The evening times., 1900-04-19
IDAHO LABOR TROUBLES
Seme Startling Admissions Made
by DR.. Hugh France.
Acting as sheriff, He Made Arrests
as He PIeased-Warrants Not Nee
Length of Their Senfence-Rc-
auirements for Permits to work.

The hearing on the labor troubles in the
Occur d'AIenes. Idaho, was resumed before
the House Committee en- Military Affairs
today The chamber was crowded with
spectators who took great interest in the
proceedings. Dr. Hugh France, county
coroner of Shoshone, was the only witness
called and some interesting acknowledge
ments were made by him during the morn
ing.
DR. France resuming his testimony, un-
der eross-examination by Mr SulZer,
stated that he had been deputized 10 repre-
sent martial law by Bartlett Sinclair. on
May last He had direct instructions 10
allow no man TO 90 to work without a per-
NIT.
II any man dil work without a permit,
you arrested hir1?" asked Mr. Sulzer
That is about right, was the answer.
rs the permit system still in force?'
1t is"
Did you not charge 81 apiece for the
first 3c0 permits -
4 did not"
How many permits have been issued
since May CT last year,
About 1000"
Have not prospectors working on their
own claims been arrested for being With
cut permits"
Il don't know"
Attorney Robinson, for the miners. then
took up the eress- examination Of the wit
ness.
Bunker Hill and sullivan mineowners to
reduce the Of he in haf
employ
i did not"
Mr.. Robinson then read a printed petit
tion 10 the Bunker Hill and Sullivan mine
owners. purpOrting 10 be signed by the
citizens OF WardneF and kellogg. and ask
ing that the wages OF the miners be redGc-
ed 10 s. per day and laborers 10 s. per
day.
Did you not sign this?"
i did
Mr.. Robinson then read from TIE Idaho
code showing that TIE county coroner had
the right TO act as sheriff.
How came YOU 10 get cut the procla-
nation regarding the permit system p
As d State Representative
Were you ever elected by the people Of
that State?"
No. not 10 my knowledge. l was ap-
pointed by Bartlett Sinclair"
This. then. gave you power 10 make ar
reSts2''
4 have m4de arrests"
You made arrests without warrant CT
without any complaint on oaJh2"
Yes. ! have"
You regarded as a crime any attempt
made by miner 10 work without a pr
mIt2-
7 suppose so.
There was 10 limit 10 2 mans term OF
Imprisonment. was shere-"
No; l talked the matter oyer with tie
Governor"
Did you ever sign warrant for the
arrest OF Allen c. Austn?"
Il did"
Was he charged with any orime?-
He vas under Indictment for arson and
other violations"
Did you ever see the Indictment Did
YOU ever see it published2"
Il did not"
You know that the Indictment had
never been published"
4 did
after half hour Of examination. The
witness acknowledged thar in order 10 set
work under the permit system. a man
would have TO bear false witness against
himself
You have been preventing men whom
you even thought had been principals or
sympathizers, from getting work.
That's right"
with laws furnishing murder. arson. and
other crimes in the State code. you took
1t into your hands 10 add to the punish
ment by refusing men any opportunity
TO labor"
4 would not let them work: no"
Was not the permit system adopted
prior to the riots OF April 292"
1t was"
Then this pain and penalty Of depriving
a man Of the right 10 labor was devised
before the intended victims had commit
ted any crime -
1t was devised MAY s.
Why did you not tell Mr. Austin how
long he WAS 10 remain in prison -
1t was not necessary
VOC kept man in prison until you felt
like releasing him p?
Yes
The hearing was then adjourned until
tomorrow morning At II o'clock