The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-03-02
JUDGES IN REPORT
ACQUIT W.R. GEORGE
Find No Evil Intent in His Con.
duet T ward Girls at
afreeville.
DISMISS GlAVEST CHARGE
Disbelievc Elsie WhitmOre's
story; Disapprove Of Pa
rental Methods.
DISMISS GRAvEST CHARGE

rYHAcA, N. T.. March i.--word was re-
esived In this city to-day that the long
expected decision Of the judges who have
been Investigating the conduct Of william
r. George toward certain girl citizens at
the rreeville Republic has been rendered.
Il 10 now In the hands Of the investigating
committee and will be turned over to the
directors Of the National Association Of
Junior Republics.
N 10 learned here on authority that
cannot be questioned that the verdict COM
pletsly clears George Of the serious charges
Brought against him by Elsie whitmore,
vho accused George OF being the father
Of her child. The Judges In their verdict
dismiss the girls accusations with single
sentence to the effect that the testimony
IL the case Is unworthy Of any CT sdencc.
There are three specific charges brcugh'
arainst George. The whitmore charges
ave seven years old. The other charges
we're 20 the effect that George nine years
40 according to the testimony Of Leah
KEN. made improper proposals to her,
and that seven years ago. he took liberties
With IVA Temple. both az the time citizens
Il the Freevile Republic. In regard to
shese two cases the judges hold that
Georges conduct was without criminal
intent or any purpose or desire to in5u.e
Or abuse tho parties mentioned"
yuases Express Only Disapppsval.
These accusations had been lost sigh.
Of, but because Of radical differences in
carrying ou, OF the Junior Republic pol
.c.es between Mr. George and certain
wealthy persons interested In the work
TIE charges were revived. Mr.. George de-
rnAnded an inve stigation. and accordingly
some months ago a committee Of the Ma
uonai Association OF Junior Rcpubli -
requested three persons TO pass upon them
The Judges selected were Joseph II.
choate, former Ambassador to the Court
Of st. Jamess: Justice Samuel Seaoury OF
The Supreme Court OF New York, and Miss
Lillian Valid. the social worker. Hun.
dreds OF pages Of testimony was taken
Gnd the examination extended over many
months. The finding OF the judges was
delayed by Mr.. Choaie's recent illness.
While their verdict was pending the
stat. Board OF Charities made public q
repor, adverse to George and critic.sing
she methods In force at the Freeville Re-
public.
The judges in acQuitting George OF any
criminal purpose or intent 20 inture any
oae Gisapprove OF his parental attitude
toward the girl citizens OF the republic.
aho are In some cases of nearly adult
age. They say that he has gore on the
theory that he should occupy a father
position to them. and Il is this theory.
acted in dealing with the citizens at Free
VILE.
Said to End the Case.
IN discussing the verdict a man who
- prominently connected with the Junior
Republic at Freeville said to-day:
This ends tn. case against Mr.. George.
u cannot be regarded otherwise than as
q verdict Of innocence. for Mr.. Georges
morality or immortality in dealing with
the girl citizens was the only question at
issue which the Judges were called upon
20 decide That Is the only question which
interests the TfAblic. The wisdom OF his
theories the adv,sa bilty. OF his placing
himself In the position OF father to these
girls and boys Is matter for the trus-
tees 10 decide. They are responsible to the
public and to their own consciences A. q
mater OF fact, II Is through this method.
:raught with danger AS II may seem. and
through MI Georges unusual ability "a
have children regard him in this parental
light. that the chief results OF his work
have been accomplished.
"ln order that this entire matter may
te revealed 20 the public in its true light
and nothing remain hidden. l wish to say
that the great responsibility for the pres
Mr. George and impairment of the work
q the Republic must rest upon certain
men and women who at one time sought
20 control the affairs and policies OF the
Republic They have allowed these charges
20 shoulder seven years and more; they
lave been dilatory and vac!llating when
by promp,ness and decision the matters
could have been definitely settled LONG
ago. Particularly is this true In the case
az one former trustee. Through his pro-
crastination and vacillation the Republic
las suffered deeply.
The public should remember that al
though Mr.. Georges enemies with the aid
% private detectives have raked every
record OF his past for discriminating testi
:nOny. only three girls OF the many hun
dreds who have passed through the Free
vile Republic made any charges what
ever. and that the only one OF these
charges that involved turpitude tth'
Wh!:more charge) was contemporary dis
missed by impartial eminent Judges. WHIT
held also in the two minor cases tina
there was neither criminal purpose no