The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-11-11
CALEB POWERS
FIFTH TRIAL
STARTS TO-DAY

Georgetown. KY, Nov. 11.-Cnleb Pow
the murder OF William Goebel in Frank
fort seven years ago, was today placed
on trial for this crime here before Special
Judge j. s. Morris OF Henry county.
Arthur Goebe has little hope now.
since tho Republicans have come into
power. OF seeing Powers hanged. lie says.
however, that he proposes To fight the
case through the courts to his utmost,
and IL the governor turns the men loose
after they are convicted he will feel that
he has done his duty. Powers fears a
trial at this time and said that there was
danger OF the bitter feeling over the sue
cess of the Republican state ticket MAX
ing against him.
Caleb Powers was 81 years old 10 n day
when Gov. William Goebel was assassl-
mated. He is now rs, and the last seven
years OF his life he has spent behind
prison bars. The murder changed tho
political history OF a state. outlawed its
governor. William Sylvester Taylor. and
wrecked numerous homes
Three times Powers. who at the time
of the Staying was secretary OF state, has
been condemned for participation in the
assassination; three times has he been
granted a new trial. The fourth trial
was abortive. Taking advantage OF his
bins ms presiding Judge at the fourth
trial, which was 10 have been conducted
last July. and the latter needed the pro-
test
After the prosecution and the defence
had suggested the names OF 30 men In the
state as competent to conduct the fourth
trial, and. after each had been declined,
Gov. Beckham stepped In the breach and
named the presiding Judge. 1t is there
fnY IN tnn ~ InN, 10
ernor who will be in control OF the trial
for life OF Republican officeholder.
Almost Immediately after the murder OF
Gov. Goebel who was shot down as he
was passing through Court House square
I'm Frankfort and died almost Immediately.
Powers was arrested while trying to es-
cape I'm disguise At his first trial he was
convicted and his punishment was fixed
at life Imprisonment. This was I'm August.
1900. At the second trial. this being grant
ed by the supreme court. again the ver-
dict was guilty and the punishment fixed
tho same as before. Then came the third
trial in August. 1903. This time the ver-
dict was guilty and the death penalty was
affixed
This is the special trial, the date having
been fixed by the prosecution.
Death. disappearance and time has
changed the complexion OF the noted case
IN the past seven years MANY ol the
states most important witnesses have
died and others are expected to give testi-
mony in favor OF the prisoner
One OF the most important OF the new
witnesses for Powers will be Mrs. III. II.
Youtsey, wife OF the man who was w s.
Taylors stenographer during Taylor s
brief reign as governor in 1900. and who
went on the witness stand I'm 1903 and
swore that Powers gave him the key TO
his office I'm the state house at Frankfort
so that Youtsey could enter and allow
James Howard TO shoot william Goebel
from there She has made an affidavit to
attorneys for Powers that her husband
was forced to confess TO Powers connec-
ton with the Goebel killing because OF his
treatment I'm the penitentiary, which Mrs.
Youtsey describes as fiendsh.