Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-04-26
PLEADS GUILTY.
Joseph Kelley Arraigned for
Murder at Somerworth.
Broken in Spirit, He Sobs Aloud and
Whispers His Answer.
Taken Back to Jail Apparently Deserted by
= Father and Relatives.

Somersworth, N. H., April 25.-Joseph
e. Kelley, the murderer of CASH ar
Stickney of the Great Falls National
Bank, was arraigned in court at 3
o'clock. Saturday morning, and pleaded
guilty to charge of murder.
Everything connected with the hear
ing was of a most dramatic character.
and Kelley, who had only a week ago
called everyone in Somersworth his
friend, and had been on the most init
mate terms with local people, was, this
morning. apparently without a friend
in the world.
His father, who had been expected to
be present at this hearing, did not
come, neither was there any counsel OF
friend to appear in Kelley's behalf.
He was absolutely alone, and was
bowed down with grief, shaking like n
-hild. and utterly oblivious of the sur
roundings.
For the first time since his arrest he
appeared to fully realize. the enormity
If his crime. and the probable terrible
consequences TO him.
As Judge Knapp asked the question,
Are YOU guilty, or not guilty. Kelley $
head dropped lower and lower and his
sobs grew louder. The court was obliged
10 reDeat the question three times. when.
by a great effort, Kelley answered the
one word. GUILTY so low that only
those in the immediate vicinity could hear
aim. His voice was hoarse. and he APP
peared to be choking as the word was
uttered.
There was no confusion or outcry a
kelley's unexpected plea was made, and
the court then announced TO the prisoner
that he would be taken back to the
county Jail at Dover and held for the
next session of the supreme Judicial court
in September.
Almost Immediately Sheriff Hayes went
forward and took Kelley by the arm. He
found it difficulty to raise the trembling
man from his chair, as his nerves were
completely shattered and he seemed 10
have no control over himself. With the
lid of Constable Bartlett Kelley was
taken to the street, where he was placed
in a carriage and driven back to Dover.
The hearing ends all legal proceedings
in the case in the town of Somcrsworth.
The entire matter is now in the hands of
the supreme judicial court of New Hamp
shire. which will determine the degree OF
guilt at it's session in September.
There was considerable feeling eN-
pressed at the absence of the young pris-
oners father and family, none Of whom
came to the hearing at all. although they
were evidently expected.
He returned TO Dover from SomerS-
worth at l0N and was Immediately
dressed in prison garb and placed in the
revolving cell.
Kelley appeared to have perfectly re-
gained his composure, and the only evil
dence of his breaking down at the hear
ing was a slight redness and swelling
about tie eyes.
As soon as he entered his cell he asked
# he might send to his boarding house
at Berwick and get some of his things.
This request was granted. and he wrote
20 Mrs. Wilkinson. his landlady, stating
that he wanted his small clock. the Pho
tograph of Olive Stone. his sweetheart.
revolver and some articles of clothing
which left there.
1t l.; very doubtful. however, if he is
allowed to have the clock or the revolver.
rs the authorities are guarding him very
,arefully to prevent him from committing
suicide.