The Republican journal., 1874-03-05
The Powers aud Cary Libel Suit.

The Supreme Court now in session at IIoulton
Judge Peters presiding, is engaged upon the
libel suit. Powers vs.. Cary, at Houlton which
bids fair to be one of the most interesting cases
of the kind ever tried in Maine 1t began on the
Goth, and must be about concluded. Mr.. Cary
in his paper, the Aroostook Times, charged
that Powers, who is practicing lawyer. and
was customs collector at Houlton, had cheated
his clients, defrauded pensioners, robbed the
| government, and had solicited adultcrols rela-
tons with Il coored woman. For damage to
his character, reputation and business. Mr.
Powers brings this suit, denying each and every
allegation. Defendant admits the publications,
and alleges their truth in justification. The vet
ertn JeWett is associated with the plaintiff in
the case, and Joseph Baker defends.
So far as reports of the trial have come to
hand, it appears that the plaintiff has been con-
fronted by some ug y testimony. Doctor Geo.
Cary, brother of the defendant, swore that he
wrote the articles, and held himself responsible
for them, Being asked as to any information
concerning Powers upon which the articles
We're based, Or. Cary turned to the Judge and
| asked Does any fact Powers told me, constitute
knowledge = Judge-'That question will be
drawn out in cross-eNamination" At this point
Powers touched his counsel, and Mr. .Jewett re-
quested leave to retire for consultation. The
Court allowed 4 recess. When the three lawyers
returned the question of threats of Dr.. Cary
against Powers, or his personal knowledge of
plaintiff, was not pressed. They dropped the
witness, much to the disappointment of the
crowd, who wanted the secrets
blind Old woman, whose son died in the
army leaving her note for $500 which he re-
ceived rs bounty, testified that Powers told her
it was not good and offered her Sl2j for it.
Another witness who testified to this transac-
ton was cross-eXamined by Jcwett as follows
When did he die: In February, after going
to the war Where? In hospital in Virginia.
How did YOU know he died? livery eXcitcdiy.
Witness SLOWLY ! was there. | seed him
when he draWed his last breath. lumultuous
laughter
Mrs Julia Faulkner, widow, was called
Lived in Monticello in 1862; live now in IIoul-
tom had son, Willie, killed in the war; left
her papers for pension with Powers, and after
a great while, at the same time continually
signing papers supposing them necessary to
get her pension; a woman who went with Wit
ness and who had received pension told wit
ness she was signing receipts; witness then
went 10 dllOlltf lawyer MdulSuH) WHO wrote
to headquarters ana sent a note 10 Powers,
who paid her only $500. taking out his fec
witness was entitled to twice the amount.
Crosse Xamined- Powers brought forward
orders and bills which he said She had signed.
Witness-Oh, my. | never saw those papers
| only got $500 from YOU, and that | owe to
Mr. Madgan and not TO You. Laughter
Witness was very certain, and answered Pow
crS back with such sharpness as t. "onvulse
the crowd.
Mr.. Smith father of the editor OF the Port
land Press, was called, and testified to not get
ting much pension of Powers rs he should
receive.
Dispositions We're read to show that the
plaintiff spoke of business men of Aroostook
in such a way rs 10 damage their business
reputation the men being solvent, and that
Powers got fees for collections.
The colorrd woman has not vet been upon
the stand.