The members of the State Board of Pardons, next to the weather man, are
the most severely criticised in the state of Minnesota, and unjustly so.
In the exercise of the authority conferred upon them the Minnesota State
Board of Pardons is the most conservative in the United States.
Notwithstanding the fact that they grant about seventy‐five per cent less
pardons than similar bodies in other states, the press, in many instances,
holds that it is too liberal in its disposition of mercy.
The true function of the Pardon Board has often been exemplified by the
daily press of the twin cities, and they appear to be unanimous in the
belief that where the interest of humanity or reform can be benefited it
is proper for the board to lighten a penalty or grant an outright rpardon.
Jesus of Nazareth enunciated the wise doctrine that “if you wish to be
forgiven, you must forgive others,” and this apothegm is the alpha and
omega of the Christian religion to day. “Go and sin no more” is often the
basic principal of true reformation.
[Pardon Board of the State of Minnesota]