Jasper County Democrat, Volume 2, Number 51, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 March 1900 — Abuse of Military Power. [ARTICLE]

Abuse of Military Power.

The investigation by the House Military Affairs Committee of the Coeur d’Alene miners’ strike in Idaho has adduced much evidence tending to show a gross abuse of power by the military while the dbtrict was under martial law. Instead of the troops being there to maintain peace and order, they seem to have been there virtually in the interest of the mine-owners. Arbitrary arrests were made, men were kept in the “bull-pen” for months who were innocent/ but could get no trial. Warrants were signed in blank by the Governor’s agent, who was a friend of the mining company. These were filled in at the discretion 'of the deputy sheriffs, who used this sweeping power at their own sweet wills. All they had to do was to insert a name in the warrants, which already charged with violation of the proclamation and military regulations of the Governor. Then the man named would be captured by the troops and kept in the “bull-pen” without trial until the military commander saw fit to relieve him. The story of thb strike and the military connection <rf the Government thereto, as told by sworn witnesses, forms a pretty dark chapter of militarism for a republican government. Such experiences will not tend to enamor American citzens with military rule abroad; for there the opportunity for and temptation to abuse arbitrary power would be still greater.—lndianapolis Press.