The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-01-17
REEKS WITH |NvEcT|vE
An Alleged Obscene Letter Sent
by Robert Creek.
WAS FURIOUSLY ENRAGED
1t Was Sent to Frank Strick laden of
Anaconda-The Young Man Given
Hearing by U. S. Gem
missioner Wood.

Robert L. Creek young man about
80 years of age, was before United
States Commissioner Wood yesterday in
the federal court room for examination
on recently preferred charge of send
ing obscene manuscript through the
mails. He was represented by Attorney
B. s. Thresher, while District Attorney
w. B. Rodgers appeared for the govern
ment. 1t proved to be one of the most
interesting and sensational cases that it
has been the fortune of the commissioner
to listen to in a long while The whole
proceeding, it is quite evident, found
origin in dissension among members of
the Creek family of Bozeman.
Frank Strickfaden, a large real estate
owner and capitalist of Anaconda, is
| the prosecuting witness. He is broth
er-in-law of the defendant 1t appears
that Mr.. Strickfaden and Robert Creek
have met before, and that their meet
1ngs We're devoid of that brotherly love
which is usually manifest in families of
Montana. In the latter months of 1898
there was an exchange of letters be-
tween Robert Creek in Butte and Ma
than Creek, brothers, in Anaconda.
The letter which figures in the case
and which the prosecuting witness al
leges was written by Robert to Nathan,
| contained separate note ADDRESSED to
| Strckfaden This is the note which must
| take its place among the most livid pro-
auctions that ever emanated from a
furiously enraged mind. 1t reeks with
lnvective and is hot stuff all through.
Young Nathan Creek, many years his
defendant brothers junior, proved
most unwilling witness for the prosecu-
ton. He said that he did not know
who wrote the letter and it was at the
institution of the case presumed that he
was well aware of the fact that his
brother Robert wrote it. Abraham
Creek, father of the defendant, was the
last witness, but he did not say any
thing of Importance or interest. The
commissioner announced that he would
render his decision to-day.
Postoffice Inspector Wood examined
the letter and said that it came into
his hands about six weeks ago, being
sent from Washington with an order
to investigate it. He never saw the
defendant or had any kind of conversa-
ton with him.
On cross-examnation by B. s.
Thresher, counsel for defendant, wit
ness said that the envelope bore no
postage stamp Wien ne received II.
Postmaster Devine of Anaconda was
the next witness. After examining the
envelope and letter, he said: This
envelope and letter was brought to me
by Frank Strickfaden of Anaconda I
then asked Mr.. Strickfaden to make
complaint. l later sent the complaint
and letter to the postoffice inspector
at Washington. The letter had no
postage stamps on it at that time
Nathan Creek, a brother of the de-
PENDANT, was then called. He identi-
fed the letter as the one he received
at Anaconda. Il received it last No
vemper. I cannot tell whose writing
it Is: I can't recognize my brothers
writing. l don't know who wrote it,"
Have you ever received any letters
from your brother?"
Yes, two or three"
Don't you know your brothers hand
writing?"
81 don't know it,"
WAS these letters you received in
reply to any you had written to him?"
Objected to by defendants counsel, on
the ground that other letters do not
enter into the case.
LAS a matter of fact don't you know
that your brother wrote that letter."
Il don't know who wrote it. When
got the letter 1 showed it to Mr. and
Mrs. Frank Strickfaden.''
What did you show it them for?"
Objected to. The commissioner thought
that Mr. Thesher was technically right
but certain circumstances surrounded
the case and he believed that the dis
trict attorney should ask the ques-
ton.
In answer the boy said that part
of the contents was addressed to
Strickfaden.
will you swear that you didn't |
know this letter was from your broth
er? Do you swear?'
Il couldn't recognize the writing as
my brothers."
when the letter started out My
dear brother didn't it occur to you |
that 1t was from your brother?"
1T looked that way"
Didn't you know as well as a per-
son could know not seeing the letter |
written that your brother wrote it?"
Il did not"
Had you written to him Just before
you received this letter?"
"A short time before from Bozeman.
In 1t L told him l was going to Ana
conda and that l would like to see
him.
District Attorney Rodgers endeavored
to bring out tlatfooted assertion that
witness knew that the letter was writ
question was objected to by Mr..
Thresher for the defendant. 1t was
evident now that the boy was an I'M
willing witness for the government.
From references made in this let
ter to matters you had spoken of in
your letters, didn't you think that this
etter was from your brother?" OBJ
Iected to on the ground that thinking
cuts no ice
I didn't think at ALL"
On examination witness said
hat he left Anaconda in December
asst. He was shown the letter ad-
dressed to Strickfaden and asked who
wrote it. He replied that he didn't
know. He. however admitted that it
was reply to the letter he wrote his
brother.