JUSTICE IN KENTUCKY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 2105, 30 September 1890, Page 3

JUSTICE IN KENTUCKY.

The Kentucky mountains in (he neighbourhood of Pikevil'ehave bean practically controlled for many years by outlaws illegal distillers, and desperadoes, and little attempt has been made to put down the lawlessness that constantly prevails in ihat section of (he State. Withn the last five years more than 200 murders have been committed «nd not a single person lias been arrested. In Perry county, winch i« the centre of disorder, there is not a church, school, or telegraph office. The outlaws burnt the courthouse' two year* ago, and no attempt has since been made to hold court in the county until August 1, when Circuit Judge Lilly,, guarded by several companiea of militia, arrived in the town of HflZ*rd, the county seat, and held court in a large tent which had been erected for that purpose. With great difficulty the judge induced 16 citzans to act as a grand jury. In his charge h» said that the cotimy was 70 years old, and while only one man had been convicted of murder and sentenced to a short term, it was on record that over 500 murders bad been committed. He said, I have missed several terms beciuae I was eitisfied that a court could not be held. My life has been threatened, and I have had every reason to expect assassination, - but I have determined to do my duty." The jury consented to indict several persons for horse-stealing, but frank y admitted that they wore afraid to indict a number of the outlaws charged with murder. So complete was the terrorism that Judge Lilly was obliged to adjourn the court.