The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1914-07-03

ening and ScurFilous letters, and toss
ed them out of his way, strong in the
consciousness that he was doing that
which was right and was his highest
duty. The people are not likely to
forget how he brought these people
to trial-to trial so fair and upright
in its conduct by the state that even
those who had most maligned him
and attempted to besmirch the state,
were compelled to express their re-
spect for his greatness of mind and
soul.
That these people escaped extrem
punishment must always remain a
matter of regret to those who were
most thoroughly cognizant of their
guilt But the people of Canyon coun-
ty know-they are not likely to forget
that it was not Meyer, Haywood
and Pettibone alone who were on
trial. That the fame Of martyred
Frank Steunenberg, and of the state
he loved and died for, were called on
for justification, and that the trial.
disappointing in its verdict as it was,
did furnish Justification for his acts
and the acts of the state in the Occur
d'Alene troubles. That the testimony
in the trial of his assassins placed
Frank Steunenberg on pedestal
where he will stand through the ages,
glorious figure of American man
hood who died because he had served
his state.
When the verdict was rendered
which turned loose these men whom
Governor Gooding and others knew to
have been guilty of crime as cruel
as the Crucihxion, the people still re-
member his demeanor in both victory
and defeat The failure to convict the
assassins was a defeat, but coupled
with it was the victory of having es-
tablished the fair name of the state
firmly in the minds of all men every
where. Those who had pretended to
believe in the innocence of the accus-
ed men, in some instances, admitted
that the testimony which had been ia
sufficient to convince jury supposed
ly of absolutely unbiased mind, had
been so strong as to leave no shadow
of doubt of guilt in the minds of the
friends who had championed the
cause of the prisoners.
| The work which Governor Gooding
then did for his state has had-a lasting
effect. The policy of assassination
which for so many years had been
recognized as a potent weapon in the
hands of certain leaders, has fallen in
| to disuse. The action of one strong
man, who was willing to throw his
whole personality-his good name, his
personal fortune, his life-into the So
| luton of the question, has had the ef.
feet of bringing an era of outrageou:
crime to a close. This is debt thai
not only Canyon county, but also th'
state and the nation owes to this mar
of the hour.
Through his actions in this one cri
sis, Mr.. Gooding established himself
in the confidence and esteem of th'
people Of Canyon county. He showed
character, resolution, readiness, loyal
ty, courage, willingness and ability o
the highest type. Through long lifi
in this state, he has been Showing
these characteristics day by day an'
year by year. Surmounting obstacles
always on the side of the people, new
err silent when silence meant surren
der, he has fought the good fight iron
boyhood to middle age. If he SHOULD
be called to the senate of the Unite
States, there would be other me-
there with more polish and more cul
ture. But he would prove the equa
of the greatest of them in his abilit
and his willingness to serve. AS h
threw himself into the service OF tn
people of Canyon county and his stat
when Frank Steunenberg was killet
forgetting everything except his dut,
as he has done times without numbe
in matters of less crucial moment, s
he would be certain to do il called 0
as the servant of the people at Wasf
ington. The Tribune cannot help b
lieving that this will be brought abou
and that Canyon county will do hi
mart toward this end.