Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-12-27
ALMOST A CROOK
is What Chicago Bar Association
Declares Judge Chetlain
to Be.
STRONG CENSURE APPLIED
Superior Court Official Found Guilty of
Numerous Improprieties on
Bench.

Chicago, Dec. 27.-Judge Arthur II.
Chetlain of the superior court is found
guilty of conduct unbecoming a judge
by the Chicago Bar associations in
vestigating committee, which made
public its report yesterday afternoon.
The committee stated that on the
basis of the evidence presented the
judge was guilty not of corruption but
of improprieties indicating "an utter
failure on his part TO appreciate the
responsibilities and dignity of the judi
cial Office" These improprieties, the
report declares, are deserving of criti-
cism and worthy of censure."
Conclusions Summed Up.
While severe denunciation of Judge
Chetlain's official and unofficial acts
was expressed in nearly every para
graph of the 10 page printed report,
the conclusions were summed up in
these two terse sentences:
"The committee finds that Arthur H.
Chetlain has been guilty of grave in
fractions of that conduct which is be-
coming judge, and that he has by his
reckless actions seriously impaired his
usefulness in that high Office
1--WE do not find Judge Arthur H.
Chetlain guilty of corruption. but we
do find him guilty of conduct unbecom-
ing a Judge"
Strong Hint to Resign.
The verdict of unbecoming conduct
is considered the strongest hint the
lawyers association could give to the
judge that he ought to resign his posi-
tion on the bench This was admitted
tacitly by officers of the association,
who declared that had he been found
in order, for the association to institute
impeachment proceedings.
Summary of the Criticism.
Summarized, the criticism passed on
the conduct of Judge Chetlain are:
Judge Chetlain permitted the use of
his judicial title by the Copper King
Mining company, about which he knew
nothing. in return for a gift of $4,000
worth of stock.
He permitted similar use of his
name in connection with the extrava-
CANT promises of the Rayon Mining
company.
He engaged actively in the promo
tion of the Porto Rico Gold Mining
company to an extent tending to bring
his Judicial office into disrepute.
In the improper promoting of the
Hardwood Lumber syndicate he receiv-
ed benefits at the expense of persons
he induced to invest.
Disregards Judicial Dignity.
Il 1LA ~
nifty of his position in issuing accom-
mOdation paper to further the promo
tion of the Rapid Transit Stock Car
in accepting stock and cash
for the use of his name
The holding of the judges notes by
Jacob Kruckstein, involved in a man
damus suit in his court. and by Nath- |
an Bremen, business associate of Will
liam Loefiier. on trial before him for |
gave plausiblity in cred
ulous minds to the charges that there
was something wrong"
Judge Chetlain followed the ques- |
tionable practice of appointing his min
ute clerk. E. ]. thinner, a receiver
Of bankrupt estates in his court, and
committed the impropriety
Of placing himself under financial OBJ
igations to his subordinate, which had
lot been satisfied at the time of the
rearing.
Helped Friend.
He was blind TO a proper sense of
Dropriety in hearing the habeas corpus
for the release of his
riend, Lloyd ]. Smith.
He signed the bail bond for the re-
ease from arrest of his business asso-
late. Z. B. Denison. an act declared
o be "unwise" for judicial officer.
He showed a strong disposition to
indulge in and foster speculative ven
ures,'' a proclivity that cannot but
IMPAIR the freedom of action of "A
udge," awakens suspicion of his mo-
ives" and actions. and "weakens con-
idence in the administration of just