Plot to kill the president

December 1, 1888

Sensational testimony in the Chicago Dynamiter’s Trial.

Chicago, Ill., Nov. 27.- The trial of the alleged dynamiters was resumed in the criminal court this morning. State’s Attorney Longenecker said the state proposed to show that there was conspiracy to murder Judges Gary and Grinell and Inspector Bonfield, and would prove that Hronek had his house filled with bombs.

After Attorney Goldzier, for the prisoner, had outlined his defense which was that the dynamite found in his possession was given him by a man named Karafiat, Hronek not knowing its nature, the taking of testimony was begun.

The first witness was Frank Chlebonn, one of the conspirators, who had turned state’s evidence. He is unable to speak English and his testimony was taken through an interpreter. He testified at length concerning their experience with dynamite and then said: “Hronek gave me a small bomb to take home. I kept it a few days but was afraid that it would explode and I gave it to Inspector Bonfield. On several occasions Hronek said that he must have revenge for death of the Anarchists.” He showed him pictures of Grinell, Gary and Bonfield. A German named Schneider told where Grinell lived and showed him a plot of the Aldine Square and on July 4 Hronek, Chapek and the witness went on a search for the house. They finally found the house and took a good look at it. On the way home Hronek said that President Cleveland had a narrow escape when on his visit here. At that time he (Hronek) had a bomb ready to throw at the presidential carriage but was disturbed by Schneider and Nikolanda.

Hronek’s plans, witness said, were to kill Bonfield first, but on talking it over with Chapek they decided to put an end to Judge Grinnell first. He said that if no better opportunity offered he would go into the court room and throw a bomb at the judge. Then if the police tried to capture him he would sue a bomb on them and if this failed he had a revolver and would shoot the officers and then himself. If he got a chance at Grinnell or Gary on the street he would use a knife.

source: The Ironwood Times
location: Ironwood, Michigan