The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1906-08-06

That the Republican state machine, OF
which Senator Reed Smoot is the dlcta-
tor, is determined to control the acts
and decisions of the state supreme ana
district judges, as well as the acts of
men holding the highest political posi-
lions, is demonstrated by developments of
the past week. Current political gossip,
backed in three instances by irrefragible
proof. demonstrates the intention of Apos-
lie Smoot and his machine TO make tie
judiciary as much a part of his machine
as the humblest constable III the most
remote precinct in the state.
Two years ago. after the Republicans
had carried the state by big majority,
the machine determined that William
Spry, chairman of its state committee,
ought to have an office. He was not
then slated for the United marshalship,
and the clerkship of the supreme court
was fixed upon as the most available billet
for him. To Hiram E. Booth was dele
gated the task of lining up the supreme
Judges for the machine favorite.
Catches Tartar in McCarty.
So far as can be learned Judge W. NJ.
McCarty was the first member of the
court visited by Mr.. Booth. Mr.. Booth
solicited Judge McCarty to vote for M.
Spry and was informed that the justice
in question was committed to H. w. Grit
fifth then stenographer for the court, TO
fill the clerkship which was about to be-
come vacant Mr.. Booth then called on
Mr.. Griffith and made a vain attempt
70 induce him to withdraw. Then he re
turned to Judge McCarty and urged him
to break his promise and support Mr..
Spry. Judge McCarty declined to break
his word.
Booth. land in any event Griffith can
only hold it two years. We've got Straup,
and two years from now Wen get another
man who'll give us what We want. This
is all part of a program, and you may
as we'll vote for Spry now"
Judge MCCarty reiterated his intention
to stand by Griffith, and Mr.. Booth. angry
beyond the point Of self control. left TIE
Judges chambers with the threat that, at
the end of four years, the machine would
name a Judge in his (McCarty's 81 place.
who would see that patronage was dis
tributed according to the wish OF the ma
chine.
three Judges voted for Mr.. Griffith, and
there was not. nor has there ever, APP
reared any justification for Booths boast
that the Smoot crowd machine controlled
Justice Straup. Men who know Justice
Straup best say that today he is strong
opponent of the Smoot machine
Breeder Makes Confession.
Attorney General NJ. A Breeder, recog-
nized by all politicians as being one of
4he most abiect creatures of the SmOOt
machine in the state. admitted yesterday
that ne had urged judge j. A. Howell of
The Second judicial district to grant
new trial to F. w. Chambers, president of
The ogden CITY council who was convicted
of voting himself extra compensation il
legally and his office declared vacant
Major Breeder admitted moreover that
when he visited Judge Howell he was ac-
by United States Marshal Will
Toll
''Mr. Spry and myself called upon Judge
Howell. not in our official capacity, but
as fellow Republicans Ogden was in an
uproar at the time and the best law
had been unfairly convicted They held
that no criminal intent had been shown
and all felt that, in view OF the acquittal
of Mr. Craig. another councilman, on iden-
made against Mr.. Chambers. new trial
should be granted the latter.
Politicians Urge New Trial.
CAS- Republicans, Mr.. Spry and myself
called upon Judge Howell We told him
that, in view of the fact that Mr.. Craig
was acquitted. we felt that. if he could
do so, upon the. facts, evil
dence and law adduced at the trial. he
should grant Mr.. Chambers a new trial
We did not talk to him in any official
capacity, and asked him to do nothing
that would violate his, conscience or his
oath of office as a judge. He thanked
ms for our call. In fact. he accompanied
,Is TO the door and asked us to call again"
Ibid Mr.. Spry concur In what was said
to Judge Howell?' was asked.
"Oh. YES" replied Major Breeder. 'Tr
fact he did most of the talking
Spry Makes Denial.
Mr.. Spry told story radically different
from that told by Major Breeder. When
he was Intercepted, he said:
major Breeder and myself didn't 20
to Ogden to see Judge Howell. We went
on another errand. We saw Judge Howell,
however. while we were there and had d
with him."
''Were the trials of the city councilmen
in that conversation was
asked.
Eyes, they were mentioned in a casual
way." replied Mr. Spry.