The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1908-06-13
James Howard, Now Serv-
ing Life Sentence, Also
Set at Liberty.
PEOPLE PLEASED
BY GOVERNORS ACT
Crowd Around Prisons to Catch
Glimpse of Released Men.
May Re-arrest Powers.

FRANKFORT. KY, June I3.-Caleb
Powers. the most noted political pris-
Cner IN the history OF Kentucky, to-
gether with James Howard, who was
serving a life sentence for completely in
the assassination OF GuveEaOr-elect Will
liam NJ. GoebeI. elected several years
ago on the Democratic ticket, have been
given unconditional pardons by Gov.
Augustus z. Wilson, recently tnaugu-
rated Republican governor Of the State.
Powers and Howard will be released
Immediately,
The two men have been confined in
prison for more than eight years. Pow
ers is now in jail at Georgetown, while
Howard is IN the penttentiery here serv-
ing a life sentence. Powers viii 90
back 10 hts old home in Knox county,
where his mother has fitted up his old
place for his coming. This home was
mOrtgaged early during Powers nght
for freedom by his mother, who did ali
she could to help her son.
Howard will go to Louisville, join his
family and become an evangelist IN
prison work
Reviewed All Four Trials.
Governor Wilson affixed his signature
TO the pardons after an exhaustive study
OF the cases and a review OF the tes1-
mony. lie was aided by arguments OF
attorneys, both for and against Powers
and Howard, a. we'll as by reading the
entire transcripts OF testimony covering
the four trials Of Powers and the one
OF Howard
It is said that Governor E,-'lsOn even
carried briefs of the most important
testimony with him 70 Washington two
weeks ago when he went 10 attend the
conference Of governors, In order 10 dis
cuss various points with other cover
nors. He had been steadily working
On records since he returned.
Pardon Pleases People.
Remarkable scenes were witnessed
here at Georgetown, Barbourvilie, and
other points today, when word OF the
pardons came. Men grasped each other
hands and wrung them fervently, as
they almost sObbsd out the good news.
women Wept openly on streets when
news OF the paTdOns was flashed through
the county. In Frankfort and Georgetown
where the men are confined crowds OF
friends were standing IN the corridors Of
the jail and the penlteutlaTy waiting Tor
even one hand-clasp or look from men
who have suffered so long.
Both men were almost zoo overcome
with emotion TO talk Powers said.
7 am glad 10 have my freedom but
would rather have had an aCQuIJtal by
the COURTS am not Hullly ana lUp1u
that I would be vindicated-" +"
May Rearresr Powers.
II is said that Powers will be rear
rested as soon as released on charges |
OF subOrnation OF perjury, bUt this Is
not expected. Petitions for Powers /
pardon have come from every State IN |
the Union and two came from Europe !
Powers Wept when his pardon was re- ]
Celved.
Three men. relatives OF Howard, went |
through Lexington last night on their /
way 10 Frankfort They were heavily 4
armed and went for the purpose of es- /
coTtin6 Howard 20 the mountains in 4
safety. as II Is feared an attempt viii /
De made 10 aSSasSinate him
Senator William Goebel Democratic
for governor OF Kentucky. was /
murdered In January. 1900 in State
house yard at Frankfort. The shot was /
nred from Caleb Powers Office window /
be being secretary Of state to Governor
Taylor. For time il looked as though
civil war would result. Taylor and /
many OF his friends fed the State. tax
ing refuge in Indiana
Powers was arrested here and founS
70 have a pardon for the murder of
Goebel. signed by Taylor, in his pocket
Powers was found guilty tAree times
but az the fourth trial q hung Jury re-
suited Howard was convicted on his
arst trial and did not ask a rehearing-