Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-01-22
MARSHAL
Of COURT
ACCUSER
Deliberations Secret, but Leaders
VIII Soon Be Known--Mass
Meeting Planned.

MACON, Jan. 22.-That Judge
Speer packed the Grand Jury which
indicted Greene and Gaynor at Sa-
vannah. putting two men on 1t who
were wanted to answer In his court
for criminal offenses, was charged
before the Speer Investigating COM
mittee to-day by former United States
Marshal John M. Barnes, who is now
postmaster at Thomson.
Barnes swore that Judge Speer Sc
cured his removal from Office because
he (Barnes) "cussed Speer out"
Barnes also swore that Judge Speer
solicited a share of the handsome fees
which he had been allowed as custo-
dian in bankruptcy cases.
Cross examination failed to shake
the testimony of Captain Barnes or
to develop anything new. W. H.
Burwell was the next witness. He
told about having to 90 to North
Carolina to argue case before Judge
Speer. Court would meet at IL and
adjourn at 2. a small case taking ten
days to try, he said.
Harry Stilwell- Edwards. fermel
Macon postmaster, has been sum
moned as a witness.
Judge Speer's wife and daughter are
now in constant attendance upon the
hearings, sitting beside the accused
jurist. who plainly shows the effect OF
the strain upon him.
The committee resumed It's hearing
at o'clock this afternoon, follow
irg the luncheon adjournment.
Tilt With Prober.
A lively tilt between Chairman
Webb, Of the investigating commit
tee, and former Congressman How
ard, of counsel for Judge SDeer, In
which the chairman emphatically
stated that Judge Speer would not be
permitted to offer a defense before
the committee to the charges against
him, took place o-day. The clash
came when Mr. Howard undertook to
cross examine Jesse B. Hart, presi-
dent of the Macon National Bank
along lines that Chairman Webb de-
clared the rules governing the inquiry
would not permit. Mr.. Hart had tes-
titled that he had employed A. II.
Hayward. Judge Speer's son-in-la
Government depository, the fee be-
ing $50.
Mr.. Howard asked Mr.. Hart to
state his opinion of Mr.. Hayward
character.
Absolutely first class" said Mr..
Hart.
Strike that question and answer
from the record" Immediately or
dered Chairman Webb.
Then .colloquy, between Attorney
Howard and Chairman Webb en-
sued. The former insisted that the
chairman's questions had reflected
on Mr.. Hayward.
Denied Right to Question.
"Mr. Heyward's character has not
been attacked and Is not In issue.
1t is charged solely that he is one
OF Judge Speer's favorites-that's
all The public understands, 1t is
claimed, that Judge Speer can be
reached through him. l won't allow
the line Of questioning you propose. "
said Mr. Webb.
Mr. Howard argued at length, and
vigorously
Don't kill time on such collateral
issues" advised Chairman Webb.
Where the killing of character is
concerned, the killing of time is not
of any moment" declared Mr.. How
ard.
After Chairman Webb had ordered
Mr.. Hart dismissed as a witness.
Mr.. Howard began.
How long have you known Judge
Speer?"
Before Mr.. Hart could answer.
Chairman Webb declared:
Mr. Howard, this is not the proper
place for that kind OF evidence. II
this case reaches the United States
Senate, then it will be time for
Continued on PAGE q. CoIupopA