Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-05-10

BOlSe, ldahO, May 9.-W llllam ID.
Haywood, first of the alleged partici-
pants in the avenging conspiracy by
which it is aVerred the assassination
of Frank Steunenberg was plotted and
executed was placed on trial for his
life today. Counsel for state and pris-
oner entered at once upon the examin-
alton of prospective jurors and kept
steadily al the task for five hours. No
juror was finally accepted, but sub
stantial progress was made and the
indications are that a jury may be OBJ
tanned by the end of next week.
The opening day of the trial was
earnest and business like. 1t is strik-
ing feature was the absence of crowds
or demonstrations, at no time, morn
ing or afternoon, was the court room
more than half filled, and the streets
forming the court house square con-
tanned not a single loiterer. The case
was halted shortly before 5 O'Clock by
the exhaustion of the jury panel and
adjournment was taken until Monday
Meantime the sheriff will summon a
special venire of 100 men. The II men
under examination but not finally ac-
cepted or rejected were locked up and
Will ne closely guarded.
Haywood was brought to the court
room sharp at 10 in the morning. He
found his family in chairs to the right
Of his seat, in front Of which were
counsel. He devoted more attention to
his Youngest daughter than to any one
else and took, practically no part in the
selection of jurors. Many men in SINH
lar jeopardy make close study Of their
prospective jurors ana frequently OK
press their personal preference. hut
Haywood seems content to leave the
matter to his lawyers.
Haywood gave no sign OF emotion.
but sat quietly throughout the day.
Mrs. Haywood and the older daughter
stood the ordeal apparently well, but
the younger child cried after the exam
nation Of talesmcn began. Mrs. Hay
wood ami her children did not attend
the afternoon session.
At 40 =. NJ. it was reported that the
panel was exhausted. No juryman had
been accepted. Court adjourned at 4.55
+. II. until Monday.
A special venirc of 100 men has been
ordered for jury examination.
lbOlSt. INttiI' -'lttg " iiii''''i -
Haywood, secretary and treasurer OF
the Western Federation of Miners to-
cav is placed on trial for completely
in the murder, at Caldwell. Idaho, on
Dec. so. 1905, of Former Governor
Frank Steunenbcrg. Haywood is one
of the four defendants charged with
the murder.
The others are Charles II. Meyer.
president Of the federation: George a.
Pettibonc. Il former member of the
executive committee of the federation
and Harry Orchard. The last named
is expected to be the most important
witness for the state against Haywood,
Mover and Pettibone. He is said to
have made confession and it has
been the task of the prosecution to
endeavor to cOrroborate this confession
wherever possible. The fact that Hay
woods case is the first called for trial
is regarded as indicating that the
prosecuting attorneys believe their
strongest evidence is against the sec
rotary of the federation. The outcome
of his case will determine the action
to be taken with regard to Meyer and
Pettibone. Should there be a cOnVic-
ton OF haywood, Moyer anu 1ettlDOie
will be called for trial in the order
named On the other hand-an acquit-
tai of Haywood undoubtedly would
mean an abandonment of the cases
against the other accused men. Or
chard will not be tried until all Of the
other cases are disposed of. 1t is said
that the evidence against him is 50
strong that he cannot hope for other
than conviction Of murder in the first
degree. regardless of the verdicts upon
the indictments against Haywood,
Meyer and Pettibone.
Orchard. it is said. has been prOmis-
ed no degree of clemency whatsoever,
in giving evidence for the state. Hav-
ing admitted his active part in the
heinous crime of blowing the former
governor of Idaho to pieces with a
bomb at the gate of his residence, Or
chard unquestionably will have TO pay
the capital punishment for his con-
fessed crime. Caldwell, where the
murder was committed, is the county
seat of Canyon county.