The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-04-03
B-LAcKBuRN's PROSECUTOR

6ulnOr 10 EHecI 1ndI sHSHad LIS
tict Attorney VIII be Selected by
Department Of Justice & Conduct
Prosecution of Congressman at
Greensboro Next Month-The Wood
Mileage Matter Investigated-Mr.
Blackburn at His Accustomed Place
in House.
Washington, March 27.-There Is
q report in circulation here tonight
TO the effect that. when the case OF
Congressman Blackburn is taken up
in Greensboro nex month, District
Attorney Lewis, of Virginia. will ap-
pear to take the lead in the prosecu-
ton. Judge Lewis at n time serv-
ed ON the superior court bench IN Nir-
ginia, and il is said that his ability
as a prosecuting officer is recognized
throughout the state. Judge Lewis
also stauds very high in the estima-
ton of department officials, but the
names of several district attorneys are
being considered and the selection OF
Judge Lewis is not final. 1t is under
stood that friends of Congressman
Blackburn have no objection TO the
UlSITlcL attorney HUH fiSAhA'
though this is, Of course, a matter IN
which they have no voice.
Senator Overman, in a measure at
least, made out his case at the recent
meeting of the military affairs commit
tee. The North Carolina senator has
contenGed that General Leonard Wood
had, in coming from the philippines
TO the United States to undergo an
| operation al the governments expense,
got money to which he was not en-
titled. 1t was the mileage 10
which Senator Overman objected. Sec
| rotary Taft was invited to appear De
| fore the comittee and when ne dld
so Senator Overman closely question:
ed him with respect to these matters.
In the course of the inquiry Secretary
| Taft admitted hat General Wood, TO-
| gether with n of his aids, did re-
| ceive some mileage and he said tna-
! he directed that the matter be lnVestl-
! gated. The whole proceeding was III
| good part, and no friction o be-
| tween the secretary Of war n any OF
the senator's. After the hearing Secre-
tary Taft entered the senate
when the secretary clapped the North
Carolina senator on the ShOulder, ano
the two laughed like two schOol BOYS
about the hearing. Secretary Ialt IS
foxy. and while a whole lot OF Things
have happened over in tn Philippines,
it is seldom that he lets anything TAI
which would be of use to CRITICS OF the
government. Secretary TAFT Toes not
mind disporting himself about the SEN
ate chamber or in any other puDlc
placa now that a thorough course OF
bag-punching or something has re
suited in a substantial reduction OF
flesh.
MR.. BLACKBURN AT HIS SEAT
Representative Blackburn has start
ed the week by appearing at the capl
toll as though nothing had happened
The fact that he remained away from
the house for three or four lays las
week and failed to vote on me STATE
hood bill. was the subject OF comment
:; and it was suggested that the 1nuict
ed congressman might drop out Oh ne
at the capitol until after MS lrlai
Monday he showed up at the mouse a:
usual. and after remaining tner'
E awhile, in conversation with seVera
! of his colleagues, went over to TN
!, senate chamber and sat just De1ln'
/ senator Ovarman, with two or thre
other North Carolina house memoefs
S while the senator was delivering nj
5 sDeech. Mr.. Blackburn has explalne'
: that the house leaders knew "her
3 he was. and could easily have 1oun'
t him if his vote had been neede'
when the statehood. bill came up
n W. A. Hildebrand in Charlotte Opser
l var