Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-08-09
Some particulars Of the Grove Case

A summary of this case begins with the ar
rest of Thomas Jenkins in Lewiston, Thurs
day, July 29th, by Officer Haskell. Officer
Haskell placed the prisoner in charge of
Sheriff Smith as keeper, and lodged him in
Auburn Jail. Jenkins was arrested by Has
kell in obedience to a telegram from Chicago
requesting Jenkins arrest, AID stating that
he was wanted for grand larceny. A subse-
quent telegram WAS received from Chicago
Announcing that a special officer was on his
way to Lewiston 10 convey jenkins back to
Chicago.
On Monday of last week Officer M. j.
Grove of Chicago arrived in Lewiston, and
Tuesday went to Augusta after the necessary
papers to enable him TO carry jenkins back
to Chicago. He returned with the papers
Thursday and in the forenoon was at Auburn
Jail with them. In the absence of
Sheriff Smith, the regular Sheriff,
he requested Deputy Sheriff Little
field to arrest jenkins and turn him
over to him. The papers appearing perfect
on the face, Deputy Sheriff Littlefeld went
into the Jail, found jenkins, arrested him and
turned him over to Officer Grove. Officer
1TOWe Udu Htlu put OU JtUklDs
and was about to leave for the train when
jenkins attorney entered the Office and or
dered Sheriff Smith, who was then present,
to arrest Grove on a civil process for false
imprisonment, with damages placed at
$4,000.
The point involved in the arrest of Grove
at this juncture was that the Secretary of
State in the absence of the Governor had not
the power to issue the papers necessary to Jen-
kins' arrest and conveyance from the State
1t was claimed that Gov. Rooie must have
been out of the State at the time the papers
were issued being currently reported as in
California, and that the delegation of such
powers to subordinate is not permitted by
the constitution. 1t is also claimed that the
case must be heard before requisiti0n papers
be issued.
The papers for Jenkins arrest were, how
ever, correct in every particular, upon their
face. having the signature of Gov Robie, and
the seal of the State and all of the other le-
| gal necessities, and Sheriff Smith declined to
arrest the Chicago officer for false imprison-
ment unless bond was furnished him for
| indemnify
The Sheriff was asked if bond for 81, ,00O
would satisfy him, and he replied that moth
ing less than a bond for the full amount,
| $40 900, would be satisfactory.
This bond was furnshed-and Sheriff
Smith arrested Grove and held both him and
his prisoner jenkins. Grove was detained
Wednesday afternoon and Thursday in Lew
stou, pending action of his attorneys toward:
his release. He was. however, called to
Portland, Thursday, and in charge of the
sheriff went there to the hearing, which, al
stated above resulted in his release and de.
parture from the State. Further legal
proceedings are expected in the
casa, many of those conversant with the
matter thinking that retaliatory suit will be
instituted by the officer who was arrested.
Officer Grove is reported to have said that he
was acting simply in the line of his duty -
that the necessary papers from the Governor
of Illinois were in his possession, and that
with them he obtained the legal documents
from the Secretary Of State.
The hearing before Judge Haskell Of Port
land, Thursday, didn't take five minutes.
The court examined the papers under which
jenkins was imprisoned, and ordered the Off
GERS release. Judge Haskell termed the ar
rest of Grove on the charge of false impris-
onment contempt of civil authority.
and told Sheriff Smith that he would
have been fully justified under the cir
cumstances in refusing TO arrest Mr.. Grove.