Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-10-12

sympathy and support of the public.
But Dietz continued his deeds Of vio-
lence to point that brought him the
disfavor and condemnation of all his
neighbors. On the 9th of September
he shot and manned "A personal friend.
Bert Horel, in the village of Winter.
The town authorities have long provid-
ed the children of Dietz with a private
school, maintained at the Dietz home
stead at public expense. DietZ, at the
time of the controversy on September
9th, was attempting TO enforce upon a
school officer claim for $2S for alleged
janitor service performed while school
was maintained at his home for the
special benefit of his children. His
friend Horel intended to avert a quar-
rel, and for his pains and interference
received a shot from Dietz quick action
revolver. IL was not fatal, but the
victim invoked the law and swore out
warrant charging Dietz with assault
and attempt TO kill True to his past
record, Dietz let it bo understood that
there was no power that could reach
and arrest him. Sawyer county now
happens to be possessed of a sheriff and
district attorney Who know their official
duty. They proceeded TO act They
made plans to enforce their authority.
Sheriff Madden and two deputies sta
toned themselves on the public high
way for the purpose of capturing DietZ
as he was about to pass. Instead his
two sons and daughter occupied the
buggy. They were commanded to
throw up their hands and surrender.
They refused and attempted to pull
their firearms on the officers. With
the intent TO subdue, not to injure, a
shot was discharged by deputy and
the young woman received a flesh
wound, not dangerous. IL was most
unfortunate and lamentable accident.
With her elder brother Clarence. Almi-
ra Dietz was placed under arrest the
other son. Leslie, escaped. These
young people are full-grown, ranging
from 20 to % years old. Warrants
were in the hands Of the deputies for
! their arrest charging them with being
accessories to this latest or other Dietz
crimes.
Quite naturally the public mind was
innamed because of the unfortunate in
jury to the girl, and doubtless that
aroused the sympathy that has been
created favorable Co the Dietz family.
Storms of pro SITS were showered up
on the sheriff TO ''let up" on Dietz, but
the official was not to be dis5uaded
from his purpose.
Failing to brighten or persuade the
sheriff, the governor was appealed to
and all manner of influence brought to
bear, mostly from without the state.
Governor Davidson, to satisfy public
sentiment, dispatched Attorney General
Gilbert and his private secretary to the
scene of action to represent him in at
tempts to bring about peaceable sur
render of Dietz, if possible, without
blOodshed. Personal interviews were
had with Dietz at his home by the gov
ernor's representatives, continuing for
hours on Thursday and Friday. but
without avail. Every possible 'otec-
| ton from personal violence was 3lar
anteed him, fair and impartial tFlal.
attorneys of his choice at state expense
employed to defend his rights AS
| last resort Dietz was assured that all
other warrants in existence against any
and all members of his family and him
self would be dropped, and only the
present Horel warrant enforced against
him. He politely, but firmly refused
to yield. And it should be understood
that his wine and all other members of
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