The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1900-03-23
Governor Steunenberg Takes the
Stand For the Defense.
MARTIAL LAW A NECESSITY
Scores Of Teiesrams ImplOrino Help
Read-SensatiOnaI Charges
Are Exploded.

WASHINGTON. March 22.- Unusual
interest attached to the Couer d,AIene
Investigation today. az the prosecution,
after presenting testimony almost IN
terruptedIy for five weeks. closed Iis
case and gave way to the defense.
Governor Steunenberg, Of Idaho, was
the first witness called in rebuttal Of
the charges made. AS he took the
sand, he spread before him several
hundred telegraphic dispatches. He
read telegrams dated several days prior
to the blowing up of the Bunker HIN
mill. Fred X. Burbridge, OF the Bun
ker HIM mine. ielegraphed that an
armed mob mad stopped the Bunker
Hill men from working and called for
protection. He also read many teie-
grams to and from the sheriff and
others showing the steps taken to
maintain order. The governor suggest
ell arbitration Of the differences, but
In answer, Burbridge stated there was
nothing to arbltrate, and again called
for protection.
On April %, the day Of the blowing
up OF the mill. Steunenberg said ne re-
ceived a dispatch stating that an the
miners OF Canyon creek had laid on
and were coming to Wardner TO men,
ace the Bunker Hill men. This was
accompanied by another request for
protection. At the same time dispatches
were received from the Oregon Railway
& Navigation Company, stating that
an armed force had taken possession OF
the railroad tracks at Wardner. and
then at p. m. stating that the rioters
had set fire to the mill; that they had
placed dynamite under the mill and
that IL would be blown up.
Sheriff Young also telegraphed him
from Wardner that the mill was blown
up and giving the gravity OF the situ-
alton. At .. ~, the governor said
he sent dispatch to the president,
calling for federal aid. as the Idaho
troops were absent in the Philippines.
In the Cour d'Alene investigation dur
ing the afternoon. Governor Steunsn-
berg was asked where the insurrection
had its inception and what mining
camps engaged in it. He said that in
his opinion the mining district OF Sho-
shoRe county had been in state OF in
surrection since 1892. The Insurrection
of April 20, he said, started at Burke.
The governors description was extend
ed and eircumstantial and brought out
frequent objections on the part Of
Lentz, on the ground that it was hear
say.
Governor Steunenberg was asked
whas part of the United States troops
took in the arrest and detention of the
imprisoned miners. He answered that
the position they occupied was the
same as that which the state militia
would have occupied if they had been
available.
The governor said, the course Of the
United States troops, such as had been
under his observation and investiga-
tim, was at all times proper and con-
siderate of the men they had in charge.
and in obedience to their superior Of
feers.
He said he did not see any abuse Of
prisoners, although he had mingled
freely with them, and while complaints
We're made on other matters there Was
no complaint as to the conduct Of the
troops.
He had investigated the report the
grand army man, Miller, was prodded
BY bayonet when arrested and was
.old by Miller's brother, who is a MEM
Der of the legislature, that the prod
ling did not occur. although there was
/ controversy.
The cross examination OF Governor
Steunenberg was conducted by MIR.
Robinson, attorney for the miners. The
governor stated that he considered his
as to the insurrection
Equivalent to declaration of martial
aw. He was asked by what right the
Irrests were made without warrant
'rior to May 8, when the proclamation
vas issued.
1t was done, he said, under the gem
raj requirement of the governor 10
rotect life and property. Robinson al
o asked If this would permit arrests
Without warrant. The governor said he
vas not aware than any such arrests
ad occurred.
The navy department has issued or
ers for the repair of the cruiser Bos-
on, now at Mare Island navy yard, the
ost of which will be about 1900 400