The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-10-17
ADMITS MAKING MONEY
 OUT OF CANADIAN TRIP

desire an itemized statement of the above We wish to know, also, how many went on the trip without passes on the raii- roads and especially over the Louisville and Nashville, and who is to blame. Please include in your report the amount of money paid you for the Niagara Falls trip and how that money was expended State also whether any discounts were allowed you at any of the hotels I will state that the committee and others are investigating all of these facts, and deem 1t justice to you so that you may embrace them in your report The committee will aid you in every way possible to secure all of the evidence and disprove the charges made against you I would be glad to answer any question and furnish, so far as possible, all Ques- tions you are expected to answer.
 Impartial Hearing.
 Whatever may be the finding of the committee, we wish you to say that we have been fair and impartial. We are unable to give you the names of all the witnesses who will appear before the com mittee. Among them will be J. M. Falk- ner. F. P. Glass, and many hers who claim to have paid more than the $2s for the trip. Will be glad to hear from you and answer any questions.
 Please send copies of your letters to
 
 Yours truly.
 H. S. Doster. /
 Chairman Investigating Committee.
 He said the letter was in answer to a demand from Mir. Rountree for charges and specifications
 MT. Doster said If MT. Rountres an- swered the questions in the letter the committee would be satisfied.
 'T desire to know" said MT. Rountree ''who is making these charges? I want 1t in black and white."
 After consultation the committee re- cessed until Il o'clock to await the ar rivel of MT. Caldwell. Mir. Rountree's law yer. When the committee reconvened MT. Caldwell asked if any chages had been filed against MT. Rountree.
 Replying, Chairman Doster said the committee had accepted editorials in The Montgomery Advertiser as charges and had so notified MT. Rountree some time ago. Does the chairman refer to his letter bearing date of October 5?' asked Mir. Caldwell.
 "Yes sir that is the letter." replied Mfr Doster.
 Mir. Caldwell said that in view of the fact that MT. Rountree asked for an investigation under the constitution of the Press Association he desired to say that before proceeding he would submit paper in the way of a protest which he then read:
 The paper was as follows:
 Rountree's Protest. .., A statement was submitted containing the correspondence which passed between Mir. Rountree and President Yerby and also between MT. Rountree and Mir. Dos ter. in which Mir. Rountree asked re- a a f0fI Ivy fnP hn ok ka A. against him in writing. The statement went on: q had reasonable ground for belief that some one of those who had editorially charged me with wrong-doing and tnfdelity to the Association would not hesitate to embody in written charges and definite shape those acts and doings of mine which according to their iudg- rasnt and conceit constituted conduct reprehensfble in an officer and member Of the Association. I had a right to be- lieve that their sense of loyalty to the Association would as quickly have fmpeil- ed them to, file written charges under their information and belief against an offending member. as their desire for ventilating him pressed them to proclaim his supposed guilt
 T had right to believe that no com mlttee Of investigation would be inclin- ed In such proceedings to find a sufficient indictment in each of the several news paper articles referring to my alleged malreasance, or satisfied with less than record of the entire matter, so that when this committee should report its proceedings and findings to the Alabama Press Association. no one interested need appeal to the mere memory of man to ascertain upon what charge I was tried, who made 1t. what the testimony was and what your decision and report.
 T therefore, most respectfully sub init that this committee should not pro- ced with this investigation without writ ten charges upon which 1t shall take proof, base its decision and render it's report. and I most earnestly protest against your entering into this investiga- tion, which means too much to me and to the State Press Association, without written charges to which I can plead in- telligently, and concerning which can introduce proof in a full, open and public investigation looking to a constitutional trial before the State Association, before which confidently expect to be acquitted of any wrong-doing toward the Associa- tion or any person in anywise connected with the Canadian excursion.'
 Asked Written Charges.
 On these objections MT. Caldwell said MT. Rountree asked that the Committee provide him with charges.
 F. P. Glass of The Montgomery Adver- tiser at this 5uncture asked if the Com mittee had decided to go on with the case He merely asked this, he said, as an out slider, but as a member of the Associa- ton.
 Mir. Doster said the Committee had ac- cepted the editorials in The Advertiser as charges and would proceed.
 MT. Caldwell said Mir. Glass was here to show unusual interest in the case Mir Glass retorted that he was a member of the Press Association and had apparent ly more interest in the Association than some of it's officials He did not propose, he said, to have slurs cast upon him for his attitude in the matter.
 MT. Caldwell explained his position and MT. Glass said he accepted the explana- tion.
 Then MT. Caldwell asked that para graphs in The Advertiser editorials be cited. which was done.
 At his point MT. Lawrence of the Com nittee explained the attitude of the Com mitee. He said the Committee objected to the turn trying MT. Rountree." Mir. Rountree was not on trial. Mir. Lawrence said. The Committee had already inves- tigated charges against MT. Rountree. It was here now to give MT. Rountree a hearing.
 MT. Caldwell said the Committee could call the proceedings whatever it pleased hut 1t was a trial and a trial not in ac- cordance with the Constitution of the As-