The state herald., 1905-07-07
SENATOR PATTERSON
TO BE CHARGED WITH CONTEMPT

Proceedings to Be Instituted by State
Bar Assoclation--For Articles and
Cartoons crItlclsns Supreme Court
Decision In Case Of Denver County
Officers.
Denver, June SO,-The News this
morning says: At the request of Chief
Justice Gabbert and Judge Goddard Of
the Supreme Court a majority Of the
grievance committee of the State Bar
Association met on Wednesday even
ing, to consider the request of the
above named Judges that the commit
tee recommend that contempt proceed
ings be instituted against Senator Pat
terson, for articles and cartoons printed
in the News and the Times relating to
the courts recent charter and other de.
cisions and actions,
The meeting was stormy one, and
though Lucius W. Hoyt favored rec
mendations for both disbarment and
contempt proceedings, the resolution
about disbarment was voted down
unanimously. The question of con-
tempt was then taken up, and after a
heated discussion a resolution to the
effect that certain of the editorials and
cartoons justified proceedings for con-
tempt-though. TIE resolutions, as the
News is informed, did not mention
Senator Patterson by name. The meet
ing lasted until nearly midnight. and
developed much opposition to any ac-
tion whatever, but rs there was n ma
jority of the committee for reporting in
favor of proceedinga for contempt, all
OF the committee pretent finally united
upon the modified resolution that was
adopted. There werd two representa-
tives from the attorney generals of
flee present, who at times participated
in the discussion. II may be mentioned
in passing that Judge Goddard is pres
ident of the State Bar rlAssociation. 1t
was stated at the meetihg by those who
represented the judges wishes that
they desired favorable action from the
committee, that the coiIrt might have
the moral backing such action would
give, and that the c9lrt intended to
proceed, whether the committee acted
favorably or not. 1t Mas generally un-
derstood that the papers were being
prepared in the attorney generals of
flee yesterday, and tlsy will probably
be served to-day.
When the above fac.s were communi-
Gated to Senator Patterson yesterday
afternoon by the reIbrter he said to
him: Il had arranged to go to Boul-
der county tomorrowlon business. but
4 will cancel the appointment and re-
main here, that service may be had
upon me at the earliest possible mo-
ment."
When asked as to whether the pro-
ceedings would interfete with his Phil
ippine trip, he said: Il don't know;
that. of course will iemain with the
Supreme Court. 1t lint very impor-
tant that should go, ytt have wished
TO go. to learn what ] could by per-
sonal investigation Of conditions in
our trans-Pacifc possessions. l will
not denur, however, If the court takes
action to interfere with the trip. The
party with Secretary Taft will pass
through Cheyenne In a special train on
Sunday evening. and had arranged to
join them there.
"Of course" continued Senator Pat.
terson. Il will promptly comply with
any citation from the court. AS to the
articles complained OF. | am responsi.
BILE for every one of them, and either
wrote or approved Of them. ! believe
they Were fair and Just criticism. and
fully warranted by what has transpired.
| will shirk no responsibility and en-
deayor as best can to demonstrate
my right to compose or approve and
publish them.
yes" he said, II know that under
the circumstance the tribunal to try
me will be pretty much like court
only there will be no reviewing
court or officer or other tribunal to In
terfere with whatever the court shall
decide. | consider the proceedings
against me as a direct assault upon the
freedom OF the press, and shall de-
fend that ancient and important
OF free people with all
my power. should say no more now
Let the future tell the story