Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-06-15
SUSPICIOUS FIRE
Destroys the Hotel of Capt.
Even at Jackson, Ky.
H, Is Principal Witness in lett and
Whit. Murder Trial.
Militia Called Out, in Whose Camp
Even Is Stopping.

Louisville, KY, June 14.-The City
hotel at jackson, KY, a three-story
building, owned by Capt 3. J. Even,
the principal witness against Jet and
White, now on trial for the assassina-
ton of Lawyer j. B. Marcum, was
burned, early this morning. Fifteen
guests were in the hotel, but all es-
capped without injury. There was no
insurance on the structure and the no
tel with it's furnishings and the effects
of the guests is total loss. The orr
gin Of the fire is unknown, but the be-
lief is given that the fire was of incen-
diary origin.
Captain Even had recently put up
an addition to the hotel. This was just
completed and was az yet unoccupied
1t was in this part of the hotel that the
fire was discovered. The town of
Jackson has no fire department and its
citizens were awakened by the firing of
pistols and guns, and much excitement
prevailed.
a detachment of militia came on the
double quick from their camp across
the river and rendered valuable aid in
assisting the guests to escape and pre-
venting the flames from spreading.
Capt. Even has been kept at the
camp of the militia since he testified,
last Monday, that he saw Curtis Jet
fire the shot which killed Marcum.
Nobody was seen to leave the hotel be-
fore the fire broke out. 1t was only two
days ago that Jackson was put under
martial law. The fire has caused re-
newed apprehension.
The burning of Ewen's hotel, this
morning, Is not only considered as in
cendiary, but also as accessory to other
acts of intimidation in connection with
the pending trial Of those accused of
the murder of J. B. Marcum. 1t has
openly been predicted that arson would
go along with assassination. 1t is now
stated that the jurors, who are farmers
and witnesses, could not be found when
detachments Of troops were trying TO
bring them into court.
The burning of Ewen's property not
only has caused renewed fear for both
life and property. but also has increas-
ed the general doubt Of conviction of
either OF the prisoners.
Can't. Il. ]. Even was the chief wit
ness for the prosecution in the pending
trials of Curtis Jet and Tom White.
Today's fire was discovered, by Joe
Redman. n Waterman, who saw flames
issuing from the roof Of Ewen's hotel.
Good work by soldiers and citizens
saved possibly the entire south side OF
the town.
The Even hotel Is at the end of n
long row of miners cottages, all OF
which were in grave danger.
Mrs. Even and her children were
poorly clad and lost everything. The
hotel and the furniture had been In
sured, but only a week ago but Capt
Even was notified that on account OF
threatening conditions the company
had decided to cancel his policy. The
house and fixtures were valued at
about $4,000. They were the savings
of a lifetime, and Even and family, to-
night. are homeless and dependent or
the hospitality Of the troops in the
camp.
Three men reported having seen Joe
Crawford and Ed Thap, wagoners fol
the Hargis Brothers, come across the
bridge and return just before the blaZ'
WAS discovered and Major Allen or
dered the men arrested. They were
taken into the military camp by the
soldiers ana flldtEltltu Ill lii' Su'i
house. Gray Haddicks was retained by
the provost guard az witness. Sooi
the Hargis people We're very active
They sent attorneys who swore on
writs of habeas corpus before Judge
Redwine, making them returnable a
once The writs were served on Mhjo
Allen and he sent the prisoners to the
court house under a strong guard com
manded by Capt. MaddiX.
Commonwealth Attorney Byrd asked
Judge Redwinc for time for Major Al
len to file n response. He asked tina
he be given till tomorrow morning, bu
Judge Redwine demanded that it b.
flied at once. This was done and tn
attorneys argued the case before Judg
Redwine, who finally decided to admi
the men to bail In $4,000 each. Count.
Judge Hargis and Sheriff Callahan ha'
bonds drawn up. but after consulta
ton between them and the lawyer
they refused to sign the bonds and tn
two men were taken by the soldiers in
side their lines and are, tonight. man
acled in the military guard house wit
heavy guard on watch and stron
Outposts.