Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-07-30
M'LENDON DEBATE is
TO BE LONG ONE
Continued from page One

railway bonds. That was a matter out
side of the case entirely.
SENATOR BURWELL SPEAKS.
Senator Burwen addressed himself to
the various resolutions and substitutes
before the senate. He read his original
resolution seeking removal Of Mr.. Nc
Tendon. His purpose in offering this res
olution, he said, was merely to raise the
issue so that senators could vote one way
or another. He told of his effort to strike
out that section of the original resolu-
ton relative to rumors of the bond trans
action. However, the committee had in
structed the investigation committee to
bring all the evidence in connection with
the case, including the facts relating to
the bond issue. This evidence was now
before the senate just as if it were a
jury. He did not think the evidence could
be removed from the minds and con-
seriousness of the senators.
Senator Matthews asked Senator Bur-
well IL he had not originally objected to
the bond issue deal going in.
yes, 1 did, but the senate differed
with me. 1 objected to 1t then and do
now, but the evidence is in and cannot be
done away with" said Senator Burwell.
1--WE are just as much disqualified now
as we ever will be to try this case, wheth-
er we consider the bond ISSUE" he con-
tinued.
QUESTION OF IMPEACHMENT.
"Who raised all this cry of impeach-
ment? Is 1t not it's strongest staunchest
friends? Is it the champion or real JUS
tice? No! Refuse to consider it now
then vote for it now and you are dis
qualified to serve in impeachment pro-
ceedings. The commissioner will remain
", 10 haf will
Senator Matthews asked if his substitute
evaded anything.
Yes, it does" replied Senator Bur
well. 1T evades every question of quail
ifcations or fitness to hold office.
SOME STRANGE ACTIONS.
There are communications in this evil
dence which is passing strange for q
railroad commissioner to indulge in. II
appears he was fortifying the opposition
when Investigations were on. He was
dealing in bonds and making money out
of them.
Ibid he come out frankly and admit
this fact? No, it was a case of evasion
until the bank books were brought and
the whole matter sifted. His best friends
did not know of these transactions until
the very last He scaid he was doing II
all to help his friend, when his friend had
been out of Office two months"
Mr.. Burwell said the statement of Mr.
McLendon showed the handiwork of his
entire present political family.
H opposed the resolution that the re-
port be taken up by sections. He thought
1t ought to be voted on as a whole.
LACK OF ABILITY.
Quoting the testimony of Attorney Gen
eral Hart, the speaker argued that Mr..
McLendon was disqualified on account of
incompetence and should be dismissed on
that ground alone.
SENATOR LONGLEY FOR MLENDON.
He said 1t was not against public policy
for railroad commissioner to own stock
in a street railway. He denied there was
any way to remove an officer of the state
except by impeachment and trial by the
senate. He thought his friendship for
Governor Smith had prompted him solely
in jobbing in street railroad bonds The
law gave him that right.
mo one has an idea Of impeachment
proceedings" said Mr.. Longley. TT has
been injected into this case for God
knows what. If the question of Mr.. Nc
Lendon's buying or selling railroads were
heard by jury the question would have
been ruled out"
Senator Perry concluded argument at
the morning session at 1 o'clock.
NEW BILLS READ.
BY Mr.. Calhoun-To provide for de-
partment of labor.