The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-03-23
PROTECTING THE Witness
IdahO's Governor Saved From An
swering Awkward Questions.
Surprising Testimony Brought Ont
Ht the Occur d'AIenc Enquiry-Mr.
EnrdinE the Mining Permit system
N-ritten by Others-The Arrests.


N-ritten by Others-The Arrests.
Sensational testimony was drawn from
the Governor Of Idaho. in the Occur
d'Alene enquiry today Many pertinent
questions. answers to which might have
thrown light on subjects under investiga-
tion were not answered. because they we're
objected to By an attorney for the defence
and the objections were sustained by The
Republican members Of the committee
Governor Steunenberg declared that he
did not know that arrests had been made
in Montana-that he heard nothing about
it, Later he was forced to contradict this
He admitted the proclamation putting
into operation the permit system in the
mines Of Idaho was written by other men
without consultation with him In the
matter Of enforcing this proclamation
upon some and not upon all. the Governor
Of the State OF Idaho said: Il reserved
the right TO do as I pleased"
Mr.. Sulzer and Mr.. LentZ denounced the
Republican members OF the committee for
bias, partisanship and unfairness.
Governor Steunenberg was under cross
examination by F. c Robertson, counsel
for the miners
When did you appoint Mr.. Sinclair as
your representative?
- think il was On May g."
Did you confer on him any specific
rights, or delegate 10 him any Of your pre-
negatives rs Governor"
Il telegraphed him simply to act as my
representative.
Have you a copy Of the telegram"
4 have not"
What did il contsin2'
Il think Just told him to act as my per-
sonal representative"
as IL not fact that General Merriam
exercised arbitrary power in making ar
rests. before the issuance Of your proclama-
ton declaring that state Of insurrection
existed?"
Il DO not know"
Did General Merriam act for you?"
NO, sir. ] had a talk with him and told
him to protect lives aid property"
Did General Merriam make arrests at
your instance2"
Well. no"
Then. II General Merriam made arrests
without warrant or other legal process. he
did il on his. and not on your. authority"
Il viii assume responsibility for all the
arrests that were made by the military"
The Arrests i'm Montana.
But you do not claim that your author
fly as Governor Of Idaho extends into Mon
tana?"
NO. sir"
DO you assume responsibility for the ar
rest OF Francis in Montana. which was
merely a case Of kidnaping?''
II that arrest was made BY an Idaho
deputy in Montana, / viii accept the re-
sponsibility."
The Governor CT Idaho said he knew
nothing Of the arrest OF Francis until the
testimony Of Mr.. Shields given before the
committee recently. Governor Steunen-
berg had not in his possession a list OF the
prisoners thrown into the bull pen. He
was not sure that he had ever seen such a
list OF the bull-pen prisoners
You do not know" said Mr.. Robertson
that 100 men were in that bull pen and
that all but about fifteen Of the men were
ultimately discharged without a shadow
Of trial."
Governor Steunenberg was not rich in in
formation concerning the bull-peu prison
ers, usually falling back on the statement
that Mr.. Sinclair was representing him in
the Occur d'Alenes
Mr. Bentz then renewed his demand on
Sinclair that he produce the prison list.
Inc committee some time ago refused 10
demand. but concluded to request that
Mr. Sinclair should favcr the committee
with the list OF prisoners. Upon the de-
maud by Mr. Lentz. Sinclair arose and
said: Il have sent for it. but have here
list Of the names which was printed in a
newspaper"
Whom have you sent tor said Mr.. Cox
To the man who had the men in
charge"
Well, who was or who is he?' insisted
Mr. Cox, becoming irritated.
Mr.. Edmunstcn. a subordinate OF
mine" said Sinclair. laying emphasis on
the clause "a subordinate OF mine"
Governor Steunenberg. when pressed
closely by Mr.. Robertson. said he knew
nothing OF any arrests made in Montana
Mr.. Robertson then sought to offer a let
ter from Governor Smith Of Montana.
making formal complaint against the iIe-
gal arrests. Mr.. Dick insisted on intro
ducing at the same place other letters. and
this precipitated discussion OF some hit
terness. and although the chairman. Mr.
Hull favored the contention of Mr. Dick
the objections OF Mr.. Hay. Mr. Cox. Mr..
Sulzer. and Mr.. Leutz were so vigorous
that Mr.. Dick was defeated. Republican
member Of the committee, Mr. Parker.
taking issue with him.
1r. SuIzer Protests.
When the cross-examination Of Gov
ernor Steunepberg was resumed a question
was asked OF him by Mr.. Robertson as to
whether he understood the bull pen pris-
Oners were State Or Federal prisoners.
Mr.. Clancy also objected to the ques-
tiCn. Mr.. Sulzer promptly declar-
ed that he was opposed to lawyers
men not members of the committee. max
ing any objection to any questions. Mr..
SulZer said 1t is apparent 20 me that
the majority of the committee is attempt
ing to shift the responsibility. and to pro-
tect themselves behind their counsel. W.
have not asked for counsel. I have no OBJ
lection personally 10 Mr. Clancy. bus
am opposed TO the proposition which al
lows this lawyer 10 protect this witness"
(Meaning Governor Steunenberg)
Mr.. Sulzer characterized the action of
the majority OF the Committee as simply
an outrage" and said that under the hi
ord OF the proceedings of the committee
had become a farce"
Mr.. Hull said: Il want to repudiate
right here the unwarranted assumption Of
Mr. Sulzer that the majority of this com
mittee is on the side OF the defence or on
any other side We do not intend to be put
in the position of taking sides in this
case.
Mr.. Sulzer-But you have put your
selves in this position
Mr.. Hull-We have not, sir. We have
done nothing Of the kind.
Mr.. Lentz said that the chairman had
said that he. Afr. Lentz. was in charge of
the prosecution. In the matter of the
charge that the majority Of the committee