The daily sentinel., 1908-06-01
GIVES UP EDTORSHIP
TO GO TO PENITENTIARY
Pathetic Circumstances Surrounding
the Sentencing of the Basalt
Postmaster and Red Cliff
Editor.

w. II. HiIdreth, the former
postmaster of BaSalt who n few
days ago was sentenced to the
Federal prison, had Just assumed
the editorship of the Red Cliff
Blade when sentence was pass
ed on him. From all reports
the sentence came as terrible
blow to Hildreth who expected
to get off with a fine. The con-
victed man is well known to
quite a number of people in
Grand junction.
The following announcements in
yesterdays Red Cliff Blade tell
pathet story of mans downfall:
Owing TO circumstances which are
explained elsewhere in this issue, w.
H. Hildreth, who recently assumed
the editorship and management of
The Blade, is no longer connected in
any way with the paper, nor has he
now any interest financially in it.
His interest has been conveyed to
other parties and in the emergency
and until other arrangements can be
made. John d. Minis. formerly editor
and proprietor of the paper, has con-
sented to temporarily assume the
mana cement of the business and be
responsible for the conduct of the
paper. He will settle all bills and
receipt for and make all collections
incident to the usual routine of busi-
ness.
Then follows this under the head
''The Stern Hand of Law"
Last Thursday w. H. Hildreth, who
recently purchased The Blade and on
May 9TH assumed the ed.torship of
the paper and the management of the
i y ia nd
States district court at Denver before
Judge Lewis to answer to an infrac-
tion of the postal laws and viola
ton of his trust while postmaster at
Basalt last January. Mr.. Hildreth's S
bondsmen had made good the amount
of his shortage and he in turn had
satisfied the bondsmen for their
financial loss. Under these circum-
stances himself and his friends ex-
pected nothing more severe than
nominal penalty, although having no
assurance to that effect of course. On
the contrary the court pronounced
sentence of eighteen months in the
federal prison at Fort Leavenworth,
Kansas, and the payment of the costs.
Mr.. Hildreth was completely crush
ed and stunned by the penalty and
his friends were greatly shocked.
While in no way condoning his of,
fense, committed during a period of
indiscretion, the sympathy of nearly
everybody in the county and many
friends throughout the state is with
the unfortunate defendant, and many
regrets are heard that the court could
not have seen his way clear to have
conscientiously inflicted lighter SEN
tence.
The dignity of the law and the seri-
business of it. however, must be up
held and the court doubtless con-
sidered that the offense demanded
the penalty inflicted. 1t will be an
object lesson to others and notice TO
all parties that when one assumes
the responsibility of public trust,
that violation of that trust means
punishment and suffering, whether
the violation is wilful or not.
Mr.. Hildreth is capable man,
worthy of better fate, and person.
ally feels that his future career is
ruined But from expressions heard
on all sides it is not and there is yet
opportunity for him to retrieve much
by right conduct. His previous record
is such and his evident serious desire
and intent to make good was SO MANI
fest at the time sentence was pro-
nounced, that friends in the state and
county still have confidence in HIM
and an effort will be made to secure
for him executive clemency in the
near future.