Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-09-13

A special meeting of the Governor
and Council was held Wednesday
Sept. u, Governor Milliken. Council
lors Gowell, Norton, Nichols Bunker.
Fay and St. Clair being present and
Secretary of State Frank W. Ball and
Messenger George W. Leadbetter in
attendance.
The pardon case Of Walter Bachelor
of Garland. serving a 5-years sentence
in the State prison for arson in 1913 at
Garland, was heard, it being decided
TO have the man again placed under
examination by an alienist, report to
be made at the council meeting on
Sept IS.
The pardon case of Jens Jensen of
Portland, serving a sentence Of 80 days
an automobile while under the influ-
ence Of liquor. was granted condi-
tionally, to take effect on oct ] next.
The pending list of nominations was
confirmed and numerous orders were
passed. the council adjourning at 1876
p NJ. until 10 A. NJ, Wednesday, Sept.
IS
Bachelor Pardon Hearing
The pardon hearings were the first
business. A. G. Bachelor of Garland
appeared in behalf of his son, Walter
sentence at Thomaston. He has serv-
ed four years of a 5-year sentence in
state prison for the crime of arson in
September 1918 in Garland. He stated
that he needed the financial assistance
Of his son. He was convinced that the
boy committed the crime while in an
abnormal state of mind and that re-
ports from the prison lead him to feel
no recurrence. People in that section
we're ready to give the boy employ
n1ent and furnish bonds for his good
behavior. His mother (stepmother)
vas an invalid and longed to have him
at home
A r. Levensaller of Dexter said he
vas a deputy sheriff at the time Of the
crime and worked up the case, which
~ 800 VNtt Of soillC lSIstI anu EN-
phasized the boys action and appear
ance to suhstantiate the statement
that he vas dangerous person to be
at large, He said that all the people
WHO had spoken of the case to him
opposed Bachelors pardon feeling
that his release would be followed by a
repetition ~ his offences
Unless he has changed very ma
terlally in his actions and makeup, I
should fear his acts: though do not
think he is revengeful. He was sus-
pected Of at least two fires in Dexter
md ~ other misdemeanors. He CON
fessed the Garland fire to A man in
the same cell with him and later told
second cellmate that he thought the
first man was a detective and if so
70 had the whole story. He had been
in the Bangor State hospital for ex-
animation Consider him dangerous
man 10 he al large"
Arthur knight of Garland corrohor-
ted the objections stated by Mr.
Levanselar Said Bachelor was
smart but Of degenerated nature
LAYING been accustomed in school such
s setting fire In attic and smashing
INK wells in new desks. destroying har-
ness by cutting. etc The property
owners would be constantly uneasy.
Asked what would he the difference
between his liberty being given now
and az end Of sentence. Mr. knight
said
Well. we would place more insur-
ace on our property"
II Bachelor was to visit his sick
mother. under guard, the people would
have no objections.
Both Mr.. Levensaller and Mr.
Knight EXPRESSED for themselves and
"'tizens sympathy with the Bachelor
family.
An executive session followed the
nuhlic hearings ard the Governor and
Council went into executive session.
'he a"tior on tln rardon petitions be-
t-g lated announced as stated
Jensen Pardon Hearing
Herbert Payson of Portland ap-
peared in behalf of Jens Jensen, VINO
is serving 9o-days sentence in AL
red Jail for operating an automobile
while under the influence of liquor.