The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-12-09
By His Own Hand, TO Avoid
Arrest as a Defaulter.
HE RoBssD THE STATE PRISON.
A Large Quantity of Sacks and
Material Not Accounted For.
He IL Removed From the wardenship
and Threatened with Prosecution
when the sheriff Is About TO Take
Him Into Custody He shoots Himself
Through the Head.

WAiLA WALLA, Dec. s--fSpecial. ~.
II. Coolentx. ex-warden of the state peni-
tentisry. committed suicide this evening
rather than answer the charge of theit of
the states property. He reached the city
at 3 o'clock and met the governor and
prison directors, who confronted him with
accusations that he failed to answer. Ii IS
understood that the governor reproached
him for his actions aud dismissed him
from the duties of warden. After the
meeting he seemed crestfallen, and Was not
In his usual mood. Teers could be seen
in his eyes. aud his general actions proved
that be appreciated his position. He
thought of the wife and four children who
would suffer from the disgrace. His wife
was undoubtedly suspicious. and watched
him. She. too, realized the disgrace that
was TO be hesped upon the family.
Coblentz had sent 10 the bank for 81, 900
cash. which Convict Chandler brought
him, and Coblentz handed it to his wife.
asking that she take il and with the chIl
dren go TO their old home in Arkansas
He said there would undoubtedly be
trouble; that he would be disgrsced. and
it would be best that they should be
away. Ii looks as though he had
premeditated his awful deed. 1t
was complete surprise, for not
a person here thought he was man TO
carry out such a deed.
When Deputy Sheriff Ellingsworth
called at the penitentiary and asked for
Mr.. Coblenz the, ex-wsrden, who was din
ing, was notified oy one of the guards that
a gentleman wished to see him. Cobentg
came into the office, which is part of the
warden's dwelling, where he found the
officer.
Hello. EIlingsworth," said he, shave
you a warrant Tor meH
Eyes, Mr.. Coblentz have"
How much are the bonds7"
Five thousand dollars" said the
sheriff
well, l don't know, Bill, bald Cob
lentz, whether have q friend in Walla
Walla or not"
You have more friends than you think
you have"
"Well, can have about fifteen minutes
to finish my support"
Certainly, take all the time you wish,
Mr.. Coblentz." Al this Coblentz turned
and passed through double door, closing
il. and at that instant pisto! shot was
heard. Mr.. Ellingsworth and Charles
Berg, who were the only persons present.
rushed in to find Coblentz dead. The
pistol was "A Smith & Wesson. The ball
entered just behind tue right ear. coming
out at the left temple. striking the ceiling
and falling to the floor. Ellingsworth
and Berg Immediately gave the alarm and
summoned the proper authorities.
Coroner Stewart held an inquest over
the remains Of Cobientz. In the testi-
mony Richard Lee stated that he was
visiting Coblentz and his family. Coblentz
asked him to take walk over to the
prison. Lee awaited outside, while Cob
lentz talked with Acting Warden Cameron.
Cameron says Cobientz bid him good-by
and left. Upon returning to his dwelling
Coplentz refused to dine with his family.
saying that he did not feel like it. Ii was
about this time that the sheriff called.
The family of Coblent1 are prostrated.
The remains will be shipped to Arkansas
for burial.
Attorney General Jones arrived tonight
and was closeted with the governor. When
seen by Posr-INTELIIeENcER reporter he
said he was being made acquainted with
the case aud would act under instructions
from the governor. He expects to leave
for Boise City tomorrow.
Gov. McGraw. when spoken to regarding
the suicide of Coblentz. said: II suppose
tins ends the matter. beyond asking the
bondsmen to make good to the state his
shortage. 1t is horribls to think of this
tragedy, and the family Of Coblentz are TO
be pitied."