Jasper County Democrat, Volume 11, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 July 1908 — MERCY FOR ORCHARD [ARTICLE]

MERCY FOR ORCHARD

Idaho Pardon Board Commutes « His Death Sentence to Ute Imprisonment. Was to be hanged tomorrow Convicted Man Opposes Commutation to the Last , / Tells His Counsel He Hoped Effort* to Save Him Would Fail—Story 7 of* Remarkable Case. Boise, Ida., July 2.—The state board of pardons has commuted the sentence of Harry Ofchard, who was sentenced to be hanged- tomorrow for the murder of ex-Governor Frank Steunenberg, to imprisonment for life. Accused High Union Officers. Orchard was arrested two days after the assassination of ex-Governor Steunenberg, at Caldwell, Idaho, December 30,1905. and a few week* later, while confined in the Idaho penitentiary, confessed his guilt to James MeParland, of the Pinkerton detective agency, at the same time asserting that he was employed to commit the crime by officers of the- Western Federation of Miners. As a result, of his eonfession Charles H. Moyer, president, and William D. Haywood, secretary-treas-urer, of the Western Federation of Minors, and Charles D. Pettibone, wore arrested at Denver and brought to Idaho to answer the charge of murder. He Told a Shocking StoryJohp Simpkins, another member of the Federation, also indicted, is still a fugitive. Haywood and Pettibone were acquitted after memorable trials in which Orchard told a story of whole sale assassination which shocked the world. Following the trial of Pettibone the case against Moyer was dismissed. Orchard, who was indicted separately, when arraigned after his confession, stood mute, and the court directed that a plea of not guilty be entered. Judge Condemn Federation Men. His case was continued from term to term until April 10 of this year, when it was called at Caldwell and be asked permission to change his plea. The court granted bis request and Orchard pleaded guilty to murder in tbe first degree. Tn pronouncing the sentence of death a week later Imjgo Wood recommended that the board nf pardons commute the sentence, saying he was firmly convinc'd that Orchard had told the whole and,exact truth at the trial* of Haywood and Pettibone The board in commuting tbe «entcnre acted on the recommendation of Judge Wood. Orchard Preferred «n Die Orchard to the last was opposed tn hsving tbe sentence Interfered with Only Tuesday he said to his ettnrtmv that he hoped the effort tn have him from the gallows would fail.