Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-01-31
PROBING QF
CHARGES
Cd N ES
TOEN[)
Jurist, Last Witness Before Con-
gressional Investigators, Wig
orously Defends Himself.

SAVANNAH, Jan. With
the testimony of Judge Emory
Speer in his own behalf, who Wig
orously attacked his accusers, as
the climax, the hearing of evil
dence by the special COMPRESSION
al committee investigating
charges of official misconduct on
the part of the judge of the
United States Court for the
Southern District of Georgia, was
concluded here this afternoon.
The committee adjourned when
Judge Speer left the stand, sub
ject to the cali of Chairman
Webb.
The committee probably will re-
convene In Washington next week 10
begin the preparation of its report to
the Judiciary Committee of the
House Of Representatives, which will
report - the House and recommend
or disapproye of impeachment pro-
ceedings being instituted against the
judge. 1t will then be necessary for
the House to vote on the judiciary
Committees report. II a majority
vote for innpeachment. Judge Speer
VIII have to face trial before the bar
OF the United States Senate.
Hearing Lasts Two Weeks.
The taking OF testimony has been
under way two weeks in Georgia. a
week being spent examining wit
nesses in Macon and another week
here. Leading lawyers, court and
State officials railroad and corpora
ton officers and others who have fig
ured In litigation or trials in Judge
speer's court during the 20 years he
has been on the bench have been
heard Many grievances, real or fam
cied. have been aired. The testimony
taken forms voluminous record.
only one other witness besides
Judge Speer was heard to-day. He
was Judge Samuel B. Adams, a lead
ing member of the Savannah bar and,
former member of the Supreme
Court of Georgia. He told of his
connection as counsel with the Greene
and Gaynor case and other litigation.
and gave as his opinion that Judge
Speer is essentially partisan, moody.
uncertain and variable.
With Mr.. Volstead, of the jnyesti-
eating committee, opposed. It was de-
cided to put Judge Speer on the
stand after one witness had been ex-
amined this morning. Chairman
Webb asked If counsel wished to call
Judge Speer. Counsel stated that
while no preparation had been made,
Judge Speer would take the stand.
He was sworn and his counsel first
questioned him.
Questioned by Counsel.
Judge e. IL. Galloway, of counsel,
began the interrogation, as follows:
Mr.. Alderman stated at. Macon that
you raised the fee for Talley and
Hayward, stating they needed the
money"
No such statement was made at
any time" replied Judge Speer. I'VE
were at Mount Airy when Mr.. tAker-
man came to me and asked me about
1t. Without replying to Mr.. Akermau.
turned TO Mr.. Merrick and dictated
the opinion you will find in the rec
ord"
Mr.. Alderman said you threaten cd
to put anyone in Jail that suggested
that you be disqualified"
1T Is absolutely untrue"
did you ever disqualify in cases
which Talley and Hayward were re-
tanned on a contingent fee?"
Always, sir
Did you not .stpone the forma-
ton of the Talley & Hayward part
nership?"
ut was in the Greene and Gaynor
case. They intended to form the part
Continued on Page 2, Column s.