The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-06-18
PEOPLE vs.. HUNTER.
Another Chapter in the Famous
Lewis County Struggle.
THE PHRA-NANG At TACOMA.
Famous Passenger on the Empress Of
Jspan-Fire at Fairhaven-Another
Chance for Murderer Pecani.

cHEHALrs. June T-rspecisL IAN opportune
attack Of Sickness saved County Auditor Ash
more from being sent TO the county jail for coz
tempt Of court il refusing 70 obey che mandate
OF Judge Hunter 20 issue warrant II payment
of certain claims arising out % the courthouse
middle OF last winter. Now the supreme court
has in:srposed by writ OF prohibition, aad
Auditor Asnlore breEthes easier and g stil. :
free nan. When the superior court wished 10
move 20 suitable quarters some months ago, II
issued "a order io- the sheriff 10 provide the
came, and although the county commissioners
rs.slisted with notification that they would
pay no expenses incurred, and directed the aud
isor 10 issue warrEa: for the same, the sheriff
carried on. the order. The board then pro-
ceeded TO remodel the old courthouse, while the
sheriff leased another building and incurred
expenses amounting to s130 IN January
the sheriff applied for al order for payment OF
these claims. Judge Hunter cited The commits
sionsrs. auditor and treasurer as individuals 70
appear and show cause why the claims should
not De allowed. They appeared and answered
that they had no reasons Is individuals 20 at-
vance. but IN their official capacity attempted
70 set up defense which the court refused %
receive. The court then declared the claims to
be charged upon the county, and the sheriff was
ordered to present them to the auditor for pay
ment Auditor Ashnore refused 10 pay them.
The court then issued alternative writ OF
msndamus, returnable "Wednesday. The audi
Tor then appeared with q motion for change OF
venue, alleging that the court was an interested
party. The court refused 20 entertain the mo-
ton. and the auditor fled return to the writ
setting forth thar the court had no authority TO
order bills paid The counsel for the
applicant demurEed and was sustained.
Yesterday morning the court Issued a peremp-
tory writ OF nandamus, returnable as soon as
served upon the auditor and this morning, the
auditor still refusing, made order Of final judg-
men:, sentencing Ashmoge for contempt OF
court to pay fine OF 500 and go TO the county
jail and remain until the warrant was issued.
physicians certificate Of illness prevented
immediate inpri sonment, and in the meantime
the auditors attorney rushed upto Olympia and
obtained writ OF prohibition, commanding
Judge Hunter 70 stay execution of judgment,
nnd appear before tina: court and show cause
why the appeal Of AshIno-e from the orders and
judgment OF the superior court had not been
allowed The matter CAUSED great excitement
here yesterday and today, and tnreats were freely
made that If the auditor should be imprisoned,
the jail would be torn down aid the official
liberated.
OLYMPIA, June 17-lSpecial. The Lewis
county courthouse quarrel has reached the su-
rreme court Today writ was issued BY the
court directing Judge Hunter, of the superior
court 20 show cause why be should not be pro-
hie!ted from compelling County Auditor Ash
more 70 issue warrants for bills contracted By
the judge in opposition 20 the board of county
Commissioners.
The court also issued an order 10 the clerk of
Pierce county directing him to certify and send
up, without requiring payment OF costs, the
transcript il the case of Thomas Hinckey, con-
rie;ed OF murder.