The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1891-12-06
PARSONS TROUBLES
Judge Zane has the Marshal
Investigated.
A NASTY NESS IN VIEW
Governor Thomas and Prosecuting Attorney
Varian Take a Hand in the Re.
publican Family Row.
A NASTY NESS IN VIEW


In the Third district court for many day
was sprung yesterday morning.
Some inhmation of what was coming
must have reached the public ear, for
when Bailiff Sprague's familiar ''Hear We"
commanded silence, the court room was
crowded with spectators, while the space
reserved for attorneys was well filed by
Oarristers and officers Of the court
AS soon as the court was formally
opened United States Attorney Varian
handed Clerk Mcmillan document, which
the latter passed up to Judge Zane. The
latter adjusted his spectacles and perused
the communication, which was as follows
vARIAx's INDICTMENT.
SALT LAKE CITY Dec. 4, 1891.
Hon. c. S. Zane Chief Justice Of Utah.
Ny DEAR SIR:-On the evening of the Both of
November, the attention Of this office was di.
rected by grand juror that one Annie Prindle,
female convict confined in the / enitentiary,
had made me complaint concerning her treat
ment by the marshal. For the purpose of as
certalnIng the facts, with my assistant, MI
Stephens, went to the pen Tertiary and ques
- toned the woman. The result of my examina-
ton was such that I deem it my duty to forth
with bring her. together with another woman,
Maggie Faulkener, who is detained in the peni-
Tertiary as witness, before the grand jury.
These women gave testimony OF a pronounced
and starting character before the grand1ury and
substantially, but much more, than appears in
one OF the morning papers, and the TACT that
both had made CO plants TO the warden
of the matters suggested was also proven by
the late warden, AT my suggestion the
governor also heard the statement of these
women. 1 may say they have carried convic-
ton to him and me.
The gran jury was unable to find an indict-
ment, but large majority of its members vot-
ed therefor. L respectfully suggest mat you
take steps to see and hear these women, in or
der that you may be better advised. If you see
fit 10 do so, to cooperate with the undersigned
and the governor in the endeavor to afford the
protection TO these women they are entitled to,
and TO bring a delinquent officer 10 account.
Very respectfully,
CHARLES .. VARIAS,
United States Attorney.
Attached to this communica ton was a
nasty article from Fridays Tribune which
is too vile for publication in decent paper
and therefore not reproduced in The HER.
AID.
JUDGE zANE's CHARGE.
While Judge Zane was perusing this
document complete silence reigned through
out the court room, and il was evident from
the expression on his honor's face that be
was deeply surprised with it. When Judge
Zane finished reading the communication
he said
The attorney Of the United States for Utaf
territory has addressed a communication to me
as chief justice which contains charges to the
effect that z. II. Parsons, United States mar
sbal. has made amoropS and lasclviouS al
vances to Annie Prindle, a prisoner IN his Gus
tody and also that he made to her improper
and lewd solicitations; and further. that ht
was guilty OF conduct towards her that the Law
defines as assault and battery under very agra
waiting circumstances. That this conduct to-
wards her was both without and within tn,
walls OF the penitentiary but while she was il
his actual and legal custody. Complaints ar,
also made by another female prisoner. by the
name OF Maggie Faulkner, who was in his Gus
tody in the penitentiary because of her failure
to give security Tor her appearance as witness
The crime OF which Annie Prindle was con
victeo, il seems, was an assault TO commi
murder; not one involving her want of chastity
neither these women De chaSte n otherwise
they are under the protection of the law ant
they are TO be deprived OF their liberty no fur
Their than the law authorizes.
Annie Prindle is serving a brief term. ant
whether her term is long short, one of N,
purposes for which she Is there is reformation
and not degradation; not TO be tempted will
conduct that tends TO demoraliZe still more. L
This conduct is true, have no language to ex
press my adherence Oft. coming from a publi
officer, representing great government, il
which believe there is as much intelligence on,
moral powe as in any that ever existed such
government cannot tolerate such conduct upol
the part OF It's agents towards its prisoners
To allow a public oficer TO insult and attemp
hands amounts to degree Of moral turpitud
that makes it infamous; whether this charge
true, l viii not now express any opinion
The communication further states that tn
United States attorney and the governor hav
both heard the statements OF the prison rs, tn
substance OF which is attached. 1t is furthe
stated that the statements carried conviction
both TO the governor and the attorney; and ful
Their that the grand jury mad the matter unde
consideration, and that O large majority wer
In favor of Indictment, but the minority wa
sufficient TO defeat the indictment.
If / deemed it necessary / would examin
these women and all other witnesses KNOWN
anything about the matters, but think the e.
aminations can be conducted in the usual wa,
BIZ taking the matter before a United State
commissioner whore the charges can be probe
reached, and this man may il he be found guilt
finally OF the crimes charged, suffer pul
ishment: If not guilty he ought to be acouitte
of them and the scandal and disgrace be wipe
out so far as it can be.
The court viii order the women taken befol
a United States commissioner. The Unite
States attorney may-I presume will-institut
prosecution and investigation and examir
those witnesses knowing anything materii
and relevant.
1 will ask Mr.. Varian. the United States a
torney, and have no hesitation in saying that
think that it is his outy to institute an inquiry b
fore commissioner and thoroughly investiga-
the charges and ascertain the truth so far as
Is possible to do so.
Mr. Varian, will ask you TO take charge
this matter, and IL, after the investigation
deem it is necessary to act further. l shall e
deavor to do so to the extent that the law W
permit me. Make an order requiring Il
women to be taken by the officer having the
in charge before the commissioner designates
The communication will be filed,
Judge Zane delivered these remarks in
most impressive manner, and as he DR.
Rressed the color left his face, his ey,