The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1913-01-25

Mr.. Waffen. under ali the circum
stances, was entitled to an open and
public hearing of all the testimony In
his favor as we'll as OF the testimony
against him and to show if he was
able to do so. that all such accusations
were utterly baseless.
The dignity of the court. the stand.
ing and reputation of the bar of Iron
County, as well as the character and
future of Mr.. Waffen, was and is in
volved in this matter. The duty as
signed the committee was disagree
able one but grave one and was
gravely accepted and the Circuit Judge
has full confidence that IL was con.
scientionsly performed aud that all
persons supposed to have knowledge
were interrogated and all the surround.
ing facts and circumstances closely
examined.
While 1t was hoped the committee
would reach unanimous conclusion,
one way or the other. il was recognized
that there might be difference of
opinion and it was contemplated. in
such nm event, that the majority opin-
ion. as is usual, would control and the
opinion OF the majority would now be
accepted as warrant for the court in
abstaining from further noticing the
matter, were ii not for the fact that
Mr. Waffen's request for an investiga.
tion at the hands of the court. still
stands.
Regrettable as IL u.s. the fact remains
that Mr. Waffen is neld 10y many
people to be guilty and with such
people not shred OF his reputation for
morality and decency remains When
the alleged commission of these acts
by him rested only upon rumors ne re-
quested and IL was conceived he was
entitled to opportunity for public vim
dication. aud how much more pro.
nounced m1st be his desire for. and
how ready should be our disposition TO
accord him that opportunity. in view
of the fact, that after searching IN
vestigation, scotch verdict was the
best the committee was able TO return.
lt is due Mr. Waffen, MS family. his
friends and the constituency which
lately voted him into the high and re-
sponsible Office which he now occupies,
that he be given the chance which he
Graves. to demonstrate. as we all hope
he will be able, not only that there il
no evidence sufficient to warrant his
suspension or disharment, but that
there is no evidence. fact. or circum-
stance OF weight, reliability, or char
cater. justifving even suspicion of
guilt
But, while according Mr.. Waffen.
at his request, an opportunity TO vim
dictate himself before the public, it is
only just that he shonld accept il at
10 risk of an adverse result SHOULD the
testimony so warrant and for that rea.
o'hf NA0t h'ARtrNt IN iUt HDrAntt
Of formal proceeding, the court would
not be authorized 10 subpoena or swear
witnesses, the Hing Of formal charges
VIII be necessary. Neither would il
be just for Mr. Waifen 10 ATTEMPT 90
contine the investip alton to certain
act or acts politically charged 20 the
exclusion OF other act or acts pubIical-
ly charged.
Ma l ak. therefore, unless in the
Mr. Waffen voluntarily and
publically surrenders the opportunity
which is now offered him, for full,
fair, open, public and impartial inves.
tigation b. the court, OF the truth of
the acts Of gross immortality and indie
cency attributed TO him, that the com.
mittee propose and present formal
charge so that Mr.. Waffen may have
seasonable notice thereof before Me
opening day of the February term.
Yours very truly,
Richard g Flanagan,