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


last week the letter of Iudge Flanni-
gan 70 Chairman Abbott OF the Watten
committee was delayed in the mail.
We print ii this week so that our
readers who are keeping tab on the
case may know what the Judge has to
say in the matter.
Norway, Mich,
Jauy 1913.
Fred II. Abbott, Chairman.
CRYSTAL Falls. Mich.
Dear Sir:-I am in receipt of your
letter of January transmitting two
reports in the matter of the alleged
commission by August j Waffen OF
acts destructive OF his moral character.
One OF the reports ia signed by Mr..
Moriarty. Mr.. Watson and yourself and
the other by Mr.. BYers and MI. Lott
The conclusion of the majority in
substapce, is that while there is some
evidence tending TO sustain the same
they have mot been able to discover
such competent legal evidence rs, in
their opinion, would substantiate the
charges on "a hearing in court of Jus
tice. involving disbarment of Mr.
Waffen'. The minority of the com
mittee report, in substance that there
have been various rumors in circnla-
ton In Iron County aud throughout
the entire Upper Peninsula about the
character and professional standing OF
Mr. Waffen that these rumors are
contradicting that there is evidence
tending TO support the various rumors
that the committee is unable 10 arrive
at the truth Of the rumors without
having authority 10 call aud examine
witnesses under OATH and they re-
commend that Mr.. Waffen be cited to
appear that witnesses be subpoened
and evidence heard before the court
touching certain alleged acts OF Mr..
Waffen specifically mentioned in the
report
IL will be observed that all members
of the commit ee are in accord TO this
extent; that there exists some evidence
tending to support the charges. but
that for the evidence before the com
mittee. no member thereof concluded
Mr. Waffen was guilty The disagree
ment may be said TO consist in this.
that the majority deems the evidence
in support of the charges so weak and
insufficient AS not TO demand that the
court takes further notice of the mat
ter. while the minority of the commit
tee. although not fully persuaded OF the
guilt OF Mr. Waffen under the evidence
at hand. find therefor just cause to sus-
pect there exists other evidence which
can be obtained only in an investiga-
ton whore all persons supposed Co have
knowledge. are brought in and put
under oath, and hearing before the
court. conducted ia the manner of An
ordinary trial, is therefore recommen-
ded hy them
AT the December term meeting of
the Bar Association OF Iron County
was convened az my request. The ma
ture OF the rumors which were wide
spread and presistant, rejecting on the
moral character of Mr. Waifen WAS
stated also that Mr. Watfen had re-
quested an investigation OF the truth Of
such rumors I'm any form of act |
might deem proper TO be commenced
and that Mr.. Waffen had been advised
such investigation would be ordered
and ths medium thereof would be
proceeding which would question his
right 10 continue member OF the bar,
and the Bar Association was desired 10
appoint a committee to formally pre-
sent charges covering the acts publical.
ly attributed 10 Mr.. Waffen and TO
prosecute such charges The appoint.
ment of the committee followed
The committee inquired whether
they would be expected TO look into
the sour % OF the rumors and III they
found the evidence, IN their judgment.
insufficient 10 warrant the court IN or
dering either a suspension or disbar-
ment, whether they woud nevertheless
be expected 10 file formal charges.
The reply was that the committee
might not only feel authorized 20, but
should make the same close, careful
aud impartial examination or all the
witnesses, facts and circumstances, as
is made by all prudent and just lawyer
before launching a serious criminal
action, and " the conclusion was that
the evidence in support OF the charges
was not. in the opinion of the com
mittee of such weight as 90 Justify the
court In finding Mr.. Watfen guilty
thereof. they should file statement 10
that effect and refrain from filing for
NAL rhnrUaa provfda1 M Xy.N.,.