Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-06-22
j. s. INSPECTOR
INVESTIGATES
SPEERCIRCUIT
Lewis Visits Savannah to Examine
Condition of Federal Court A.
fairS-Reasons Secret.

SAVANNAH, June 21.-An inyesti-
cation of conditions in the offices Of
the Clerk, Marshal and Referee in
Bankruptcy of the United States
Court in Savannah has been started
by Ralph c. Lewis, an Inspector rep
resenting the Department Of Justice.
Lewis makes the same statement
here that he made in Macon when
his appearance there excited so much
interest a few days ago. He endeav-
ors to allay this interest by leaving
the impression that his visit has no
particular significance. He says it is
merely periodical investigation, and
that the change OF administration is
responsible for his appearance at this
particular time. He denies that he is
making his investigation in connec-
ton with charges that may or may
not have been filed against Judge
Emory Speer or other court officials.
The death of one deputy clerk, the
suicide of another and a change In
clerks, together with an impending
change in marshals, he declares. has
considerable to do with the investiga-
ton. 1t is believed, however, that
there is more to it than a mere per-
functory checking up of accounts.
Office Previously Examined.
For weeks prior to the retirement
of Clerk T. f. johnson and the sue
cession OF Clerk Cook CLAYTON there
was a Government inspector in the
office going over the records. This
inspector found everything I'm first
class condition, according to reports
made at the time. This was but little
more than year ago. That another
inspector would be sent out to cover
the Identical ground is regarded as
most unlikely.
Reports have been sent out from
Macon and Washington intimating
that the department desired complete
data upon the administration Of Judge
Emory Speer and his officers. just
what this information is for, If such
is the case, is not known. 1t is
known that a concerted attempt has
been made to secure another Federal
judge for this district, to sit at Sa-
NdUndH.
In Macon Inspector Lewis exam
ined records Of cases, documents and
DEGREES, as well as the books Of ac-
counts of the Clerk and Marshal He
even went to Atlanta to have con-
ference with Attorney General Eel
der who was counsel for Colonel
Huff in the contempt case in which
an attack was made on Judge Speer
May Divide District.
The unusual scope OF the inquiry
excited general comment over the
State and resulted in considerable
speculation in Washington. There
are those who believe the inVestiga-
ton may have some bearing upon the
proposed change in the geographical
lines Of the State for district courts,
or the supplying of an additional
judge to sit at Savannah, which mat
ter is now before the President and
Congress.
Judge Speer has taken the position
that he is amply able TO conduct all
of the cases that originate in the
Southern District, and he is unaltera-
bly, opposed to any plan that is de-
signed to relieve him of any Of his
duties. He has been quoted as re-
marking that he desired to serve the
entire Southern District as It now is
until he is 10 years old intimating
that he would probably be ready to
retire from the bench at that time.
Judge Speer will be 20 years old in
about five years.