The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1906-01-05
FIENDISH CRIME
At BOISE, IDAHO
EX-GOVERNOR STEUNENBERa
SLAIN BY DYNAMITE BOMB AT
ENTRANCE TO RESIDENCE
Deed Probably Committed in Revenge
for His Prosecution of the Occur d.
Alene Gang in 1S9e-Vict.m Is
Terribly Mangled.

Boise, Idaho, Jan. Frank Steun-
enberg, former governor of Idaho and
famous throughout the nation for his
relentless prosecution of the notorious
Occur dAlene gang in 1899, met
dreadful death Saturday evening at
the hands of unknown foes. AS he
was entering the front gate of his
home in the suburb of Caldwell dy-
Mantle bomb was exploded, blowing
off both his legs and inflicting fatal
internal injuries. The distinguished
Idahoan died in 20 minutes.
The crime is one that will rank in
history for it's peculiar fiendishness.
Gov. Steunenberg, as he was familiar
ly called, was about to join his family
at supper. His wife and three children
were awaiting his coming. The eve.
ming meal was spread upon the table.
AS he pushed the gate open there
was a terrific explosion and a flash of
light that could be seen clearly for
mile Illuminated the premises. The
victims clothing and shoes were torn
to tatters and his back was terribly
frightfully. The shock of the explo-
sion was felt all over the town and
broke all the glass in that side of the
Steunenberg home Mr.. Steunenberg
was hurled 80 feet and was picked up
nearly lifeless. Death resulted more
from shock than from loss of blood.
How Bomb Was Exploded.
When daylight dawned on the scene
Of the tragedy, it was found that the
dynamite had been exploded by pull.
ing a wire. Pieces of wire and waxed
fish line were found in the trees on the
lawn. Further, it is believed that two
bombs were used, to make certain of
carrying out the purpose of the assas-
sination. They seem to have been to-
gether, both being pulled at once. 1t
was quite definitely determined dur
ing the night that the mine was fired
by wire. The explosive was placed
against the post, against which the
gate closed, and on the inside of the
fence.
Echo of Cour d. Alene
Shoshone county has offered re-
ward of $4,000 for the apprehension
of the murderers, and has sent its sher-
iff to assist in the search. 1t was in
that county, in the northern end of the
state, that the Occur d,Alene riots oc-
Cured in 1899 There is no known
reason for the outrage, but it is
charged to some member of the famous
inner circle of the Occur d'Alene dyna-
miters whom he prosecuted so relent-
lessly in 1890 while he was governor.
Gov. Goodin has notified the Canon
county officials that the state will offer
a reward of $4,000 for the apprehen-
sion of the murderer.
Steunenberg, with the assistance of
United States troops, maintained mar
tial law in Shoshone county for more
than a year after 1000 miners, each
carrying a stick of dynamite, blew up
the concentration of the Bunker Hill
and Sullivan Mining company, caus-
ing the destruction of property valued
at 100000 More than 1000 men were
arrested and confined in an Enclosure
known as the "bull pen," and the lead
ers of the instruction were tried and
sent to prison.
Steunenberg was governor of the
state from 1897 to 1901, having been
twice elected. He was born in Iowa
Al years ago, and had been in Idaho
since 1887 He leaves a widow and
three children.