New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-07-06
HANFORD PROBERS CLASH
Majority of Committee Declares
1t Will Rule at Hearing.
WITNESSES STORIES VARY
Some Testify Judges Peculiar,
ties Might Lead to Belief
That He Was Intoxicated.

hbp Az w bo lIbOhlCdUGu.
Seattle. July The majority of the
House Judiciary sub committee. Represcu-
tatives James Graham. Of Illinois, and
Walter l. Mccoy. of New Jersey came into
open conflict to-day with the minority MEM
her, Representative Edwin W. Higgins OF
Connecticut, over the manner of conducting
the inquiry into the conduct of United
state Judge Cornelius II. Hanford.
Mccoy told of rumors that evidence was
being suppressed and witnesses were being
inundated Chairman Graham announced
that the committee was seeking "inCrimi-
mating" evidence.
Graham referred 10 himself and Mccoy
as the majority and asserted that the ma
iority would rule
Charles +. Peterson, a timber and coal
land dealer. testified that he had seen Judge
Hanford under the influence of liquor. one
night, about eight months ago, he said. ne
had seen Judge Hanford leaning on the bar
in a saloon. apparently intoxicated, glass
in front of him.
on a later occasion. Peterson testified
he saw Judge Hanford in saloon AT
night with both arms on the bar.
There is no question in my mind that
tho man was very drunk" he said.
TWO months ago. and two weeks ago
tho witness testified, he saw Judge Han
ford apparently drunk. The last time inc
iudge WAS walking with eX-United States
Senator Piles.
Uanford's counsel Cross-cXamined re
terson concerning his motive in appearing
and Representative Mccoy said the Wit
ness appeared AS a result OF a conference
had with himself and Chairman Graham,
Representative Higgins angrilly desired
II to he noted that he was not party 10
the conference.
Mr.. Mccoy explained that Higgins was
in Tacoma else he would have been con-
suited. IN answer to McCoys questions
Peterson described the conference
Peterson said he begged that he be not
brought into the case, as his business
probably would be affected. one witness
said that he had been told at the con-
ference by Mccoy that the lawyers oi
the city were apparently afraid to go aheAu
and say anything" regarding JudG" Han
ford. and that there ought to he some
persons in Seattle who would have the
courage TO come forward to testify.
Here Mr.. Higgins made statement Tor
the record that he was not present "h'"
this conversation occurred.
Chairman Graham requested the news
papers TO print the committees request
that any one having material evidence
should present II go that when the com
ui,tee left Seattle II could not he said
that an opportunity had not been given
for such testimony. Nh Higgins protested
AGAINST the issuance Of this invitation.
Mr. Hutches. counsel for Judge llanford.
rrot4sted against recording McCoy's ques-
tions about the alleged refusal Of people
"a testify. saying that they were renee
ton on the people Of Seattle. Mr.. Graham
after referring To the dificHIty OF oo'"''
ING evidence. said that the attorney had
been misunderstood. The suo-c"Hh'I''''''
had come 10 seek discriminating evidence
he said. and II enough discriminating 'N'-
dance were found to recommend impeach-
ment OF Judge Hanford.
Several jurists and lawyers tes'ileu
strongly I'm favor OF Judge Hanford' say
ing they had never known him To be III
toxicated. and had never seen INN mat
tcntive in court although his pecuHar'"cS
might make persons who ola not hho"
him think he was asleep.
Elmer r. Todd. for five years Unlted
states Attorney. said ne had never seen
rudge Hanford under the influence OF
fouor The Judges rulings were always
-ro,,nt and clear He had seen Haniord
arirLInp I'm the Rainier club, Seattle, every
time witness had been In the club. Be
zorro dinner. the witness testified. the judge
drank A cocktail or "A glass OF beer. more
often a cocktail. Late al night "heh
the witness had been at the club. he usually
had seen Hanford drinking beer. He said
he had frequently seen the judge appar-
emily sleepy on the bench, his h"ad bowed
! forward and his eyes closed.
Charles Hudson. formerly United states
! Attorney. corroboratcd Todds evidence as
! IN Unuford's careful attention In court,
and at the same time his appearance OF
drowsness Numerous questions asked or
this witness and Of Todd related To the
extensive prosecution Of white slhvcrs IN
IIanford's court. Friends Of Judge Han
( ford intimated that ne was being perse-
cutod bv an organized white slave synd-
| cate.
| lanes NJ Ashton. an attorney OF Ia
coma testified that twice he had seen
Judge Hanford drink cocktails in the
Rainier club, once I'm hotel In Tacoma
and also he had seen the judge drink
moderately at banquets lie had never
| noticed the Judge under the influence OF
| intoxicants but had observed him appar-
emily aseep on the bench yet wide awake.