Weekly independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1887-1914, 1909-12-31

Governor Dickerson and already many
applications for both parole and pardon
have been filed with the clerk of IL
board.
More than a week yet remains in
which applications can be filed with the
board and by the time the board meets
the usual number will probably be on
file. Many will ask for release under
the new parole law passed by the last
legislature hut which has proven u
failure in some cases already, two Of
those paroled at the last session of the
board having been returned to the
state prison to complete their original
q
One of the cases that will be heard by
the board that will attract general
attention is the Preston and Smith case
which will be presented with an applica.
ton for either parole or Il full pardon
by the board.
1t is understood that Judge Hilton of
Denver, head counsel for the Western
Federation of Miners will present their
case to the plrdoning board and the
papers in the case will probably be filed
the early part of the coming week.
Friends Of both Preston and Smith
have heanl actively engaged in their
behalf for many months past preparing
for their application TO the board and
petitions are coming in from all parts
of the country some asking and some
demanding hat the men be released.
Some even so SO SO far as TO state that
the shooting of Silva by Preston was not
n crime against the law but merely
against so-called society which exists in
this country.
Probably the most important factor
In this case is the political influence
that is being used by some of the
hackers OF these two men.
The claim is made that if he mem.
bers of tho board whose term expires
this year refuse to favor these two men
that their political doom is sealed.
They even go farther than this, they say
that the pressure will insure the
freedom of Preston and Smith.
What foundation there is to these
rumors it is impossible to state but it
simply shows to what extent the ques.
ton of their freedom has lccn advocated
by their adherants.
Another report says TN It Smith will
ask for an unconditional pardon and
Preston II parole. Along with this
statement Is the belief that Smith. at
least will he successful from the fact
that lie was only Indirectly connected
with the crime and had not public
feeling been ut such II high pitch at the
time of the trial would have stood a very
good chance of being acuuittcd.
Judge Hilton, who will present their
case, is II man or recognized legal alb.
ility and will come prepared to make
one of the strongest fights to secure the
freedom of his clients rs was ever made
before II meeting of the p~ardoning
board.
1t is not improbable that the applica-
ton will he opposed when it is pre-.
sented to the board but by whom no
II seems to know exactly although
many reports are being heard regarding
this phase of the story.
The crime for which Preston and
Smith are serving time in the Nevada
penitentiary is for the killing OF "A
restaurant keeper 10y the name of Silva
at Goldfield during the trouble in that
camp in the spring of 1907. Preston
received II sentences of 30. years and
Smith of 10. From tbs time the yer
dict was rendered efforts have been
made to have them released by every
known means hut 50 far their efforts
have been unsuccessful
Now that politics is said to have been
injected into tho case Il harder fight
than ever may le looked for from both
sidcs.-Carson Appeal.