Bemidji Daily Pioneer Newspaper, February 26, 1908, Page 1

~ YITHE BEMIDJ1 Historic: VOLUME 5. NUMBER 264. BEMIDJI, MINNESOTA, WEDNESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 26, 1908. a1 Society- 1LY PIONEE®: WIERESSTA SOCIETY. FORTY CENTS PER MONTH CLOSING HOURS GODETTS MURDER TRIAL DRAMATIC Convicted Man Was Apprehensive that He Would Be Sen- tenced to Hang.-.-Made Statement, and Later Thanked Judge for Sentence Imposed. Pioneer Was Fair. We, the undersigned, attorneys respectively for the state and the defense in the case of the State vs. James A. Godetts, express our thanks to the Bemidji Pioneer for the absolute fairness and impartiality shown by the Pioneer in the full and complete accounts of the trial of the case as printed in that paper. C. W. STANTON, Attorney for State. CHARLES W. SCRUTCHIN, Attorney for Godetts. International Falls, Feb. 25. International Falls, Feb. 26.— (Special to Pioneer.)—James Go- detts, convicted of having wilfully and premeditatedly killed Charles H. Williams at Big Falls, on the even- ing of August 21, 1907, will spend the remainder of his days behind the grim walls of the state’s prison at Stillwater as punishment for his terrible crime, Judge Spooner having yesterday afternoon sentenced Go- detts to life imprisonment, following the finding the verdict of guilty of murder in the first degree which was returned by the jury yesterday fore- noon. The trial had been one where the guilt or innocence of the accused was to be established on the charge of wilful and deliberate murder, with no clamm of self-defense or justifica- tion in any manner, and when the jury retired Monday evening for the purpose of reaching a verdict, they were so instructed by Judge Spooner. When the verdict of guilty was returned by the jury, Judge Spooner congratulated the jurymen on reach- ing the verdict they did, and ven- tured the further remarks that the verdict was what was desired in a new county, to indicate that lawless- ness would not go unpunished. The verdict, however, was rendered less severe, by the recommenda- tion on the part of the jury that the court show mercy in passing sen- tence on the defendant, and to this latter fact alone Godetts can at- tribute the preservation of his neck and the ending of his life on the gallows, as it is generally believed that Judge Spooner would have im- posed the death penalty had not the jury tempered the severity of their verdict. When court reconvened at 2 o’clock in the afternoon there was much speculation as to how severe would be the sentence passed on Godetts. The majority, however, believed that, in view of the jury’s recommendation for mercy, the judge would sentenced the guilty man to life imprisonment. When Godetts entered the room he was perfectly self-possessed, although his face wcre a somewhat anxious and expectant expression. County Attorney Stanton moved the sentence of James A. Codetts, convicted of murder in the flrst degree. Asked as to whether he had anything to say why sentence should not be passed on him, Godetts.| larose and with much feeling, said: “Your honor, I wish to say to you that when I killed this man, Ikilled him in self-defense, or I would not have fired those last two shots. I was excited at the moment, expecting to have him shoot me down, as he was trying to get his gun. Notwithstanding that I feltlike killing h;m, I never like taking the life of a human be- ing. “I have tried to do what is right. I will promise you that I did not do him harm, and I have pined away since I was put in jail at Bemidji, worrying over this, until I took up the bible. I trust in God now, and that is all I can do. “I done asI would have done, except as to the circumstance of firing two shots. “The jury in finding me guilty— I do not blame them, owing to the small amount of evidence I could produce. “I have said all I could say, and I trustin God; and I am your humble servant.” Charles W. Scrutchin, as attorney for Godetts, said, before semtence was passed: “There is very little more to say in this case. The theory of” the defense when we started out was self-defense. Notwithstanding the Long Silk Gloves Remember the trouble you had last season in securing long silk Gloves? The indications are that they will be scarce again this season.. At present we have a good $2.50 a pair. black, white, tan and mode---$1.50 to (0’Leary & Bowser Bemidj assortment---colors i, Minn. March 7, if possible. number has been secured. Attention, Nlilitia Men! Communication has been received from Adjutant General Fred Wood in which he desires to know how soon after March 7/he can come to Bemidji and muster in the new militia company which Bemidji will have in the National Guard. All those who contemplate joining the compuny are requested to at once make application to A. Otto, Bemidji, Minn,, as it is desired to fill the company before All those intending to join the company should enlist at once before the full ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— verdict of the jury, we still stand upon that defense. “I have no criticism to make about that jury, as they have done what they thought was right. In passing sentence here today, we maintain there is an element of self-defense, and from the evidence as it has gone in here, taking the statements.of the state as to A. B. Paul in taking the statement of the defendant, there is still an element of self-defense. “Your honor will take iato con- sideration the demeanor of Godetts when he went to Big Falls and gave himself up, surrendering himself, and telling the authorities he had killed deceased, and had done it in self-defense. “How easy it would have been for him to have skipped out and gone over into Canada or gone south into Mississippi or Alabama; and the state would not have heard of the murder for months, “Your honor will take all these things into consideration, and I know your sentence will temper justice with mercy.” When Mr. Scrutchin had finished his remarks, Judge Spooner gave a brief review and passed sentence as follows: “It is unfortunate in the extreme that you fired the last two shots into the prostrate form of Williams, there was® a possible chance of giving you the benefit of reason- able doubt had you ceased your firing after Williams fell, but from your own statement after his body was upon the ground there existed no necessity to pursue him further and perforate his head and neck with bullets; there is where your awful mistake was made. “Evidently you did not appre- hend your legal rights or what had occurred had so worked up a frenzy that you stopped not to con- sider. “Apparently the jury has taken the view of this case that when you fired the last two shots that action on your part was uncalled for. “Under the law you were guilty of murder in the first degree in that, as you said yourself, you fired at his head and- must have had no other conceivable purpose than to take his life. The law provides that for murder in the first degree the death penalty shall follow unless the court certi- fies of record its opinion that, by reason of exceptional circumstances, the case is not one in which the penalty of death snould be im- posed. “I shall take into account your lack of training and home moral influence in determining the sen- tence which I shall impose. I shall consider the fact that you have been denied opportunities and training which others have had and which might make them more responsible under similar circumstances; and in doing this I do not ignore and place weight upon, the recommendation of the jury and I shall give consideration to their request for mercy in your behalf. “I shall death. “It is considered and adjudged that you, James A. Godetts, as pun- ishment for the crime of murder in the first degree, of which you have been duly convicted, be and you aie hereby sentenced to be punished by confinement at hard labor in thé state prison at Stillwater, Minnesota, for the dur- ing and full term of your natural life.” Godetts: - “Thank you sir.” not sentence you to At the conclusion of the/pronounc- ing of the sentence, Judge Spooner asked the new “lifer” if he had ever learned a trade. Godetts replied that he had a de- sire to learn the shoemaker’s trade; that he had the best of references and would like that trade. The judge explained that he de sired to make some recommendation that would accempany the papers directed to thewarden of the state penitentiary relative to the “hard labor” of the prisoner. It was finally agreed that Godetts should be recommended as a waite: or porter. The sheriff was ordered to remand the prisoner, as Godetts passed from the court room his face was wreathed in smiles, and he appeared greatly pleased that he had escaped the gallows. Godetts again thanked the judge, bowed a farewell to the county attorney, and accompanied Sheriff Walsh and his deputies- to the cell on the first floor of the court house. He will be- taken to Stillwater Thursday morning. It is said that Mrs, Godetts and the three children have been assisted by the county authorities of Kooch- iching county, up to the present time, and what will be their future occupation, or whether they will be rendered further , assistance is not known. The sentence of life imprisonment imposed by Judge Spooner meets with the unanimous approbation of every resident of International Falls, as meeting the full ends of justice, and still being tempered with mercy. Judge Spooner Returns. Falls, where they have been since the 17th inst., the Judge having pre- sided over the adjourned term of court for Koochiching county. The yesterday, after Judge Spooner had detts, sentenced to life imprison- ment for having killed Charles Williams. Judge Spooner will preside at a term of court which will be held at day. Rapids, court will be held at Walker and Bemidii, which will occupy Tudge Spooner’s undivided time for several ‘weeks to come. Notice to Ditch Contractors, State Auditor of the State of Minnesota, Secretary of the State Drainage Commission, until 3 o’clock p. m., March 5th, 1908, for the t0-wit: State Ditches numbered 53, 54, 55,56, 57, 50 and 60. and number of cubic yards contained in each of the several ditches to be let: State Ditch No 33, located near Kelsey in 8t. Louls county, is13% miles long, contains 150,486 cu. yds. 1ands, St. Louls coun! contains 129,941 cu. yds. State Ditch No. 5. located near Island, St. Louls county. is 12 4-5 miles long and contains 18,156 cu, yds. 15 12% miles long and tains 20.184 cu. yds. 1tasca county, is 15 miles long and contains 172, 685 cu. yds. State Ditch No. 59, located near Big Falls, Koochiching county, is 12% miles long and contains 147,799 cu. yds, State Ditch No. 60, located near Little Fork, Koochiching county, is 18% miles long and contains 230,858 cu. yds. All of the above described state ditches are suitable for floating dredge construction. Proposals will also be received at the same time for the construction of State Ditch No. 52, located near Kelliber, Beltrami county, which contains 12,928 cu, yds. and consists of deepening and extending what is known as the Shotley-Brook State Ditch. Plans and specifications for all of the above described ditches may be seen at the office of the Secretary of the SBtate Drainage Com- mission or at the office of the State Drainage Engineer in the State Capitol ouilding or at the office of the Clerk of Court for the county in which the ditch is located. Bids must be made on blank forms which will be furnished by the State Drainage Engineer. ach gromsnl must be accompanied by a certified check in 5 per cent of the amount bid on each of the several ditches. Bidders desiring to submit blanket bids covering all or more than one of the above named ditches may submit with such bids in lieu of the certified checks required on each of the several ditches a certified check in the sum of $,000.00. All certified checks are to be made gfiynble t0 the ordor of the State Auditor for the State of Minnesota. 2 . ;l‘be right is reserved to reject any or all s. Dated St. Paul, Minu., February 24,1908. MUEL G. IVERSON, GEORGE A. RALPH, L, State Auditor. State Drainage Engineer. it Judge Spooner and wife returned | % this ‘morning from International 'j, term of court was adjourned sine die | & pronounced sentence on James Go- Grand Rapids beginning next Tues-|§ Following the term at Grand |§ Sealed proposals will be received by the |3 construction of the following state ditches, | The following is a statement of the location | § State Diich No. 54, located near Meadow- | & State Ditch No. 56, located near Northome, | § Koochiching county, is 5 miles long and con- | § State Ditch No. 57, located near Deer River. | & To Patrons of Bemidji Public Schools. I have been requested by a majority of the school board to announce that owing to the crowded conditions of our public schools, it will not be possible to admit beginning pupils this spring as has been the custom in former years. All the primary rooms have an enrollment which exceeds the seating capacity—the total seating capacity of the primary rooms in 126; enrollment 180, two. primary teachers in the central building occupying the same room. The fact that we have not room to accomodate a beginning class this spring is a direct loss to the district of something like $200 state apportionment. It might be well to state here that the total seat- ing capacity of all school rooms owned ' by the districtis 703, while the total enrollment to date is 910. Could a beginning class be entered this spring the enrollment would reach at least 950 pupils. A. P. Ritchie, Supt. Band Concert. The next concert and dance to be given by the band will be given in the city hall on Friday evening, February 28. Subscribers to the jband fund will be admitted to the; concert free. After the concert a dance will be given, DOINGS AMONG BEMIDJI'S NEIGHBORING CITIZENS Live Correspondents of the Pioneer /e Interesting Items of News and Comment of the Bappenings in Different County Towns. Cunningham. February 25. The Espe baby who has been so sick is improving slowly. The organ for the church has arrived and proves to be first class. Mrs. Alice Fish and her children spent Sunday with her mother, Mrs. Drayn. : Miss Sophia Rese, who has been spending the winter in Minneapolis, is expected home Saturday night, Rev. Astwood will preacha mem- orial service for little Frank Welch next Sunday in the Welch school- house. Mrs. Eva Cunningham intro- duced her new son to the out door wo{‘ld Thursday by taking him up to “grandma’s” house to spend the day. Mr. Andy Comstadt, the violinist, spent Saturday evening at the home of Ed. Cunningham and entertained the family with some of his choice selections. Turtle River. February 24. Miss A. Johnson visited in Turtle Friday. Mrs. Pete Larkin was a visitor in Bemidji this week. Mrs. Preble of Bemidji in Turtle last Monday. Mary Fogelquest went to Ten- strike Friday evening. Misses Minnie and Helen Guyatt went to Tenstrike Friday evening. Mrs. Booth is on the way to re- covery after a two weeks’ illness. visited Mrs. Ed. Chounard returned Mon- | day from points in Wisconsin after several months’ visit. - Mr. A. C: Johnson left Thursday| ‘morning for a month’s visit at differ- ent points in Minnesota and Iowa. Faye Carpenter left Tuesday morning for her home in New Lisbon, Wis., after an extended visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ross Hancock. Puposky. February 24. Mr. J. Lagqua was at Bemidji on business last week. - . R. P. McKnight was a Bemidji visitor last Friday. Millard McKnight was a Bemidji visitor Jast Wednesday. Olaf Solberg was at Bemidji and Cass Lake last wegk pertaining to his homestead. Miss Mary McKee went to Nealy Siding last week to visit with her sister, Mrs. Will Wilson. Mrs. Hintz, the methodist speaker will hold servicesat the school house Sunday, March 1st, at 3 o’clock. Miss Grace' Allen of Bemidji, came up Saturday to spend a few days with friends at Buena Vista. Mrs. Mohar of Buena Vista was called away suddenly last week to i Park Rapids on account of the death of her sister. Chas. Durand, the logger, trans- acted busiuess at Puposky last Sat- urday. Mr. Durand will be done with his logging in about two weeks. D. D. Rundell, father of O. E. Rundell died Sunday at 2 o’clock p. m. Mr. Rundell was 80 years old and had been ailing more or less for the last two years. A surprise party was given at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Saddler of Buena Vista last evening. A number of the young folks from Puposky were there and all reported a good time. Spencer Osborne has about 15 candidates to initiate into the M. B. A. lodge, which will be organized here Saturday evening. A social will be held after the initiation is over. 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