ARSON IN TRIAL
Item
- Title
- ARSON IN TRIAL
- Date
- 6/15/03
- page
- 2
- Identifier
- https://lccn.loc.gov/sn84020122
- Crime
- Arson
- Subject
- Arson; incendiary;
- Race of alleged victim
- White alleged victim
- Gender of alleged victim
- Male alleged victim
- Location
- Out of state, Jackson KY
- Length of story
- 342
- Description
-
ARSON IN TRIAL
Hotel Belonging to Chief Witness BurnsóMilitia Fight
The FlamesóDoubt of Conviction. Jackson, Ky., June 15.óThe City hotel, a three-story building, owned by Captain B. J. Ewen, the principal witness against Jett and White, now on trial here for the assassination of Lawyer J. B. Marcum, was burned to the ground. There were fifteen guests In the hotel, but all escaped without injury. There was no Insurance on the structure, and the hotel, together with its furnishings and the effects of the guests, is a total loss. The town has no fire department and
its citizens were awakened by the firing of pistols and guns and much excitement prevailed. A detachment of militia came on the double quick from their camp across the river and rendered valuable aid in assisting the guests to escape and preventing the
flames from spreading. Captain Ewen has been kept at the camp of
the militia since he testified last Monday that he saw Curtis Jett fire the shot which killed Marcum. It was only two days ago that Jackson was put under martial law. The fire is not only considered as incendiary, but also as accessory to other acts of intimidation in connection with the pending trial of those accused of the murder or J. B. Marcum, who was an attorney of contestants for county offices now held by leaders of the faction with which the
defendants were identified. It has been openly predicted that there would be the flashing of incendiary warnings, that arson would go along with assassination, as disciplinary measures might be needed in Breathitt county. The fire threw a community, accustomed to violence. Into unusual excitement. Even- those who have tried to be neutral in the Breathitt county troubles are apprehensive that their homes may be the next to be fired. All
dreaded the coming of night. The provost marshal has only a handful of men and should it be decided by conspirators to burn other houses, it is believed there are many who would attempt to execute the order.
