The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-03-28
ROW IN COURT.
Hot Words in Wardner Riot In
Yestigation.
Lie Is Passed About By Attor-
neys and congressman
THREATS ARE MADE.
Much Talk of Throwing People
Out Of the Window.
Chief Offender Finally Offers an
Apology.

Washington. March 2s-The fifth day
Of Governor Steunenbergss testimony IN
the Occur d'AIene investigation began
today. Representative Lentz continued
the cross-questioning.
The governor said he had been in the
Occur d'Alene region during two days
in February, 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
throughout the trouble. On one of his
previous visits he talked with Stimson,
one of the imprisoned men. He had
been told by Dr. France that there was
EVIDENCE competing Stimson with the
conspiracy; that on April Is, Stimson
had told a certain individual to get out
OF W ardner as there was going to be
trouble
The governor detailed a number OF
visits to San Francisco, Spokane and
elsewhere, during which he said he met
Onclals OF the various mines. At a
meeting at Spokane he told the mine
owners there would be no u0dihca ton
of the permit system The mine owners
We're opposed to this system and want
ed to employ any men they chose. But
the governor said he informed them
that the state Of Idaho would not per-
nit the employment Of criminals He
the permit system would continue, but
he said he intended to enforce 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
witness replied that he would do as his
Judgment dictated If the permit sys-
TEN had resulted in a loss to the miners
Of half million dollars as Mr. Lentz
stated, the governor said he did not
care for that. as it was q necessary re-
course by the state.
Like Louis XIV you are the state2"
remarked Mr. Lentz.
Mr. Lentz's aIIusiOn to Louis XIV
caused a prolonged discussion.
A sensational episode occurred at this
point Representative Leltz asserted
that some of the state deputies were
living with disreputable women.
Mr.. Cheney, the attorney appearing
in behalf Of the state of Idaho inter-
posed d protest and said: 4 hurl back
at you that statement The deputies
are reputable men"
Mr.. Lentz Indignantly resented the
Interference of private counsel. and adj
dressing the attorney, said:
You ought TO be kicked out of the
window, ana you would be II you had
not the majority Of this committee be-
hind you"
When Mr. Lentz attempted to read
from previous testimony concerning the
improper conduct Of deputies. Chair
man HUI overruled this course
This further nettIed Mr. LentZ, and
addressing Mr.. Hull he exclaimed: Il
want to say in your teeth that if you
are party to protecting this attorney
IN d lie. you are Il party to it"
Amid much confusion. Chairman Hull
declared that Mr. Lentz had insuited
the committee and its members as far
as he could. and 1t would have to stop.
Representative Hay rose to say that
the attorney had better not give the lie
to him, and Representative Cox of Ten
neSSee added: If any man insults me
I'll hit him"
Mr.. Lentz asked the chairman why
he did not cali the attorney to order
He was out of order, entirely out of
order" ruled Mr.. Hull ernphaticaIIy.
Mr. Cox said that when the attorney
accused a member OF the committee Of
falsehood, he forfeited his right to ap-
pear
IF he says that to me- added Mr.
Cox either he or I go out Of the win
dow"
Representative Jett, Of Illinois, said
that as a means Of protecting the COM
mitree, he would move that the attOr-
ney be expelled from the committee
room
Many members were on their feet try
ing to secure recognition when Mr.. Jett
made his motion. Before taking action,
the committee gave Mr.. Cheney an Op-
portunity to be heard He explained
that he did not intend to say that Mr.
Lentz had told a falseh0od, but simply
to deny the statement that idaho depu-
ties lived with disreputable women.
He apologized for any misapprehen-
sion.
Mr.. Cox remarked that a man must
either fight or apologize in such case,
and the apology settled it.
Mr.. Jett withdrew his motion for ex-
puIsion and the outbreak was brought
TO a close
Governor Steunenberg then proceeded
with his testimony. He said he had
frequently received petitions addressed
to the secretary Of war. concerning the
relation Of the United States troops in
the Occur D Alene. He disciaimed any
knowledge Of men being discharged for
refusing to sign the petition. or Of state
deputies circulating the petition. The
committee then adjourned until tonor-
row when Governor Steuuenberg VIII
continue his evidence.
While the members were separating
after adjournment Chairman Hull said
to Mr. Lentz that the IatIer's attacks
on him had gone as far as they could.
and if they were renewed the room
viii not be big enough to hold US both"
Mr.. Lentz replied that he would take
care of himself
The intense feeling aroused was man
fest Tong after the urOepeafIinGs closed