New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-02
STATEMENT BY MINERS.
Western Federation Hen Speak on
EUe of Trial.

Boise. Idaho. May 1.-Clarence barrow of coun-
sci for Messrs Haywood. Meyer and Pettibone. of
the Western Federation of Miners who charged
with completely in the murder of Ex-Governor
Steunenberg, issued a formal statement in behalf
of the prisoners tonight. 1t expected that
the statement would be a direct reply to President
Roosevelts recent letter but it is a general one
though referring to the Presidents letter. The
statement follows:
We have been charged with killing Ex-Governor
- SteHHnenberg with a dynamite bomb. Our trial is
Of the assassinatlon have been published broadcast
throughout the civilized world for more than
year. During all this time the press of the country
especially OF that section of Idaho where We will
the f6 of ndfs tn Which Ei ~d
belong The most powerful interests of the country
are seeking 10 take our lives.
WAS c were not in Idaho for years before the crime
extTadited from Colorado But in spite of this We
were arrested on perjured affidavit charging that
Of the crime and that we immedately ned from
be false. the governors of the states OF Idaho
ana So!orado kidnapped US in the night time,
FUSED us an interview with family friends or coun-
sci or chance Of appeal 10 the courts. and
ro ho 1s s on D SPECIAL train miles
tenatically poisoned against US by newspapers and
teen months against our protest and denied bail
Sa S bo e0hSta9ty demanding trial Every effort
ana W,orklngmen OF the community that we are
After all this time case is about be reached
aud the resident Of the United States. In no
letters broadcast over the country charging US
WIN kIlIl anu CRIME. IleSs are reDuDlSned IN
every paper in the land and especially every paper
OF Idaho. The Governor of Colorado day or
two later. adds his words OF spite and venom to
those Of the President and says that only
guilty OF the crime charged, but many others too
While the President OF the United States and the
Governor of Colorado sending out their state
ment TO compass death tho Judge OF this
county has brought citizen before him for con-
tempt on the charge that he tried TO influence the
mind OF n prospective juror by saying that the
state administration trying railroad -
on tho appearance OF this IN the Judge
promptly told the states attorney that he should
have this obscure farmer indicted for felony be-
cause he tried to Influence the mini of a prospec-
tive Juror. The President knows how much greater
of an obscure private citizen.
II about 10 he tried I'm every bid
Ing citizen. however great humble. should do
everything I'm his power TO cool the passions OF
man. rather than add fuel to the flames II we
are 10 be thrown TO the mob, the officers should
al least open our prison doors and give
chance To defend ourselves.
Except for the paIIor nseparahle from long
confinement. Haywood Meyer and Pettibone show
no marks Of their confinement apparent trepi-
dalton at the close approach of the trail so high
in consequence them.
All three said they had been treated well in Tue
Boise Penitentiary. No men were ever treat
ed better under Ike circumstances" said Meyer
Martial law will not be declared in Boise unless
disturbances should occur and make such a step
necessary said Governor Goodng to-day when
would place Ada County under martial law at the
beginning Of the trial OF William Haywood.
There does not 10 be the slightest reason
To anticipate disturbances.