The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1880-01-09
rnr rENDlEroN srAnnlNa AMMAN.
Gen. Turner's Conduct Appears in a Dif-
fcrent Light From First Report.

rcrent Light From First Report.
Last week We gave the frat account
of the stabbing Of Strobe by Gen. Tur-
ner, at pendleton, on the 2srd ult.
The first report of the affair, telegraph
ed to the Standard and Oregoaiaa,
made the matter appear pretty tough
for the General, but we are glad to be
able to say (as We predicted last week.
that subsequent reports put an entirely
different light on the subject and place
our friend Turner entirely on the safe
ground of ono acting in scll-defense. 1t
appears from the last account that "the
man Strobe and w. L. Black, formerly
of the Weston Leader, got into an al
tereation in Matloek's saloon. Strobe
abused Black in the most shameful
manner, when Gen. Turner stepped up
and attempted to quiet Strobe, who was
a large, brawny fellow. Strobe, who
had been drinking, turned upon the
General, striking him u neavy blow
without cause or proyocation, telling
him TO the floor. IIo continued to kick
and beat him numerically, The Gen.
eral, cut and bleeding, gained his feet,
drawing a knife rs he did, and as Strobe
advanced to renew the attack he stab
bed him to the heart, killing him in
stantly. This Strobe was large, pow.
erful mtn,and when drinking was over
bearing and insulting, always spelling
for fight. Ills size gave him tho right
TO bully over most men. lie had the
reputation of being rough and q dan
gerous man. and took delight in beat
ing severely every man who crossed his
trail.
Following is the account of the stab
bing afIray at Pendleton, as given by
the Pendleton Independent, a paper
published in opposition to Gen. Tur-
ner's journal
On Tuesday evening last our town
was thrown into state Of excitement
by the killing of Harry Strobe, with
knife, by j. III. Turner. 1t appears
from the testimony taken before the
coroner's jury on Wednesday that
Strobe and friend were sitting ut sup
per in the Bon Ton Hotel, aud j. II.
Turner and two friends were also at
supper at an opposite table, when some
one commenced throwing humps Of
sugar, etc, at the former Strobe he
came excited, and after requesting them
to stop he threw cruet Mt the party,
and Mr. Sanford, the proprietor, ap-
peared on the scene and put Strobe and
his friend out A short time after this
Turner aud Strobe met in the Bon Ton
saloon, when angry words ensued, which
were followed by blows, and Turner
being too much for Strobe, held him on
the ground and begged him 10 behave
himself, when they parted, and Mr..
Turner left the house, leaving his hat
behind him. In about ten minutes
Mr.. Turner came back TO the saloon,
where Strobe was standing, and when
Turner came into the room Strobe
brushed up against him; turner then
told him TO leave him alone, as he didn't
want anything to do with him. Strobe
then threw a glass Of whisky into his
face, upon which fight ensued, and
the two locked together, after which
Turner drew a knife and struck Strobe,
first on the shoulder, then below the
shoulder blade, the knife penetrating
the heart, entering about eight inches.
After this deceased did not speak, but
died in few minutes.
From this report land its source
would not naturally make it friendly TO
Turner there can scarcely be a doubt
of the Generals justification.
Speaking cf this homicide the Eu-
gene Journal (Republiean) says
"If the rumor be true the respectable
people in the vicinity Of Pendleton will
be thankful to Gen. Turner for this act,
and congratulate him on having true
grit enough to defend himself against
the acknowledged ruiiian, whose rid
dance is a good thing for that portion
of Eastern Oregon. Should Gen. Tur.
ner be brought to trial not jury could |
be found who would not acquit him nn-
Ter these circumstances"
The Walla walIa Statesman Of Dec.
9th contains the following
The upper Columbia basin has been
excited the past week over the news
kat General James III. Turner, tai |
,nted lawyer and editor Of the East
at Pendleton, had killed a
nan. From the various rumors ahoat,
which we have carefully sifted down,
t is very evident that Turner acted in
as the man killed had on
several occasions threatened his life,
md on the day Of his death had at.
.acked him no less than three different
lines, and called him such foul names
hat no man with spark of honor and
manhood about him could do less than
'esent. The man killed was commonly
Known as Harry Strobe, was a sheep
lerder, and bore bad character gcn-
,rally; on one occasion he drew six
shooter on a hall-witted man at Prime
vile, and threatened to kill him unless
le made political speech. His ami
mostly against Mr.. Turner dates from
he fact that he was opposed to him in
/ law case over year since, which was
lecided against him. While with other
e NJ. q.,.,o.J, T., -. -. l..:I