution there
should be no recourse for justice and truth.

History gives no account of any more hellish tyranny than
this.

The pardoning power should be in the hands of the people of
each county or judicial district. Only members of the gang
would oppose this, because they could not prostitute the people
as easy as they do an office.

Nearly all good citizens do declare that the courts are pros-
tituted against them, and that they “cannot get justice against
member of any midnight brotherhood.”

“ February 14th, 1887.—The new penitentiary at Walla
Walla was turned over to the Governor as ‘ready for occu-
pancy. The plain law requires the Governor to cause the
prisoners to be removed there forthwith, and appropriated the
necessary means to do so.”

“ March 15th, 1887.—Ninety-eight prisoners here now; the
Walla Walla Board of Trade declares that,

‘* Whereas, if there is a legal donbt asto the maintaining of the prison-
ers at the Territorial penitentiary (at Walla Walla), there is manifestly a
graver doubt of power tor their maintenance elsewhere.”

“But the Governor contends, that it is more ‘lawful’ to
continue the contract-bastile till the Legislature meets again,
paying thu gang hotel rates besides the labor of the prison-
ers, than to comply with the plain letter and spirit of the law,
which was considered as ample and all right when it was made
and signed, until now, when it is to the interest of the gang to
‘discover’ the flaw with which they had fixed it. The most of
the ring press are howling for the gang, and to rob the
people. They, too, have ‘just discovered’ the hole or flaw in the
law. Of course, the Governor didn’t see it when he signed it.”

“ March 24th, 1887.—Governor [Mason] here; he had _no-
thing to say to me nor I to him. S.. asked him about his
case; said he ‘had never seen his petitions, though he was
satisfied they were there, as S..’s friends had told him of
them, and he would see the Judge about his case.’ S.. is
given to understand that if he ‘would leave the country he
can get out.’ Yet he knows of no opposition to his release
except these prison contractors and the ex-Governor; he

ON.
stitution there
h tyranny than

> of the people of
rs of the gang
tute the people

courts are pros-
ustice against

tiary at Walla
eady for occu-
x to cause the
opropriated the

; here now; the

ining of the prison-
ere is manifestly a
nore ‘lawful’ to
re meets again,
r of the prison-
spirit of the law,
hen it was made
of the gang to
The most of
nd to rob the
e or flaw in the

e signed it.”
e; he had no-
1 him about his
hough he was
d told him of
case.” S.. is
the country he
to his release
-Governor; he

My Re ease. 415

having exposed their conduct to the Legislature, and has been
persecuted accordingly. Soon after Governor Links had been
removed, §.. as well as myself asked him, if he had left our
petitions, ete., on file in the executive office, and he replied
that he had; and subsequently I asked him again as to mine,
and he said that he had left all of my papers, letters, ‘ every-
thing’ on file with the new Governor. Yet, now Governor
Mason says that he has never even seen S..’s petitions, not-
withstanding 8.. told him of them, and asked him to examine
them at his first visit here, when he said that he would ‘act on
France’s case the first one,’ etc.”

This is how such officials attend to the most vital business
(an oath-bound trust) of their office, and ignore and spit upon
the people, as an “ uncertain quantity.”

“ March 26th.—It is reported that the daylight thrown on
the Governor's conduct in keeping the prisoners here (even
after the completion of the Territorial penitentiary) by the
people of Walla Walla, will cause the prisoners to be removed
after some more parleying.

It is also reported that Governor Mason will soon be re-
moved, and the prisoners rejoice, declaring him to be “even
worse than Links, and that if this lane through hell is to ever

have any turn, it must be at the next change of the devils in
charge.”

The democrats here have been contending all the time that
“if a democrat was appointed Governor, he would make a break
inthe ring, expose its corruptions to the people, and having
some regard for the people’s welfare, would be influenced by
them, instead of being a tool of the gang, and would reform the
office.”

The republicans here have replied that “ while the repub-
lican officials were dog-fish aristocrats, caring nothing for the
good of the people, the democratic officials were slave drivers
by instinct,” and pointed to the prison contract system in the
democratic States. That “while in such cases the contractors
always paid the State so much per day, instead of being paid
seventy cents for each prisoner per day, besides their labor, as
this gang was doing, yet, it was a brutality and outrage on

ee SSastta

Deine

FR PTE REEL Ti LITE ENA TRE

pa eee oe

See

416 Exrracts From Drary Kept In Prison.

men mostly better than themselves, if not such a bare-faced swindle
in money on the people as in this Territory.”

Those who had critically studied the conduct of the offi-
cials of both parties, maintained that there was no more differ.
ence between the democratic and republican parties than there
is between one masonic railroad company that has got a rail-
road from the people, and another masonic railroad company
that is trying to get the people to give them a railroad, or the
means to get one without earning or buying it. And that
there is no more difference in the principles and feelings of the
officials, or more influential members of these parties, than there
is between one free-mason or odd-fellow chief and another
free-mason and odd-fellow chief, they being linked together in
a secret sworn robber clan, as the Chinese highbinders (free-
masons) ignoring and spurning our Government and courts, ex-
cept to prostitute them, so as to enrich themselves and picnic
at the expense and distress of the people. That their prosti-
tuting secrets are so diabolical that it is death to reveal them to
the people.

** April 9th.—Governor [Mason] orders the prisoners to be removed to
Walla Walla, May 1st.”

‘* April 10th, 1887.—Governor [Mason] bounced and a ‘Democrat’ is

appointed Governor.”
** April 23d.—Governor [‘Democrat’] assumed his office.”

“ April 29th.— Governor [‘Democrat’| has suspended the
order to remove the prisoners, and the contractors smile, the
prisoners shudder and remark, ‘low other men violate the law

999

with impunity.

“ May 5th— Governor ‘Democrat’ here; he doesn’t want
to talk to any prisoners, which is just as well, unless heis more
truthful than his predecessors. It is reported that he has
weakened and that the prisoners will leave here the 10th inst.”

If these Governors were in irons as prisoners, how their
physiognomies would be remarked!

“ May 10th, 1887.—-We boarded the train for the new prison
at Walla Walla; occupy two passenger and one baggage car.
Nothing very strange on the road; about half of the prisoners
were heavily ironed in pairs, two of whom cut loose and jumped
out of a window—one escaping, the other was stopped with

faced swindle

ct of the offi-
o more differ-
ies than there
as got a rail-
road company
ilroad, or the
it. And that
feelings of the
ies, than there

and another
ed together in
hbinders (free-
and courts, ex-
ves and picnic
t their prosti-
» reveal them to

‘to be removed to
a ‘Democrat’ is
ffice.””

suspended the
ors smile, the
violate the law

| doesn’t want
less heis more

that he has
he 10th inst.”
hers, how their

he new prison
» baggage cal.
the prisoners
be and jumped
stopped with

My RE.LEAsE. 417

pistol shots. The most of the other men were ironed single ;
the balance of us not at all. A lame one ‘with pride in his
port,’ against whom the ex-Governor and Co. had a grudge on
account of his frank morals, though scarcely guarding him be-
fore—sometimes not at all—and had never attempted to escape,
was now heavily riveted to an ugly Indian—(even the day be-
fore starting)—to reduce his moral standard.

Herod to his sons :—“ But do you, oh, my good children,
reflect upon the holiness of nature itself, by whose means
natural affection is preserved even among wild beasts ; let this
oppression raise the fire of vengeance in your hearts—deter-
mined to be avenged.”

“ Far off through the lone night watch I had yearned for my home,
When dreams and thoughts of happiness across my soul had come;
Yel, now my heart was fainting and I gazed with anxious fear
Upon the well-known mountains, though so beautiful and near.”

“Watta Watia, W. T., May 17th, 1887.
Hon. 8. C. WinGaRD:

Dear Sir:—I am still in prison, (or what is left of me) and
no man has yet dared to charge that it is so by any fault of
mine, and accord me a iwr chance to refute it. Neither
Governor could, or would thus mark a single point against me;
they knew there was never any true case against me; they knew
that I was attacked on my own home, and failing by a scratch
to murder me there, that they shanghaied me to carry out their
hellish designs of murder, robbery and ravage by degrees, by
prostituting the courts and executive office.

And yet they held me down for my heart’s blood to be
wrung out, as though I had not the right to defend my life
against a robber assassin firing at me with a carbine, and the
magazine filled for the very purpose.

Recall what I told you at the out-set; and now that so
many of my assertions are proven true by a succession of terrible
events, that I begged of you to help prevent and thus save me
from ruin, you must know that I always spoke the truth.

Although there is comparatively little left for me to
struggle or live for now, and so many honest, earnest efforts for
my restoration have been spurned and spit upon, or squelched,
yet, I wish to revive those true and worthy efforts and showings

27

tthe cee cee an ae

418 Extracts From Diary Kept 1n Prison.

to the attention of Governor [‘Democrat’] and see whether
he, too, will spurn and spit upon them, or will do me what
justice he can. Will you, therefore, kindly renew your efforts in
my behalf to the new Governor?

Yours Truly,

Gro. W. France.”

“ May 20th—Judge Wingard sent recommendation (to
Governor) to me, to see it before mailing; also sent excuse for
not coming to see me personally—that he “did'nt like to show
discrimination.” [A Judge could learn more knowledge that
would fit him for a Judge by visiting all of his su jects, than
he ever can from law books. ]

He says to the Governor: “I especially recommend for
pardon George W. France, as he has fully expiated the crime
for which he was convicted and sentenced.”

To which he received the following reply :

‘* WaAsHINGTON TERRITORY, Executive DEPARTMENT,
GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.
Otympia, W. T., May 28rd, 1887.
Hon. S. C. Winearp, Walla Walla, W. T.
Dear Sir:—Your note of May 20th, recommending pardon of George
W. France, is received and placed on file. There is no application for the
release of this prisoner in this office.
Very respectfully, vour obedient servant,
E. .. [Democrat], Governor.”

Judge W.. sent me the Governor’s letter to answer; which
I did by giving the Governor a list and synopsis of what should
be on file in my behalf and closed as here to follow:

“T submit that the fact alone that a prisoner’s honest, earnest
efforts, and that of his friends, are stolen or squelched, ought
to be proof to an honest man, that official functions have been

prostituted against him.
Yours very truly,
Gro. W. France.”

“ June 10th, 1887.—One of the guards—an old time ac-
quaintance—tells me that “it is the talk” and “seems to be
understood that you will be released in a few days.” I ask
him to be my substitute for those “few days,” and he swears
that he “really would if he could, though it were many months,”
etc,

gee whether
do me what
four efforts in