The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-02-12
THE SACHS FIaHr VERY BITTER.
His supporters Threaten to Force Ac-
cusers to Leave Fort Townsend.

cusers to Leave Fort Townsend.
PORT TOWNSEND, Feb. Ii-tSpeciaL 1.-THE
sachs investigating committee left here last
night, but the mntter has been discussed all day
long on the street corners and in the business
houses. Ii seems to have completely monopol-
lied the minds oi the citizens generally. 1t is
reported tonight that Indge sachs has made up
his mind TO resign, but this is not believed by
those who know him best. rs he Is fighter. 1t
Is plainly evident, however, that public senti-
ment Is stronger against him today than il has
been heretofore His own admissions rs to open
ana almost habtual gambling, when before the
committee, doubtless has much TO do with Great
Ing public opinion.
The Ereat9g Cal, the Democratic paper, today
comes out against him. II says Throwing all
OF these matters touching upon the official acts
OF the Judge aside and considering only the adj
mission that he has been in the habit of GAM
bling while occupying the position of judge
upon the bench, il will be the plain duty of the
legislature TO ask for bis resignation. The lcgis-
latiye body can have no alternative in the mat
ter. Ii it obeys the sentiment OF the people here
II will ask Judge Sachs to step down and OUT
II is said that the Morning Lcodsr, the Repub-
lieau organ. which has heretofore been neutral,
will also demand Sachs removal. The judges
partisans however are very bitter. and declare
they Will not allow him 10 resign, although IL Is
known that number of his friends are urging
him TO do So
There is so much bitterness in the fight. now,
and so much testimony has been introduced,
that it is generally agreed that If the committee
reports in favor OF Judge Sachs the fourteen
attorneys who are pressing the charges against
him will be practically forced to give up the
law or go elsewhere TO practice. Judge Sachs
and his friends openly declare that they will
crowd their opponents to the wall II may be
that the committee will proceed under section
OF article / of the constitution. in
stead OF reporting articles of mpcach-
ment. This section declares: ''.lRy judge
OF any court OF record the attorney
general or any prosecuting attorney may be re-
moved from Office by joint resolution Of the
legislature in which three quarters OF the laenl-
beTs elected TO each house shall concur for in-
competency. corruption, malfesance or delin-
quency in Office. or other sufficient cause stated
i'll such resolution" 1t is the general opinion
here that the charges against Judge Sachs are of
too serious nature to be ignored by the legisla-
ture The committee may decide to recommend
ms removal without going into impeachment
proceedings.
OLYMPIA, Feb r.--fSpecial lit NAV be re-
garued as positive that the Sachs investigating
committee will submit report finding against
him. and recommending that an action for inn
peachment or dismissal from the office lie taken.
The committee returned from Port Townsend
today and held n secret session tonight. The
members declined to oannounce their conclusions
further than that they will be unanimous in
their report except Representative Johnson. who
has not yet returned. but who will doubtless
concur There ~ some doubt to the exact
mapner OF procedure proper to be taken against
Sachs. In section 9, article I of the eonstitu-
ton II is provided that judicial officers
may be removed by joint resolution
OF both houses, upon a three-fo -fourtls vote,
for delinquency or misconduct in office.
The article on impeachment provides that in
cases OF malfeasance or other criminal conduct,
judge may be impeached by the Senate upon
two.thlr,.s vote. The most serious charge
against Sachs is gambling, and upon the def
milton. of the term gambling depends entirely
the course OF procedure against him. If it is a
mere delinquency he may be removed by
resolution of both houses. II il Is a criminal
offense, be may BE- impeached and forever de-
barred from holding Office in the state. Though
it is not certain, it is likely the COMMITTEES will
refer the defnition of gambling to the House,
and let it decide what procedure is proper.
whatever is done things look stormy for Sachs.