The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-11
sTEUNENBERG ASKED FOR AID.
Correspondence Concerning the
Presence Of Troops in Idaho.


The Committee on Military Affairs of the
House of Representatives continued its en-
quiry into the Occur d'Alene disturbance
yesterday Frederick Martin, miner,
who was placed under arrest by the mill
tary authorities and detained in the bull
pen. was the chief witness. He narrated
very much the same story which has been
told by those who have preceded him on
the witness stand. During his examination
quite an animated discussion, bordering
upon an angry contention, toca place be
tween Representative Lent of Ohio and
Representative Mondell of Wyoming.
One of the points which has been made
by the miners against the employment of
troops in ShOshOne county. Idaho is that
martial law was declared by the Federal
authorities before it was asked fer by the
State officers. To combat this the War
Department sent to the Committee on Mill
tary Affairs copies OF the correspondence
to show that Federal troops were not sent
into the disturbed district till they wers
asked for by the Governor of Idaho.
The correspondence follows:
Adju;sut Generals Office.
Washington. March ., 1900.
Respectfully returned 10 the Secretary Of War.
Tie Original Instructions 10 General Merriam
Iogarding the disturbances in Shoshonc county,
Idaho, were as follows:
Boise. Idaho. Apil %, 1900.
TO the President, Washington, u. &.
In pursuance Of the statute in such ease made
and provided /. Frank SteunenbCrg Governor 81
Idaho. the Legislature not being in session, and
il not being possible TO convene IT, do hereby
apply to the President Of the United States 10
call forth the military forces Of the United states
to suppress insuTection in ShUshone county, state
Of Idaho. This action is sustained in the fact that
all the available Idaho National Guard volunteered
for service in the Philippines and said county is
in state ~ Instruction. am of the opinion
thar at least 40 troops in the aggregate VIII be
necessary, but smaller detachments should be
ordered in as rapidly as possible.
FRANK SrEUNENBERC, Governor
lreegran,I
Washington, April 80, 1899.
Brig. Gen. Merriam, Denver, Col.
The Governor Of Idaho reports an iIasulrecilon
beyond the poeer of the STATE TO control in She's
hone county Of that State. The Acting Secretary
Of War directs that You repair at once 10 the
capital of that state. and after conference with
the authorities there YOU go to the seat OF action,
calling TO your aid such troops may be most
convenient regardless OF department lines De
partment commanders will be notified. You will
take with You the Necessary staff officers The
travel enjoined i necessary for the public service.
III {. CoRBIN, .Adjntant General.
by command Of Major General Miles"
War Department, Adiutant lGeneral's Office.
Washington Augus; is, 1899.
Mr.. F. r. Bowdcn. President Grass Valley Miners
Union Grass VALLEY, California.
Sly: Your telegram 10 the President has been
referred 10 this office, and | am instructed by
the Secretary Of War 10 Inform You that the
presence of troops in Shosho2e county, Idaho, is
due to the request Of the Governor in your State
who made requisition for same under warrant Of
law April -. 1899, as follows:
The Legislature not being in session and it
not being possible To convene it, do hereby apply
TO the President OF the United States 10 call
forth the military ferces Of the United States 10