Cheyenne record., 1915-10-14
STATECAPITAL
NEWS
Western Newspaper Union News Service.
GOVERNORS STATEMENT.

GOVERNORS STATEMENT.
Cases Against Strikers Not to Be
Quashed.
Denver.-Governor Carlson has is
sued statement to the public in
which he announced that he would
take no action to end the prosecu-
tions arising out of the recent coal
strike that are now pending in the
courts. The governors statement is
as follows:
For a number of days certain citi-
zens have conferred with me with
view of having stopped the prosecution
of all pending strike cases.
THE unselfish motives of those who
have urged this action upon me and
me to give the most serious considera-
tion to their requests and during the
past two weeks those Interested have
been in almost continuous conference
at this office.
premature publication was given
these conferences and hence I feel 1t
the people of the state to declare the
policy of this office in regard to the
matter and to set at rest any contro-
been caused by this premature publica-
ton.
"On my advent to office found that
utive order to the attorney general Or
dering the investigation and prosecu-
ton of all violations of the law grow
ing out of the coal strike then in
Following that order the attorney
general. the grand juries of four diff
torneys made Investigations. heard
complaints Of all who had complaints
to make and would appear before
them. and as a result the indictments
In question were presented.
Il know of no reason for disregard
ing or belittling the Judgment of these
ued the order made by Governor Am
mons.
math of conditions, in no wise created
by this administration, continuing to
take the time and energies Of myself
and other state officials, was not
der could have been avoided honorably
certainly it would have been done.
Events since that, time have not
changed my opinion and do not feel
that can now order the annulment of
these prosecutions They were instituted
In good faith and upon evidence suffi-
GENTLY convincing to the attorney gen.
eral. grand juries and the different
district attorneys to warrant bring
Ing e:,,t, these defendants fe to trial:
However, these citizens, already re-
ferred to, have urged my interference
upon what might be called extra-legai
Considerations of so-called peace,
mercy and business have been urged
it was hoped I would take. To find
answer to these arguments I do not
desire to review the history of the
strike and the terrible nature of the
crimes committed for which the de-
fendants now stand under Indictment
and trial.
citizens that state sovereignty was lost
and that federal troops were sent here
to protect the state from organized
These indictments will be subject to
the double check of juries. troal and re-
view courts. and any innocent among
those charged with guilt will receive
vindication.
"The only question for me was to
decide whether or not those who We're
turned loose without trial for those
extra-legal reasons given.
1T has been asserted that such a
tion that is going on in certain quar-
ters. and leave this state in more
peaceful condition.
follow, it is in effect to say that a
group of persons can commit any crime
and receive immunity If they raise suf
mind. I do not believe that our cfti-
zens are willing to purchase mental
peace pa1. a; at such M price, :. -
the merciful thing to do-and yet as
Justice should be tempered with mercy
so should mercy be tempered with JUS
tice, and what Justice has been done
society If those charged with murder
and arson are allowed to go free with
3ut trial?
The wholesale character of these
crimes does not deprive them of their
criminality; instead, it increases the
offense because 1t increases the danger
to society.
II was elected upon a platform
which, among other things. promised
20 restore the state sovereignty upon
a firm basis.
.In my belief, the only way this can
be done is to punish any person or per-
sons who attack that sovereignty.
Il cannot see any deterrent of fu-
ture crimes of the same nature If those
of the past are to be condoned and for
ROTTEN.
1T has been urged that SO long as
these cases are pending business will
be stagnant and that foreign capital
will not come into the state.
I'm my opinion. capital never will in
vest in this state until 1t is demon
strated that attacks upon life and prop
erty will not be tolerated and this can
not be demonstrated by turning loose
persons charged with such crimes