The Detroit times., 1908-06-15

FRANKFORT. Ky. June 10
Gov. Wilson today pardoned Caleb
Powers. the noted Kentucky political
prisoner. who was charged with COM
plicity In the assassination of Gov.
VIM. Goebel, on Jan. 80, 1900. AT the
same time he issued a pardon for Jim
Howard. the crack shot implicated in
the murder by the confession" of
Henry Youtsey, clerk in the execu-
tive building.
The case OF Powers, which was tried
four times, attracted worldwide atten-
ton by reason OF the political sig
nincance attached thereto; the de-
termined fight put up by the prosecu-
tion, and the equally determined stand
taken by Powers and his many
friends.
Previous Trials.
At Georgetown. KY, Judge Morris
last January discharged the Powers
jury after becoming convinced they
could never reach verdict.
An outline OF the proceedings had
In the courts Of Kentucky and the
United States during the last eight
years in the Powers case will be OF
interest at this time. As stated above.
this Is to be the fourth trial of the de-
PENDANT. Powers was arrested on
March IL, 1900. as he was endeavor-
ing to escape In disguise from Frank.
fort. On March 81 following he was
held without bail by County Judge j.
d. Moore, of Franklin county. On
April IL an indictment was returned
against him by the Franklin county
grand jury. On May 2 following the
prosecution was transferred 10 the
Scott circuit court on defendants mo-
ton for a change OF venue. Begin
ming July 3, special term OF that
court was held for his trial. He was
found guilty and his punishment fix
ed ct life imprisonment In the state
penitentiary. On March %, 1901, the
court of appeals reversed that tudg-
ment and remanded the case for new
trial.
At the October, 1901. term OF the
Scott circuit court a second trial was
had. The verdict of the jury was the
same as on the first trial. The court
OF appeals again. on Dec. 3, 1902, re-
versed that judgment and ordered an
other trial Another special term OF
the Scott circuit court was held in
August, 1903, Powers was convicted
and the death penalty imposed. De-
cember 6. 1904. the appellate court.
for the third time, reversed judgment
Appeals to Federal Court.
At the May, 1905. term Of the Scott
circuit court another trial was about
TO be entered into when proceedings
were instituted on behalf of Powers
TO transfer him to the jurisdiction OF
the federal court for the eastern dis
trict OF Kentucky. Judge Cochran
granted the prayer of his petition
but the United States supreme court
reversed Judge Cochran and ordered
Powers surrendered to the authorities
Of the state OF Kentucky for trial in the
state courts. The opinion OF Judge
Cochran In the matter was filed on
July 2, 1905. The decision of the
United States supreme court was an
nounced by Justice Harlan. March Il.
1905.
Powers fourth trial began July %.
1907.
Powers was Republican secretary
Of state on the ticket with Gov, Tay-
lor. who was elected by n small ma
jority over Goebel. The latter start.
ed contest before the Legislature.
for the governorship. The Republl-
cans sent into the mountains for help
and 1000 armed men came into
Frankfort, to intimidate the legisla.
ture, the Democrats declared.
As Goebel was returning from bis
hotel from the capitol Jan. 80, 1900
q rife shot rang out and Goebel fell
mortally wounded in the center OF
Capitol park. While he lay dying for
three days the Legislature declared
him governor On his death J. c. w
Beckham, who ran with him on the
Democratic ticket for lieutenant gov.
ernor. became chief executive. Pow.
ers' arrest soon followed
INDIANAPOLIS. June 13.-when
informed OF the pardon OF Caleb Pow
ers and Jim Howard by Gov Wilson
Of Kentucky. ex-Gov. W. s. Taylor, o.
Kentucky, said:
The pardon OF Powers and Howard
Is q most righteous act. Never be
fore In the history OF this countr,
have two men suffered SO much AM
30 unjustly."
IN SUPREME COURT.
LANSING. Mich. June 13 The su
preme court heard the following
cases: Braasch VS.. Michigan STOW,
Co., Wisniewsh VS.. Nawrocki; Har
rfnRton vs. Hamm: People VS.. Van