The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1912-07-23
Judge Hanford's Explanation

Judge Hanford's statement follows;
THE almost constant strain under
which I have worked for more than 70
years has taxed but not exhausted my
power of endurance. | am not likely to-
have a vacation II | stay and the change
will come as relief. | intend TO practlce
law in Seattle.
I'm the investigation which has been
conducted by n subcommittee of the
House OF representatives, much rtesti-
mony has been given by witnesses VINO
know me and by others who do nnss !
am grateful for the commentator or
those who have spoken and written in my
favor. and l wish to say that | would be
ashamed of myself II | had not incurred
the enmity of certain people. A judge of
never making enemies is a poor Judge
| can boast of these. 1t may be said or
others. Concerning myself and my work,
| am glad that nay record Is what II is.
Judge Hanford has been much In the
public eye since August %, 1911. when af-
ter he had issued an injunction hostile
to the position OF Seattle citizens In
five cent fare fight against street car
company, he was denounced at great
mass meeting and resolutions demanding
his impeachment were adopted
While the meeting was in progress
a crowd outside hanged in effigy a
stuffed figure labelled "Hanford" One
of the speakers at the meeting said he
had seen Judge Hanford intoxicated in
a public place. The speakers at this
meeting were arrested for interfering
with an order of the court and some Of
them were kept In prison several days.
1t appeared from the evidence in the
hearing Just ended that detectives
were at once detailed to watch Judge
Hanford and every move he made was
recorded Several members of Congress
4.arr
impeachment proceedings
Revokes Citizenship
During the Industrial Workers of the
World demonstration in Washington
last spring Judge Hanford condemned
the carrying of the red fiag through the
streets on May 10 he revoked the
citizenship papers of Leonard OLSON.
member of the socialist labor party
and of the Industrial Workers of the
World, because Olsson, in appearing as
a witness for another man seeking citi-
zenship had said he was mot devotedly
attached to the constitution.
The national convention of the socialist
party at indianapolis took notice of Han
ford's decision and asked Congressman
Victor Berger to bring impeachment
charges against Hanford. Berger intro
dueed the charges on June l6, accusing
and of being a habitual drunkard.
Eight supplemental charges against
Hanford were filed directly with the ju-
dietary committee of the House by
Seattle attorney. The House unanimously
referred Berger's charges TO the House
judiciary committed and that body ap-
pointed subcommittee to take evidence
In Seattle.
This subcommittee began its proceed
ings June q and continued its sessions
steadily. The committee called every one
who offered evidence.
Dozens of witnesses testified they had
seen Judge Hanford apparently intoxi-
GATED in streets and a few sNorJ that
they had seen him apparently intoxicated
In the court room. Many of Judge Han
fords friends testified that his peculiari-
ties and mannerisms had been misunder-
stood Judge Hanford. g years old. had
lived on Puget Sound 50 years. He was
appointed supreme justice OF the territory
of Washington In 1883 and on the admls-
SION of washington to statehood became
district judge.