Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-01-26
Story of the Crime.


afternoon of June il, 1910, and, fol-
flowing an argument about his work
with Supt. William Penman Of the
mill was elected. As Penman was
walking home he was met by Phelps,
who drew a jackknife. and stabbed
Penman beneath the right shoulder A
serious but not dangerous wound was
inflicted Phelps escaped.
Tho authorities We're notified and
Deputy Sheriff Emmett f. Haskins,
accompanied by posse, started for
Phelps home in Monroe Bridge. ar
rived about daybreak The deputy
sheriff knocked ON the door. and when
there was no response, the door was
battered down. With Lewis Sears by
his side, Deputy Haskins walked across
the kitchen to the foot of the stairs
which led 10 the upper floor of the
house. There the two men were or
dered To stop by Phelps, who stood at
the head of the stairs on the second
floor with a shot gun and a rifle in his
hanas He said: i will shoot the first
man who tries to come up the stairs
Deputy Haskins made move to
climb the stairs, and a shot rang out.
Haskirs dropped dead. So menacing
was Phelps attitude that the other
members of the posse were unable To
move the body of the sheriff from
the house and the posse retreated
Phelps then telephoned to Seleetman
George Phelps, his cousin, saying there
was a body in his home. The outlaw
escaped to the woods. After a twot
days search by the militia, Phelps,
suffering severely from thirst and hun
ser. gave himself up.
The trial of Phelps, who was charged
with murder in the first degree. began
III the criminal court in Greenfield
during the week beginning Nov. q,
1910. before William vi. Schofteld. Aft
ct week of hearing evidence, Phelps
was found guilty and was sentenced
to die in the electric chair. He was re-
moved to the Greenfield jail, where he
staid until a short time ago, when he
was brought To the CharlestoWn state
prison 10 be executed.
Phelps was sentenced to death dur
ing the Week beginning Dec. 81, 1911.
but or Christmas day Governor and
Mrs. Foss visited the prison and the
Governor became SO much interested In
the case that he obtained a 15-day re-
prieee from the Executive Council just
before it Went out of Office on en-. 4,
Last week, the Governor obtained an
expression from the new
council on the case and learned that
1t was against Communication. After
a few days respite from
Warden Bridges Of the state prison.
however. he formally laid the ease be-
fore the Council. yesterday afternoon.
Arguments by William A. Dayen-
port, counsel for Phelps in favor Of
either Communication or Il 60-days re-
prieve, and by Charles r. Saunders
for tine carrying out of the full penalty
Of the law. we're heard.
AS soon as the executive session hal
decided, today, by a vote OF seven
Il one to refuse further extension OF
tine Warden Bridges vas notified thai
he might proceed with the execution
+. Arrangements were made for notify
ing Phelps, later in the day
Councillors Statement.
The seven members of the Executive
Council who voted against committing
the sentence issued a statement later
in the day in which they said that they
voted with reluctance. but in accord
ance with what seemed to them to b.
an imperative duty.
1T has been made more difficult an !
painful" they continue. through tn
receipt of a large number of letters
written by well-meaning persons. To-
the NEST part betraying ignorance OF
the real facts. Erroneous public state
ment and comment have made the
affair still more distressing"
The councillors say that the supreme
court set forth the important testimony.
TT has been shown" continues the state
ment. that a sherins posse of not more
than six Or seven men. ahount sunrise,
with abundant warning, sought to appre
bend a man. we'll informed oil their idea-
tity and errand. who fully expected az
rest Deputy Sheriff Haskins was in
rightful performance of his duty and,
believing that Phelps had committed o.
felony, he entered the house to arrest
him.
phelps had previously threatened to
kill Haskins if he came on such an err
rand and he did kill him
1.-The verdict was rendered by a jury
and the Council believes that the trial
was fairly conducted and the supreme
court settled all disputed questions"
Continuing, the councillors say:
But it has been argued on other
grounds clemency should be exercised
and that the disgrace brought to the
wife and six children would justify com
mutation. The answer is that the penal
ties of the law never take into account
the misery or disgrace they bring upon
the innocent.
''Of Phelps himself 1t is said that he
should not forfeit his life, inasmuch as
he is the product Of environment and not
to be held responsible for weakness,
Yiciousness or degeneracy perhaps of his
own making. our law does not, today,
contemplate that a man sane according
to present standards, shall not be held
responsible, completely responsible foc
his own acts. Also it excuses no man for
ignorance OF the law.
The protection of society must control
such questions. The law does not de-
mand of Phelps the supreme penalty for
the sake Of punishment or vengeance. IT
does impose death that such a sentence