Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-01-28
TELLS SPEER
To KEEP HIS
TEMPER
Chairman Webb of Investigating
Committee Warns Against Out
bursts Of Accused Jurist.

SAVANNAH, Jan. 2S.-When the
hearing of charges against Federal
Judge Emory Speer was resumed to-
day before the special Congressional
investigating committee the large
crowd that daily packs the courtroom
keenly anticipated fresh sensations
such as have marked almost every
session during the eight days the
committee has heard testimony in
Savannah and Macon
To-day It was expected that Colonel
r. l.. Coloing would be called to give
the testimony he had been expected
TO give yesterday, and which he said
would furnish some thrills" He
was prevented from going on the
stand yesterday because of the great
amount of time consumed in the ex-
animation of Colonel A. r. Lawton,
VICE. President Of the Central nf-Lisar-
gia Railroad, who charged Judge
Central of Georgia Railroad and
Banking Company by bankruptcy
proceedings. He was on the stand
practically all of the morning and part
of the afternoon. The examination OF
General Peter W Meldrim, also Of
fered yesterday, brought a sensation
when Judge Speer for the third time
resented the attacks of witnesses and
came near a personal clash with the
aged attorney, long his intimate
friend.
That outburst caused Chairman
Webb, OF the investigating commit
tee to make this statement of warn
ing against repeating such scenes:
1--WE desire to establish the facts
regarding the accusations against
this eminent judge. If we find he has
demeaned himself in a proper man
ner as judge of the United States
court, we will so report to the House
of Representatives If, on the other
hand, we should find that he has con-
Quoted himself improperly as a Judge,
we will report that fact. These hear
!ngs are ex parte.
Judge Speer and his counsel, as
well as the public, are allowed to a.
lend these hearings only by courtesy
of the committee, and warn every
one concerned that no witnesses will
be permitted to use offensive language
and that no demonstrations VIII be
tolerated"
Fielder Due to Testify.
State Attorney General Thomas s
Fielder, formerly counsel for Colonel
Y. A. HUFF. was scheduled to take
the witness stand day. He was
to be followed by Colonel Robert l..
Colding and w. w. Osborne, Savan-
nah attorneys.
Mr.. Felders testimony is expected
TO be for the greater part largely a
confederation of the evidence of
Colonel Huff in connection with his
bankruptcy affairs and no new SEN
sations are expected.
Colonel Coldlng has filed a sensi-
tional affidavit with the investiga-
tor in which he practically accused
Judge Speer Of ''railroading" his cli-
ent, Albert Olsen, to the Atlanta PEN
itentiary for shanghailng. Olsen
conducted seamen's rooming house
and the charge was made before
Judge Speer that Olsen got seamen
into his place. drugged them and then
sold them into service on the tramp
steamers and schooners that make
this port. Colonel Coldtng charged
that although there was little or no
evidence to substantiate this charge
that Judge Speer directed the verde.
and sentenced Olsen, there was CON
siderable feeling in favor Of the de-
PENDANT and it was at the time that
Judge Speer IL alleged 10 have die
tated the celebrated plot to assas-
sinate" story
w w. Osborne is the law partner
Of A. A. Lawrence. the first witness
called in Savannah, and his evidence
1t is thought will be largely corrob.
oratiye.
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