Parole Reform for San Quentin Prisoners
By Editor
We acknowledge receipt of a circular from the life-term prisoners of San Quentin, Cal., in which they desire assistance in a proposed petition to the State Legislature, asking an amendment to the Parole Law. In order to get on parole after seven years of service and good behavior, the prisoner must deposit $25 with the prison directors; must clothe himself anew from head to foot; must first secure employment from some honorable employer, and then have the money with which to pay his fare to the place of employment. This is a practical bar to the parole privilege in many cases; as only a favored few have the means or have friends who would advance the amount necessary to comply with these conditions. It does seem like an injustice to provide clemency for prisoners who earn it by good behavior, and then place it out of reach by impossible financial requirement. The petitioners do not plead innocence of crime; but they plead penitence, and ask for mercy at the hands of the people. Surely a law purporting to give relief to worthy subjects ought not to be limited to those who are fortunate enough to have fifty or sixty dollars, or friends to assist them. We hope their petition will receive such consideration as will conserve the interests of justice and mercy.