The Kootenai herald. [volume] (Kootenai, Idaho) 1891-1904, 1894-12-15
CobIentz Sought ObIition Rather
Than Face His Record.
He BETRAYED HIS TRUST
The Mentor of Grim nails in the Peni-
tentisry U.ed HIS Charges for
vile Purposes.

Walla Walla, Dec. 8.-The whole com.
munity was thrown into a fever Of ex.
element at about 6 o'clock tonight
when it became known that j. Coblentz
ex-warden of the penitentiary, had
ended his life rather than face the hui
initiation Of answering to the charge OF
theft of the states property
He reached the city at 3 o'clock and
met the governor and penitentiary di-
rectors, who confronted him with accu-
stations that he failed to answer. 1t is
understood that the governor reproach-
ed him for his actions. and dismissed
him from the service Of the state. At
ter the meeting of the board Coblentz
seemed crestfallen, and was not in his
usual mood. Tears could be seen, and
his general actions proved that he APP
preciated his position. He thought Of
his wife and four children, who would
suffer the disgrace. His wife was un-
doubtedly suspicious and watched him.
She too, realized the disgrace that was
to be heaped upon the family. Coblentz
had sent to the bank for 81 900 cash,
which Convict Chandler brought him
and he (Coblentz) handed it to his wife,
asking that she take it, and, with the
children. go to their old home in Ar
kansas He said there would undoubt-
eddy be trouble; that he would be dis
graced, and it would be best that they
would be away.
WAS PREMEDITATED.
1t looks as if he had premeditated his
awful deed. 1t was a complete sur
prise, for not a person here thought he
was man to carry out such a deed.
His determination was carried out when
Deputy Sheriff Ellingsworth called at
the penitentiary and asked for Mr..
Coblentz. The ex-warden, who was din
ing, was notified by one of the guards
that a gentleman wished to see him.
Coblentz came into the office, which is
part of the wardens dwelling
where he found the officer.
Hello, Ellingsworth," said he, have
you warrant for me?'
yes, Mr.. Coblentz, have"
How much are the bonds?"
''Five thousand dollars" said the
sheriff.
''Well, 1 don't know, Bill" said Cob
Ientz. whether have friend in Walla
Walla or not"
you have more friends than you
think you have"
'Well, can have about 10 minutes to
finish my supper?"
Certainly; take all the time you
wish, Mr. Coblentz."
A BULLET DID 1T
At this Coblentz turned and passed
through a double door, closing it. and
at that instant pistol shot was heard.
Mr.. Ellingsworth and Chas. Berg who
were the only persons present, rushed
in to find Coblentz dead. The gun was
a A calibre Smith & Wesson. The ball
entered just behind the right ear, COM
ing out of the left temple, striking the
ceiling and falling to the floor
The two men Immediately gave the
alarm and summoned the proper au-
thorities.
Coroner Stewart held an inquest over
the remains of Coblentz In the testi-
mony, Richard Lee stated that he was
visiting Coblentz and family. Cob
lentz asked him to take a walk over to
the prison. Lee waited outside, while
Coblentz talked with Acting Warden
Cameron. Cameron says Coblentz bid
good-by and left. Upon returning to
his dwelling Coblentz refused to dine
with his family. saying that he did not
feel like it. 1t was about this time that
ZIG 6AANA III NtAAGN. 4 4iC lcllllAlN u 1Ou-
lentz is Frustrated. The remains viii
be shipped to Arkansas for burial.
FURTHER INVESTIGATION
Attorney General Jones arrived to-
might and was closeted with the gov
ernor. When seen by press represen- |
tative, he said he was being made ac-
quainted with the case and would act
under instructions from the governor.
He expects to leave for Boise City to-
morrow. Governor McGraw. when
spoken to regarding the suicide Of Cob
1entz. said: Il suppose this ends the
matter, beyond asking his bondsmen
to make good to the state his shortage.
1T is horrible to think of the tragedy
and the family of Coblentz is to be
pitied."
RECORD OF COBLENTZ.
Coblentz came here with a good rec
ord, having served creditably as sheriff
OF Conway county, Arkansas, at the
time of the killing of the brother Of
Congressman Clayton. He was special
agent of the treasury department of
Puget sound and afterwards Chinese
inspector. He made the best record of
any customs service officer during his
reign
sCOBLENTZ'S STEALINGS LARGE.
Developments at the Meet