Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1907-05-23
INTERVIEW WITH ORCHARD
Something Regarding the Man Upon
Whom the state Relies TO Prove
Ito Charge Of Con-
splracy.

peremptory challenge from the state
As expected, Thursday, the defense 81
ercised Its first challenge by relieving
9 Allen Pride a farmer at No. s. Mr.
Pride had testified during his examin
alton that he had invited to dinne
the deputy who served him with 9
|. Jury summons. He and the deputy
discussed the case for some time, theii
talk Ringing particularly upon Harry
Orchard who is to be the principal wit
mass for the state. A talesman was
called in to replace Pride, but his
examination was deferred until Friday.
As the work Of Jury selection pro-
crosses, the difficulties in the way Of
completing the panel seem ever to be
increasing. Thursday one after an
other of the talesmen were excused
because of the strong opinions they
entertained as ia the guilt or limo.
cence of the man accused of conspir.
acy in connection with the death Of
Steunenberg. One man called for SER
vice, but dismissed by the court indi.
Gated that he was prejudiced against
the state because of various acts at
tributed to the prosecution during the
past year. Each side still has nine
peremptory challenges to exercise, and
there remain n members of the spe-
clal venire to draw from.
The morning session Thursday was
abandoned because Of the funeral Of
former Judge Edward Mugent, Of the
district court. The examination Of
prospective Jurors will be continued |
Friday at 10 a. m.
Harry Orchard, the prisoner witness
upon whom the state Of Idaho chiefly
relies to proce its charge that an inner
circle Of the. Western Federation Of
Miners planned in conspiracy the MUIR
der Of Gov. Steunenberg, broke his
long silence Thursday and for over
half an hour discussed himself and his
Imprisonment with representatives of
the Associated Press, whom he had
expressed desire to see.
Orchard denied that he had been
submitted to any mistreatment dur
ing his long confinement, denied that
duress or force had been used upon
him to secure the statements he had
made and denied that detective
MCFARLAND and the officers of the
state have promised him immunity
for his confirmed crime or reward for
the value Of his alleged confession In
the hands of the state.
Orchard Ia perfectly sound and heal
thy in body; clear and quick of brain.
II there is anything in the reports
that he was breaking in health and
mind there is nothing now in his APP
pearance or manner, to give them
shadow Of suggestion.
As precautionary measure the &C
,ual place in the penitentiary where
Orchard Is confined Is kept secret and
he subject Is one that the warden
Ind the guards decline to discuss.
The question Of the confinement and
treatment Of the prisoner was revert.
ID to later and Orchard said:
Il have not talked to any news pa
'erman since have been here. l felt
hat l did not have anything to say
md l do not want too much promin-
nee before the public. could
AVE seen the newspaper men
had wanted to. l am free
o go anywhere in the yard and to
peak to any one that l like to. But
don't speak to many Of the men.
ont feel that am any better than
he rest. but you know how It is, a
nan takes a notion to certain men I
nd does not to others. And besides
have felt that I ought to be care.
III. Some Of the men seemed anxious
0 learn too much. do talk to several
I the men. There are some good men
ut here, brought to prison by misfor-
nne and l talk to them. attend the
eligious services and talk to some
I the men in the hope Of doing them ,
ONE good"
The last formal question Of the in
srview went directly to the position d
richard ~ the pending case and was ,
irectly answered. II was:
was force or duress Of any kind I
sed on you by Captain Mcfarland
+ any one else In securing your al.
,ged confession or statement. and !
ave any promises OF any kind been I
lads to you In that Connection" 4
Il have never. admitted end don't
unit now that | have ever made
said Orchard. Mind
lat But at no time was ever sub
Icted TO force or pressure Of any
lad and anything ! ever said to Cap Q
in MCFARLAND was without force or z
Ireat Of any Kind. Anything I said =
Ne Of ny own Tree win and accord. :
was just as talk TO you here, there L
~ nothing else. No promise Of any Q
nd has ever been made ne b. Can