Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-06-26
JUDGE SPEER
RAPlS j. s.
At TORNEY
GENERAL
Georgia Federal Jurist, Before
Iowa Bar, Resents Probe Of
His Office.

SIOUX CITY. IOWA, June 2s.--Se-
we're criticism of the Attorney Gen
eral OF the United States for having
him investigated by special agents
and secret service men in the employ
Of the Department of Justice was the
feature of the address Of Judge En-
DRY Speer. of TIE United States Court
for the Southern District of Georgia,
before the Iowa Bar Association to-
day. He also stated that the detec-
tiveg are liable for contempt of court
for operating in the presence Of the
court.
Judge Speer spoke to the Iowa
lawyers. who are in annual meeting
here, on THE Debt the American
People Owe the American Judges"
When he had finished that subject he
discussed the action of the Depart
ment of Justice in probing his per-
sonal and judicial record.
Questions Right to Probe.
Judge Speer said. in part:
More dangerous than the power to
disqualify a Federal judge is the
power to disgrace and defame him.
In the utter absence of all charges
against him. is not the arbitrary
espionage or investigation of Judge
by the Department of Justice, under
the direct order Of the Attorney Gen
eral, to treat him as If he were who'll
ly careless of his reputation and good
name? I speak impersonally and with
all difference and respect for the dis
tinguished official who is ex-ofIielo
the leader Of the American bar"
Hints at Contempt of Court,
Judge Speer then stated that the
examiner had appeared 8 court, made
copious notes with significant ges-
lures, conferred with disgruntled at
torneys, received letters from con-
victs in the penitentiary, interview
ed stubborn debtors who had been
forced by the court to pay their oh
legations and examined newspaper
files
The examiner, and 1 speak of him
with great respect, even with timid
depreciation, works in a mysterious
way his wonders to perform" said
the Judge, adding:
He holds the fate of the judge in
the hollow of his hand. And all the
while, be it remembered, there are
no charges pending against the Judge,
where such charges should be made.
The examiner imparts to the Judge
no information whatever of any COM
plant. There is no chance for de-
tense.
This method is very recent. 1 dare
declare that no other could be more
offensive to the chastity of judicial
honor. If proper with a district Judge,
it is equally appropriate with the
judges of the Supreme Court of the
United States.
For action less directly in the
presence of the court, less interfering
with the administration Of justice.
men have been convicted for con-
tempt Of court. and the convictions
have been sustained"
MACON. June 26.-D. ]. Bailey.
chief examiner for the Department Of
Justice in the Southern States, has
augmented the force of inspectors
who have been at work in Macon and
this district for several weeks in the
investigation Of the judicial and per-
sonal record of Judge Emory Speer.
He arrived yesterday afternoon and
Immediately held a conference with
District Attorney Alex Alderman.
Last night he left for Savannah,
where Special Examiners Lewis and
Jenkins are already engaged. Mr.
Bailey declines 10 state the purpose
Of his mission, referring all inquirers
to the Attorney General.