Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1907-07-11
h|N[ FEDERATION
DEFENDS MEMBERS
President Meyer, on Witness
Stand, Tells Of Organiza-
tion Control
CONNECTION WITH ORCHARD
Cross. Examination Forces Admissions
From Miners Official. That Orchard
Wa. Frequently Consulted With
During the Strike Troubles Of the
Federation.

Boise, July 11.-Charles H. Meyer
vas again called to the stand in the
Haywood case when court met this
morning. Darrow offered in evidence
letter written by John Murphy, OF
Denver, general counsel foS the feder-
alton, to the local union at Silver City.
Idaho at the time the matter Of ac-
uuiring counsel for Harry Orchard was
under consideration. The states OBJ
lection to the letter was sustained.
Taking up the cross-examination.
Senator Borah first inquired as to
where the real power of the organiza-
ton, between conventions, existed.
Meyer said it rested in the executive
board, the president and secretary
treasurer. He had been an active or
x-officio member Of the executive
board ever since 1899. At the recent
convention Of the federation In Denver
Meyer said Jack Simpkins. the alleged
aceomplice of Orchard, who has never
been apprehended, was continued In
office as al member of the executive
board for Idaho, an alternate being
appointed to take UP his duties. Meyer
said he was living at Deadwood, S. D..
during the Occur d'Alene trouble In
1899, but became acquainted with
many miners from that district at the
Salt Lake convention. He also learned
of Governor Steunenburg' part in the
strike. Silnpkins was one Of the men
Meyer met at the convention. He
heard Simpkins tell of indignities he
suffered In the Idaho "bull pen" and
knew what his feelings we're.
Borah Questioned witness closely as
to the extent Of the rule Of the feder-
I'm to defend any of its members ac-
cused of crime. Meyer declared no
man was defended unless the execu-
tive board decided that his arr.s, had
some connection with the Western
Federation of Miner.
If q member of the federation
should kill a man on the streets Of
Boise you would not defend him unless
you felt the federation was in some
way involved in the affair?" suggeste5
Borah.
AA1S lS' llly ulluSTSldIulTlS. we
would defend any one where the act
grew out Of a strike or whose arrest
we felt was due to his connection
with the federation"
You don't hold it out as an in
ducement to members that the feder-
alton will defend them for any crime
committed, do your
NO. sir"
Borah next inquired as to Pettibone's
relations to the federation.
Pettibone was not an active mem-
Der, but when his business permitted
he would attend the conventions and
would come to headquarters. He was
Q good friend to the organization and
ready to assist it in any way he could.
He has often bought furniture and
other supplies for the organization and
for its members"
Meyer declared he had never heard
Of Orchards emnity toward Governor
Steunenberg until the present trial
started. Borah had witness tell again
of Orchards activities In helping the
federation officials and attorneys in
the alleged train wrecking case at
Cripple Greek. Outside of offering
sIOWdlQ Ol P1.UVV, LITS eIOuSGaC1On, NONer
said, did nothing toward ferreting out
the parties responsible for the Inde-
pendence depot explosion.
Meyer said that Orchard went to
dinner with him a year later and the
matter Of the independence depot <ex-
plosion was then discussed Orchard
declarde he. had nothing to do with it,
that he and Neville had left the Grip
pie Greek district before the explosion
occurred.
Meyer declared he knew nothing of a
draft being sent by Haywood to Jack
simpkins, Dec. II, 1905. The first he
ever heard OF a draft was in evidence
produced ir court week ago.
"The only check drew was given
simpkfns In person, when he drew
his per diem and mileage early In De-
cember in Denver"
Meyers cross examination was con-
cluded at 1855, and the court took
recess.
Haywood was called to the stand to
testify in his own behalf Immediately
after court opened this afternoon.