Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1914-01-21
SAYS JUDGE
SHOULD Be
|MPEACHED
Aged Accuser Recites Incidents
Of Bankruptcy Proceedings
Against His Estate.

MACON, Jan. 21.--Judge Emory
speer to-day heard himself described
before the House judiciary investi-
eating committee as Judge who abb
solutely disregarded the legal rights
Of litigants and attorneys in order
that he might satisfy his personal
ends and crafty his friends, relatives
and business associates by bestowing
upon them choice appointments pro-
ductive Of large f-es.
The Judge heard himself sailed "a
rascal" and pictured as a 5urist who
was arbitrary, unfair, violently par
tsan, oppressive and despotic and
who was regarded by the people OF
his home city and district as cor
rupt.
Judge Speer heard 1t charged that
he put an estate worth 100000 in
bankruptcy, although the debts
against it amounted to only $4,000
and has kept 1t there for fifteen
years, while masters, receivers, at
torneys and other officials connected
with it, all being his personal friends,
attorneys, relatives or business asso-
ciates; enjoyed fees from 1t.
This testimony was given by Col
onel W. A. Huff, SO years old, ex-
mayor of Macon, who arose from a
sick bed to go on the stand and tell
OF the injustice which he believes has
been done him and his children by
Judge Speer's acts.
Judge Speer Fatigued.
When the committee took the din
ner recess, Judge Speer seemed quite
worn. and his attorneys had lost that
nonchalance and display of conf
dence previously manifested by them
A host Of witnesses are in attend
ance among them some of the most
prominent men Of the State.
Speaker w. H. Burwell, of the Geor-
gia House of Representatives, and
Attorney General T. S. Fielder will go
on the stand this afternoon.
It was Colonel Huff who seventeen
months ago wrote open letters to
Judge speer, attacking him both as
Judge and a private citizen, and
for which he was tried and found
guilty of contempt of court Thus
far, however, sentence in this con-
tempt case has never been passed.
Colonel Huff's attack was inspired by
Judge Spee1's course in the bank
rrctcy proceedings that have tied up
his 100000 estate since 1899.
tolonel Huff began his testimony
W1h a detailed recital Of this cele-
orfted bankruptcy case, reiterating
many Of the charges contained in his
sensational letters of August. 1912
Not Bankrupt, Says HUFF.
Golohel Huff said that when he was
put IN the hands of temporary re-
ceiver without notice he owned 1884,
VoV and owned property whose valua-
uoh on the tax books was 100000
d. N. Talley, Judge Speer's ex-pri-
Vate secretary. he said, was named
master in his case. Talley at the time
was a law partner of the judges SON.
m-law. The president of the bank in
which the money was deposited with
GUY interest. he declared, was a part
'er with Judge Speer in the gold
m'ne manufacturing business" Judge
a. ]. Cobb, a special master in the
case was Judge speer;s private at
.oney, and Cecfl Morgan. the Judges
orother-i in law. and clerk Of court
was a vice president Of the bank.
Colonel Huff testified that the mon
w from the sale of his property
amounting to $4,000. stayed In the
'ank for more than three years with
Vu' interest, the bank being owned
~ Judge Speer's partners close
trends and relatives. AZ
Did your debts draw interest dur
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