New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-04-13
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR |
THE CASE OF CALEB POWERS.
a Plea for Justice for This Long Accused
Kentuckian.
To the Editor of The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir; AS the foremost Republican paper in the
country, will you allow some consideration Of the
case OF Caleb Powers. for years incar-
cerated IN Kentucky jails, charged by the Demo-
Gratis with being accessory TO the killing OF Will
lam Goebel. considered by the Republicans guilty
only or the crime Of being elected Secretary OF
STATE! The latter seems be the opinion of Presi-
cent Roosevelt. Secretary Taft and of every
prominent official of the country all subscribing to
the fund OF $4,000 contributed for his defence.
VINO can further doubt it TO be the opinion OF the
United States Supreme Court. which In it's de-
clsion. rendered by Justice Harlan. said of these
Kentucky trials. '"rhey form exhibit OF miscon-
quot which may we'll shock lovers Of Justice?
he pointed out how a writ of could bring
the case before the court which. although nearly
year has elapsed, has not been applied for, the
chiet ground OF hope for final justice being in the
pardon granted the defendant by Governor w. S.
4ayIor. regarded as de jure and de facto Governor
OF Kentucky. recognized such by President Nc
hlnley and prominent members Of his Cabinet at a
uuiy convened meeting, and having possession of
the executive Office and mansion; further reoog-
nzed' 1t may be added by all the federal officials,
particularly by the Pension Department. which
recognized only notaries appointed by Governors
Bradley and Taylor
Nothing was said by the court about another
Kentucky trial before the application for such writ
some western papers claim that there will never be
another trial. but that Powers will be kept prison
an MS life. which Will, in any case, probably be
ortened through the inhumanitieS he has received,
Icing Ior most Of the time in a dark, unhealth-
tSL Jal IN cage with negroes with criminals OF
me most abandoned type and other papers say that
me jurors. as at other trials, will be all OF one
parry either course being in violation of the United
states Constitution. which says that the accused
sshal enjoy the right to a speedy trial before an
Hxnpartai jury. The writ should. then, be applied
tot az once Il during its consideration anot her
pree is c sa9d IN view Of the position Of the SUI
involved, representative of the Department of
Justice Justice should be present ANY federal judge or
district attorney could order this but to leave
IUihinB 10 chance' IN the language OF The Louis
Glne Courier-Journal' commanding the election law
utenouhced by Judge Taft the most infamous
statute that ever before a court" a petition
ington.
II was claimed that the state constitution pro-
Nolng TOT the settlement of gubernatorial contests
was IN conflict with the federal one which the
pointed out how this might have been charged.
matters might thus have been delayed for a time,
nq there Is every reason to think that Mr.. Taylor
whose me had been constantly threatened would
nave been killed; If not he would only have shared
me iot or MI. Powers. His offer leave tho fact
OF ms election TO any three fair minded in the
SSHset Dy MS saying. II will never be fugitive
from Justice. Has he been SUCH legally moral
~ IN the light Of the decision OF the highest court
"a i. Che iano which regards him rather the min
and official career?
Those wishing further knowledge Of the facts
should read an article by s, II. Adams 1.-THE State
OF Kentucky Agt. Caleb Powers" in ''McClure's''
lot March, 1904; also the report OF Caleb Powers's
HrsSlav 0et s the last Jury published by X
understood that Mr.. Powers has an interest in the
saIe OF ms. many persons may be glad 20 thus
the gifted writers OF the day said that God al
ways on the side OF Justice" but His human in
stTqments should only seek the 10 cooperate
THEODORE A. WATERMAN.
st. Louis April 4. 1907.