Omaha daily bee., 1912-03-31

sustained, even though it was shown that
he had no intention OF killing Ro;hschild.
The lower court was affirmed on the
ground that Ford killed the man Roci-
deutally while committing an unlawful
act. viz, making an assault with a gun.
The obvious intent OF the Blunt family's
counsel was to give the jury possible
ground for recommending punishment Of
the officer who shot Blunt.
While Bagley was reading this case the
Aldrieh letter was brought in by Henry
Feigenhaum Of Springfield. brother Of
the governors secretary. over objec-
tons OF Patrick and Sagley 1t was read
in crato-ieal style BY County Attorney
Jamiesen.
Former Senator E. ]. Burkett was pres
ent, representing Sheriff Hyers. but took
no part in the proceedings.
Governor Writes . Letter.
The following Is the text OF the letter
from Governor Aldrich received by
Coroner Armstrong:
LINCOLN, Neb., March fs.-R. E. Arm
Wrong. Coroner. and Citizens Attending
Inquest. Springfield. Neb.: Permit me
As governor OF the state Of Nebraska 70
call your attention TO the fact that ii Is
OF the Utmost Importance in an investi-
CATION OF this kind that the proceedings
should be conducted in an orderly, calm.
impartial and judicial spirit.
Let no excitement or prejudice in any
way influence the jury In this investiga-
ton. on this occasion the name OF the
stste of Nebraska is at stake, and let US
see to II as citizens that nothing occurs
hero to in any way reflect upon the good
citizenship Of Sarpy county and the state
of Nebraska. Remember. In this mat
ter that two wrongs never make
right and two extremes never solve
problem. 1t will avail no one anything
to proceed with undue haste or arrive
at a conclusion based upon prejudice, pas
sion and feeling.
Remember. also. in this matter that
these officers were In pursuit OF desper-
ate men-mere human devils, as II were
and that IN the pursuit and capture. OF
these desperadoes the officers took their
own lives in their hands and COURAGE
ously performed their duty. and II what
may seem TO be an unnecessary taking
in no spirit Of violation OF law. but
rather whatever unfortunate incident oc-
CURED In this desperate pursuit after
desperate men was accidental. =
I say to you who may be assembled on
this occasion to calmly and justifiably
await careful Investigation Of the facts.
II win serve no good purpose either to
this community or to the bereaved rela-
tiyes that auy untoward act may occur.
When this situation is appreciated. / am
sure that the good people OF this COM
and the bereaved friends VIII
moderation in all particulars. Any
Of law and act OF lewlessness
will be stain upon the name OF our
fair state. and will not in any way com
pensate for the violations OF law that
alr Nv
submit these few lines to the people,
assembled on the occasion OF the corc..
ners Investigation In a spirit OF profound
sympathy for bereayed friends and rela-
tives and for the purpose OF calling your
attention TO the necessity Of being calm
and orderly.
ience, IN my Judgment. in a room BY
itself and call witnesses as they see III
to. I have been informed that II is the
purpose of the coroner to hold this In |
quest In the opera house so that the
crowds may be accommodated. Gentle |
men. this is a serious and grisvous mis-
take. You start In, by this proceeding, In |
The form OF an entertainment. II mars
he solemnity and dignity Of the occasion. |
or satisfaction of curl |
,sfty seeks Ia not the aim or object |
IN this matter. This investigation should |
be conducted by the members OF the |
,oroner's jury with the assistance Of the |
county attorney and the coroner, In such 4
/ manner that a witness would not feel |
The embarrassment Of curious eyes. In |
.hfs way a witness could and would be |
more liable TO tell the plain truth, free |
from the scorn and criticism OF Idle curl |
)sity seekers. By having this Jury, with 4
he county attorney and the coroner In /
/ room by itself in the presence OF
witness who Il giving testimony. then |
dignified and orderly procedure could
De carried out.
But to have the proceeding in an opera
house savors Of show or an entertain
nent and the yellow newspapers Of the
country would seize upon II as something
o color up In glaring headlines.
With every confidence In the integrity
md fairness OF the coroner Inquest OF
he people OF this county, submit to
'ou, without further remark, the con-
liberation OF this important matter.
CHESTER il. ALDRlcH.
Governor Taken 10 Task.
Considerable resentment OF the action
{ the governor in sending a letter to
he coroner TO be read at the inquest
yas freely voiced. and this sentiment
alter developed into supplement to the
'erdict, given out by the foreman OF the
ury this morning, taking the governor
everely to task for his action. This sup
'iement, which is In the nature Of
the Public'-and signed
" the jnrymen. is as follows:
SPRINGFIELD, Neb-, March %. 1914
% the Public. The members OF the cor
ner's jury which heard and deliberated
n the evidence presented at the inquest l
eld over the body Of Roy Blunt, the.
Dung man whose misfortune II was to
ecome a victim of the tragedy enacted
ear this village March IS. when he lost
Is life as the result OF wanton and In
shooting by officers OF the
Nv, who sought to attain their object
egardless Of the fact that they knew an
life was In jeopardy. wish to re-
emit the interference Of the governor OF
iebraska. In sending a letter 70 The
'oroner and Citizens Of Springfield" In
diligence In handling a matter OF this 1
erious character.
Taking as an excuse what he terms
yellow journalism" for this unmarried
he seriously reflects on the |
citizenship of the people and their inAbil- 4
" TO uphold the dignity of the law. HIS /
stter was evidently written with a view 1
D Influencing the jury, despite his as
ertion that II should Let no excite |
,ent or prejudice in any way Influence
he jury In this Investigation" we feel |
therefore,, that we should take this step
o resent the action Of our chief executive
q taking hand in matter which our
wn people were well able to care for
The Inquest was held in an opera house |