The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1900-03-29
ALMOST TO BLOWS
A Hot Time In the Ceur
d'Alene Investigation.
Threat to Throw Idaho Attor-
ney Out of Window.
Chairman Hull and Mr.. Lentz
Exchange Compliments In
Vigorous Terms.

WASHINGTON, March 2S.-The fifth
a,v of Governor Steunenberg's testimo
nv in the CGur d'Alene investigation be-
gon today. Representative Lentz con-
tinued the cross questioning. The gov
ornor said he had been in the Cpur
d,Alene region during two days in Feb
| ,pory before coming here. There were
three state deputies on duty at that time
and DIR. France. who has been in the
service OF the state continuously through
ont the trouble. On one of his previous
visits he talked with Stimson, one of the
;mprisoned men. He had been told by
DR. France that there was evidence con
Meeting Stimson with the conspiracy;
that on April 10, prior to the blowing up
Of the mill, Stmson had told certain
individual to get out of Wardner, as
there was going to be trouble
The governor detailed number OF Wis
It's TO San Francisco, Spokane aud else
where. during which, he said, he met oili
cjals of the various mines. At u meeting
At Spokane he told the mine owners there
would be no modification of the permit
system. The mine owners were opposed
TO this system and wanted to employ any
men they chose. But the governor said
he informed them that the state of Ida
ho would not permit the employment of
criminals. He had made no statement
as to how long the permit system would
| continue: but, he said, he intended to en-
! force it as long as it seemed necessary to
insure order. Mr.. Lentz asked if this
meant that the governor would do as he
| pleased on the subject, to which the wit
ness replied that he would do as his
| judgment dictated. If the permit system
| had resulted in a loss to the miners of
! S50O000, as Mr.. Lentz stated, the gov
ernor said he did not care for that. as it
was necessary recourse by the state.
Like Louis XIV, you are the state"
remarked Mr.. Lentz.
Mr. Lentz's allusion to Louis XIV
caused prolonged discussion, during
which a sensational episode occurred.
Representative Lentz asserted that some
Of the state deputies were living with
disreputable women.
Mr.. Cheney, the attorney appearing in
behalf Of the state Of Idaho. interposed
protest and said: 81 hurl back at you
that statement. The deputies are repu-
table men,"
Mr.. Lentz Indignantly resented the in
reference of private counsel. and, ad-
dressing the attorney, said, you ought
to be kicked out of the window, and you
would be if you had not the majority of
this committee behind you"
When Mr.. Lentz attempted to read
from previous testimony concerning the
improper conduct of deputies. Chairman
Hull overruled this course. This further
nettled Mr. Lentz, and addressing Mr.
Hull he exclaimed, 81 want to say in
your teeth that If you are party to
protecting this attorney in lie you are
party to it."
Amid much confusion Chairman HUI
declared that Mr.. Lentz had insulted the
committee and it's members as far as ht
could, and it would have to be stopped.
Representative Hay rose to say thai
the attorney had better not give the Ii,
to him, and Representative Cox added
IF any man insults me, I'll hit him."
Mr.. Lentz asked the chairman why hi
did not call the attorney to order.
He was out of order-entirely out o.
order" ruled Mr. Hull emphatically.
Mr.. Cox said that when the attorney
accused member of the committee OF
fasehood he forfeited his right to appear
IF he says that to me-" added Mr.. Cox
"one or the other Of us goes out of tn,
window"
Representative Jett Of Illinois said tha
as means of protecting the committed
he would move that the attorney be ex
PEELED from the committee room.
Many members were on their feet try
ing to secure recognition when Mr.. jet
made his molten.
Before taking action the committe,
gave Mr.. Cheney an opportunity to b,
In lnsv hat hA Il II,
tend to say that Mr.. Lentz had told
falsehood, but simply to deny the state
ment that the Idaho deputies lived will
dsreputable women. He apologized TO
any msapprehension.
Mr.. Cox remarked that a man mus
either fight or apologize" in such case
and the apology settled it.
Mr' Jett withdrew his motion for ex
puision, and the outbreak was brough
TO a close
Governor Steunenberg then procecde,
sitil his testimony. He said he had re
vehtiy received a petition addressed t
.ne secretary of war concerning the re
seatlon Of the United States troops il
'se C9ur d'Alene district. He disclaim
gu any knowledge Of men being dis
'aarged for refusing to sign the petition
ton. N'> p'''
Inc committee then adjourned unit
tomorrow, when Governor Steunenber,
VIII continue his evidence.
"hile the members were separating
'er adjournment Chairman Hull said t.
~, Lehtz that the latter's personal at
% aeSs on him had gone as far us the
~ soulu and If they were renewed 9TH
room will not be big enough to hold II
both" N's' " No'u y
MT Lentz replied that he would tax
ss e OF himself. The intense feelin
nro oosea was manifest long after tn
proceedings closed.