The Weiser signal. [volume] (Weiser, Idaho) 1890-1904, 1894-12-13
SUICIDE AND THIEF
Coblentz Sought ObIition Rather
Than Face His Record.
HE BETRAYED HIS TRUST
The Mentor of Grim mails in the Peni-
tenI4ry tdii charges FOR
vie Purpose.

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 chat 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 o'clock and
met the governor and penitentiary di-
rectors, who confronted him with accu-
sations 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 UNI
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 1t, 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.
ut looks as if he had premeditated his
sawfya deed. 1t was complete sur
prise, for not a person here thought he
was a ,snan to carry out such deed
Wis 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 warden's dwelling
where he found the officer.
Hello, Ellingsworth. said he. have
you a warrant for me?'
Yes, Mr.. Coblentz have"
How much are the bonds?'
Five thousand dollars" said the
Sheriff.
well, l don't know. BILL said Cob
lentz, whether have friend in Walla
Walla or not.r
you have more friends than you
think you have"
"Well can I 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 1t, an6
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 bal
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
m and summoned the proper au
'er Stewart held an inquest over
ooroi- 1Is of Coblentz In the testi
nc 10 Nard Lee stated that he was
inoay, ~ ,entz and family. Cob
'..e u TO take walk over u
ien'N asne " waited outside, while
ene plison 80 With Acting Warder
Sooien.N ' 1 says Coblentz bio
cameron Cameron ,p0n returning tt
sooo-pS anu lei', sefused to DIM
ms oWeilns Nooieht@ vat he did no
with his family, saying l. %ss time ina
feel like it. 1t was about t. W. of Cob
the sheriff called. The fam. >s.,s will
lenIZ Is .DTOSlIdltQ ht iciiis
be shipped to Arkansas for burr
FURTHER INVESTIGATION -,
Attorney General Jones arrived :,
night and was closeted with the GO
ernor When seen by press represen
tative, he said he was being made &C
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
lentz, said: IT 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
pitled'
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 o.
any customs service officer during his
reign.