The Bennington evening banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 19??-1961, 1907-05-18
TALK WITH ORCHARD
Prisoner Witness In Boise
Murder Trial Interviewed.
DIFFICULT TO SECURE UNBIASED MEN
bx-Convict ON Whom Idaho Relies
10 Prove Murder Charge Against
Western Federation Denies
Use Of Duress or Force.

Use Of Duress or Force.
BOISE, Ida, May 17.--Dur1ng the
Haywood murder trial here eleven
talesmen were examined before a sat
isfactory Juror was secured to replace
William Van Orsdale at No. 2, who
was excused on u peremptory chal-
ienge from the state.
As was expected, the defense exer-
cised It's first challenge by relieving
Allen Pride, farmer, at No. .. Mr..
Pride testified during the examination
that he had invited TO dinner the dep
uty sheriff who served him with a
jury summons. He and the deputy dis
cussed the case for some time, the talk
Ringing particularly upon Harry Or
chard, who Is 10 be the principal wilt
ness for the state. A talesman was
called TO replace Pride. but his exami'
natlon was deferred.
As the work OF jury selection pro.
gressed the difficulties seemed 10 In
crease. One after another the tales
men were excused because OF strong
opinions as TO the guilt or innocence
OF the accused.
Harry Orchard, the prisoner witness
upon whom the state OF Idaho chiefly
relies to prove Its charge that an inner
circle OF the Western Federation OF
Miners planned the murder OF Govern.
or Steunenberg. broke his long silence
and for more than half an hour dis
cussed himself and his Imprisonment
with press representatives
Orchard denied that he had received
mistreatment during his long connne
ment; denied that duress or force had
been used TO secure the statements he
had made and denied that Detective
Mcfarland aud the officers Of the state
have promised him Immunity for bis
confessed crime or reward for the val
NE OF his alleged confession. Orchards
manner and conversation tended strong
~ 10 confirm the assertion that he has
been rcconyerted 10 aud Il deep In the
zeal OF Christianity.
Orchard Is perfectly sound IN body
clear and quick OF brain. II there was
ever anything I'm the reports that he
was breaking In health aud mind Their,
IL nothing now to give them n shadow
OF suggestion.
The one condition imposed nj the In
terview by Warden Whitney Of the
Idaho penitentiary was that there
must b. no discussion OF the ease.
and the prisoner himself asked that
the same condition b. observed.
II have never admitted and don'I
sdmIt now that I have ever made 4
confession" said Orchard. "Mind that
But at no time was ever subjected .,
force or pressure Of any Kind. aud any
thing I ever said 10 Captain McPar
land was without force or threat oI
any kind. Anything ! said was OF mJ
own free will and accord. II was jus
as talk 20 you here. There was moth
Ing else. No promise OF any kind ha'
ever been made me by Captain Nc
Parland or any one else"
Orchard said he had been down Tn
81. Lawrence and had been about Wis
consln and other middle states. Al
most with pride be asked his Inter
viewers what they thought about tn
great west. lie was curious 10 know
about the Thaw trial and II Delmas o
the west had held bis own against je
rome OF the east He talked In a gen
eral way about the formation Of th
Haywood jury and asked TO 10 excuses
from telling where he was born AM
what his religion was.
Over the main entrance 10 the prisol
Is the startling and mysterious sign q
huge letters:
Admission - cents"
An explanation Of the sign costs IN
amount stated. and the money goes :
the prison library.