The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1894-12-09
STEWART HOLMES DRUG coaP'Y.

-
shaw and then under Collector WATSON,
who FLIED cut tbs formers unexpired
term Although Coblsntx lived a. South
Prairie, near Tacoma, most Of his work
was done from this city, especially after
d. A. Mckenzie was appointed deputy
collector.
Coblsnts was always an sfhcient ofncer.
but be did mot attain great distinction
until he killed smuggler Holt. AZ Salmon
bay, nearly FIVE years ago. There were no
eye witnesses to the killing, and, although
CobIsnfs was exonerated, many have
thought he was not justified in what
he did There are many conflicting
stories about the affair. but accord
ing TO one of the best informed
on the subject. MAJ. 8. r. Net
Teton, who Was in the customs servios ut
that time himself. Coblents acted in self
defense. Mr.. Nettlston said that Holt
was notorious emuggler, one who had
become terror to the customs house
officers and one they did not relish
going after. One night word was received
that Holt Was at Salmon bay with
sIoor. Coblents va: told by one OF the
officers 20 accompany him to Salmon bay
after . smugxisr. Coblentx had no idea OF
the KIND Of Q man they were going after,
and went along willingly. When the bay
was reached Coblenfz took boat
and went out TO make the arrest, while
the other man stayed on shore with .
rife TO cut off an attempted escape. The
moment Coblentz got upon the boat, Holt
stuck his head ont Of the hole and yelled:
"Who in - are you, and what are you
doing on my boatf"
81 an q customs house officer" replied
Coblentz, sand come out to arrest you for
smuggling"
Holt Immediately pulled his pistol and
fred AZ Cobientz, who jumped behind the
mast IN time TO escape. Then Cobientx
returned the FIRE and shot Holt in the
body. Holt lay with his pistol IN his
hand and was trying TO cock 1t
when CobIentx told him he did
not want to kill him, and he
better give up the revolver. The wounded
man agreed TO do il, and actusly
did hand over his weapon to Coblentx.
Just as CoblentE was getting up. however.
Holt drew q knife and made a vicious stab
at him. This Was too much for the officer.
and he shot Holt dead. He then came to
investigation was exonerated.
After the Republican administration
went out of power at the last election
Coblentz lost his position, but 1t Is said,
and on reliable authority, that it was he
who worked up the evidence that
resulted in the breaking up Of the Port
land smuggling ring that controlled the
steamer Haytian Republic. After finish
- nd in
state politics, and in 1892 was one of the
men who worked hardest in Pierce county
for the election Of the Republican ticket.
He was eventually appointed warden
and took charge of the penitentiary
disciplinarisn, and soon had the ins.itu-
ton In splendid order. The conyicts had
to conform strictly to the rules. but they
were well fed, probably better than at any
other time ia the history of the
institution. He made many improve
ments for which the legislature MAIDS
no appropriations, using convict labor.
Under this head might De mentioned .
fountain, 8 vegetable garden and orchard,
q slaughter house, q photograph gallery.
coal bunkers. hay barn and many other
useful improvements. With the appro-
priations OF the legislature he built new
stockads wall, hospital building and water
works.
From time TO time reports came from
different quarters that Coblentz was too
severe in his treatment of prisoners, treat
Ing them more like dogs than human
beings At the time John Dryden was
shot by one of the guards there was some
talk to the effect that there was
no real necessity tor the shooting, but
that, while Ii wax done within the strict
rules Of the penitentiary, it was intended
as warning TO other prisoners of what
would come If q Jail bresk was attempted.
There was no denying that Coblentz used
language in addressing prisoners that
would have driven q Massachusetts, man
Wild with indignation. He called them
names that under ordinary circumstances
means fight. but IN justice to him 1t N ust
be said that he was acting in his usual
| manner, and nine times out of ten meant
| nothing offensive by what he said. The
terms Coblents used in telling prisoner to
get into line were about the same he would
use in inviting q friend to take dinner
| With him. It was his way, and nothing
more. He always denied that he ever did
anything dishonest while IN the penitsn-
| tisry. In hls home life be was happily
situated. and thought & great deal of his
| wife aud four children. He owns some
| property in South Prairie and IN Kansas.