Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-04-09
NHITEWASH BY
COUNCIL FEAR
Of NJ CLELLAND
Alderman Refuses to Give the
Names Of Alleged Grafters
for This Reason.

Alderman John E. McClelland de-
clared to-day he would refuse to COM
ply with the demand made by Council
yesterday that he Immediately fur
nish, in writing, the names of the
Aldermen whom he has charged with
corruption, He said it would allow
the accused to better prepare a de-
tense, and he feared that the white
washing" of all of them would be
framed up before the investigation
ever began.
81 will give the names only when
the investigating committee has met
and is ready to consider evidence in a
practical businesslike way" he said
Although disappointed because he
could not get five citizens, appointed
ny Mayor Woodward, added to the in
vestigating committee, the Aldermans
fighting spirit is not wavering.
Thomson Has No Charges.
When, at the meeting Of Council
yesterday. Alderman McClelland heard
that Councilman Albert Thomson had
said that counter charges would be
made against him, he Immediately in
troduced a resolution demanding that
these charges be submitted in writ
ing. Councilman Thomson went over
to the Alderman and told him that he
had no charges 10 make
Alderman McClelland was pale. and
showed that he was weak. After his
talk with Councilman Thomson, he
left the meeting for the private sani-
tarium where he is taking treatment.
He said he had no objection to the
personnel Of the committee Mayor
Pro Tenn Warren expected to ap-
point. His contention was that it
was wrong in principle for Council TO
investigate itself.
Mayor Woodward said to-day he
would approve the action of Council
creating a committee of five to carry
on q wholesale graft investigation of
the General Council. As soon as he
has taken this action Mayor Pro Ten
Warren will announce the following
committee:
Mayor Is pisplsased.
John $ Gambler, chairman; A. r.
Colcord. $. s. Shepard, George H.
Boynton and Jesse NJ. Wood.
Nevertheless. the Mayor is much
dispIeased with the general attitude
OF Council yesterday afternoon. Com
menting on their action in overriding
three of his vetoes, he said
Their main purpose now is to hit
at the Mayors office. But 1 don't
care what they do"
Alderman Gambler, who is to be
chairman Of the probe committee, said
II would be out Of place for him to
make any comment before the an
nouncement OF the committee. He
and his fellows have assured the
Mayor Pro Tenn that they will make
a thorough and impartial probe.
Speculation Still Rife.
Speculation is rife as to whom AL
6erman McClelland is referring.
Though he closely has guarded the
names, he has asserted that all the
members Of Council were as familiar
with the cases as he himself. The
fact that no exposures have ever been
made TO him indicates that Council
means to condone such practices. He
has thrown out these suggestions, the
first direct evidence he has given.
An Alderman and an eN-Aldermsn
are guilty Of borrowing large sums OF
money from wholesale beer dealers
These dealers control the retail bust
ness OF the city and are, therefore,
much interested in the granting o
permits 20 saloons by Council. An
other has made big money out OF sub
contracts with city contractors. An
other has been selling supplies to the
civ