The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1904-02-18
MAY ALL GO FREE.
Powerful Influence Is Being srouam
to Bear in Behalf OF ~iroquois
HnI,et+e


Chicago, Feb. 17.-Arthur E. Hull.
Who lost his entire family in the Iro-t
luois fire, appeared Saturday before
he special grand jury which is investi-
eating the disaster, in answer to q sub
poena, and gave answer to h ques-
ions put by Assistant States Attor-
aey Barnes relating to his charge that
powerful influences We're at work to
prevent the punishment of those ,e-
s~ponsible."
Mr.. Hull refused to be shaken in his
opinion. He explained that the printed
circular to the Members of the ~IroQuoiS
Memorial ASSOCIATION containing the
uharge was sent out by himself, acting
as an "~individual." In this capacity he
reiterated his belief in the truth of his
statement.
In addition he again protested that
there should be no citizen sitting on q
special jury who was directly or indi-
rectly connected with the Iroquois the
alter or the city administration. He re-
ferred to Jurors Ernest Heldmaier, Who
had the contract for setting the cut
stone in the erection of the playhouse,
and Philip j. Sharkey, a former city
contractor, whose relations with the
city hall officials held responsible for
liie tlSdSttl ~ IL cioiA . u III t
known to b. friendly.
Makes Statement to Jury.
It was said that the members of the
Jury had prepared a number of ques-
lions for Mr.. Hull. but he first held a
conference with Assistant States At
torney Barnes and afterward made a
statement to the jury.
Would you state positively to the
Grand jury that powerful influences are
:, a ,,Sr1- to rrapnpt inctira hoirr dane -,
he was asked by Mr.. Barnes.
No" he replied, because I have no
positive evidence of such a state OF
affairs"
Mr.. Hall also stated that he was in
harmony with the investigation and to
insure it's thoroughness volunteered to
place what evidence he could gather in
the hands of the states attorney for
presentation to the jury.
It vas denied yesterday that The Of
fer of James A. Cummings, stage car
penter, to testify under waivure OF his
rights under Il constitutional plea Il
been accepted. The report hat Cum
sninss and William McMuellin had
been S~ubpoenaed was also declared to
be without foundation.
Roger Cummings, son of the stage
carpenter, was one OF the witnesses
called yesterday, with John Dougherty,
he extra Fly" nan
Probability of Indictments.
Volunteer witnesses, persons who es
capped from the Inflated theater and
whose evidence was not given at the
c%oFouer's inquest. are coming forward,
anxious to tell the inquisitors OF the
Genes enacted within the playhouse
after the panic had begun. This testi-
mony is considered most important.
As the investigation proceeds it be-
comes more and more likely thai in
dictinents viii! be voted charging man
slaughter and criminal carelessness.
James c.. Strong, who lost his wife,
Elizabeth, and his daughter, Florence
May, told the jury why their lives were
sacrificed. When the fire broke out Mr..
Strong hurried to the steps leading to
the street, followed by his wife and
daughter. When they reached the door
they found it locked. Strong Their
smashed in a tranSonI with his bare
fist, climbed over it. and, with the as
sistance of a carpenter whom he met
on the outside, sought to batter down
the door. but failed. The smoke be-
came so intense h a both men Were
compelled TO flee for their lives.
D. r. Martin and his wife. Clara c.
Martin. II Market circle. Pullman, We're
volunteer witnesses, having lost two
sons, Albert b., u Years old. and Har-
old c., IA years old.