The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-08-24
THE EppYvILLE FARCE.

Farce is not too strong a word 20
use in connection with the methods
THAT have been pursued by the au-
thorities at Eddyville in their alleged
attempt to investigate charges of
night riding. and convict persons un-
der suspicion of being guilty" says
the louisville Herald.
"The grand jury has adjourned
after one Of the most absurd bluffs
at securing evidence that this state
has been treated to in its long history
of perverted justice. Prosecuting
Attorney Smith now seems disposed
to throw the blame for this miscar-
riage upon Sheriff Schon, of Louis
vile, or some other person equally
innocent of any connection with or
responsibility for the affair.
"A certain witness named Sanford
Hall was alleged to be necessary TO
the prosecution. The judge announced
on several occasions that he would
have Mr.. Hall arrested so as to make
sure Of his presence In court. The
warning of arrest was given ample
publicity. and Mr.. Hall took the gen.
erous hint and made his escape. It
was then rumored that he had hidden
in Louisville. and much was said
about sending an attachment for the
missing man to ne sheriff OF Jeffer-
son county. As in the case of the
threatened arrest. the attachment was
also advertised for several days. mean
time, outside of reporters In the news
papers. Sheriff Soho. heard and saw
nothing OF the document
Yesterday morning he received a
peremptory telegram from Attorney
Smith asking why no action had been
taken to arrest Hall. Two hours later
the attachment arrived. In the mean
time Mr.. SchoN had made an investi-
cation on his own account and Is sat
isfied that Hall. IL he was ever in the
county. is now in Indiana and beyond
his jurisdiction.
mo possible blame can attach to
the sheriff OF Jefferson county for his
part IN the matter. The blame les
with the Eddyville authorities. who
have taken care to advise the man
they were seeking OF their intentions
days in advance OF carrying them out.
Hail. who quite probably knows
things he would sooner not be COM
PEELED to tell, very naturally accepted
the intimations as for his benefit and
got out Of the way.
THE reported indignation of Attor-
Iney Smith should be directed against
himself and others intimately con-
'nected with the alleged prosecution
who have manifested a most amazing
neglect of ordinary precautions. a
neglect that throws suspicion upon
the motives by which they were
actuated.
THE absolute Indifference of the
prosecuting attorney, Judge Cook ard
Captain w. j. Stone. foreman OF the
grand jury. to the offers Of County
Attorney Krone TO furnish valuable
Information is another evidence of
anlmus Mr.. Krone stated publicly
that he could secure the attendance
of Hall, but his proffered assistance
was Ignored
Captain Stone has shown bias as
foreman Of the grand jury, and now
has insisted on an adjournment. a.
leging that important business en-
|gagements demand his attention.
"The whole proceedings have been
characterized by much that is DIS
graceful and certainly disoouraging to
good citizens Of Kentucky who are
eager to see justice INDICATED in the
apprehension and conviction OF v.o-
lators OF the law.
Meanwhile the people of Lyon
county are living in terror of their
lives. In many homes they fear to
light their lamps after dusk lest some
marauding band passing on the high
way should take a chance shot
through their windows There is
small hope OF peace returning 10 Ken
lucky while those charged with the
administration of the law turn 1t into
a burlesque. What we need is a few
more men OF the courage and honesty
OF County Attorney Krone. who has
been fearless in the prosecution OF
his duty and stands by his post today
under menace Of his life"