The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1907-08-17

w. Reeves of Boulder, conductor and
brakeman in the employ of the Colo
RADIO & Northwestern road, made
signed confessions stating that they
set fire to the Colorado & Southern de-
pot at Boulder, which cost four lives
and destroyed property to the value
of $250,000, is the declaration of rail
road and police officials who have
been working on the case.
The same officials who declare they
witnessed the confessions say that
neither of the men implicated the
unions In any way.
According to their story, as told by
the officials, the men, while intoxi-
Gated in Boulder saloon last Friday
night, became imbued with the idea
that it was their duty to drive the
non-union men out of the yards.
Reeves, it is said. suggested setting
hre to a string Of cars, and kiser.
after some persuasion, went with him.
Reeves is said to have made his
confession and Immediately afterward
was hurried to Denver for safe keep
Ing. Sheriff Bartel feared that the
feeling in Boulder as a result of the
fire might result in violence being Of
fered to the prisoner.
automobile. the officers protesting to
though the general opinion seems to
be that If, as is alleged, he took part
In the affair, it was more as silent
witness than as principal.
Witnesses to Story.
According to Sheriff Bartel. Reeves
made his confession, covering ten
typewriter pages, in the presence of
District Attorney Van Horn, r. A.
Doolittle, the Colorado & Southern
claim agent; John II. Chiles, assistant
district attorney of Denver; Otto II.
Wangelin. D. w. Miller, w. R. Camp
bell. Deputy Sheriff S. D. Clark and
the sheriff
Kiser's confession, says the sheriff,
was witnessed by practically the same
men.
Deputy Sheriff Clark asked the ques-
tions, and when it was completed, ac-
cording to Wangelin, one Of the wit
nc sses asked Reeves: Are you per
fectly willing to sign this?"
Yes" replied Reeves, and sighed as
composedly as though writing letter.
Then, according to the sheriff,
Reeves said that neither the Brother
hood Of Railway Trainmen, of which
he claims to be a member, or any
other union, had inspired the deed, and
that the idea originated with him while
he was drunk. He said he did all the
work himself and kiser simply went
along with him.
Reeves. says the sheriff, also stated
that neither he nor Kiser knew Of the
presence OF the car OF dynamite on
the track. and the officials say they
believe this statement to be true.
No sooner had the officials an
nounced that confession had been OBJ
tained than the news spread like wild
fire. and people appeared on the streets
from all directions. Someone shouted
that the prisoner was "tn the hack
with two white horses" and hundred
young men and youths ran after the
carriage to the depot. being inspired
more by curiosity, it appeared, than
any desire to harm the prisoner.
Officers Guard Door.
Reeves and the sheriff got aboard
the last car, which the crowd sur
rounded, causing the officers to draw
their revolvers as a matter Of precau-
ton, and guard the doors until the
train started.
Kiser may be brought to Denver to
be held until the inquest, which has
been postponed until Friday
According to w. B. Hayes. receiver
Of the Colorado & Northwestern,
Reeves was a brakeman on the Colo
RADIO & Southern until the strike, when
he was given employment on the Colo
RADIO 4 Northwestern.
Kiser has been a conductor on the
Colorado & Northwestern for the past
two years, and claims to be member
Of the Order OF Railway Conductors.
He has always borne good reputation.
although known as periodical
drmker.
r. H. Doolittle, claim agent for the
Colorado & Southern. and who was
present when Reeves is said to have
made his confession, made the follow.
ing statement last night:
y. w. Reeves, Colorado & North.
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