The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1907-1917, 1915-07-15


Ii the papers published outside of Geor-
gla would care to realize the shame we feel
over our disgrace, let them suppose a case
In achich THEIR GOTERNOR uses the
executive office as an asset IN the Z0aO-prac-
tice Of has f5m
When they bring the facts home to them
selves, in this practical way, they will be
less inclined to crown Partner Slaton as a
hero; and they will be able to take his true
measure, as a secondary member Of the firm
that is absolutely dominated by Rosser
Slaton had many friends who, directly
and indirectly, endeavored to impress upon
him the ambiguity of his position, the i'm
propriety of his legal connection with
his acting faithfully, both as Rosser's part
ner, and as Georgla's Chief Magistrate
ecGs one Of those friends!
The files of this paper will prove that I
did my utmost to warn Slaton of the
abyss into which he was plunging.
But some relentless, invisible power held
him, and he refused to be advised, or
warned
/ was not by any means the only Geor-
gian who implored him not to act in the
dual capacity of Georgias Governor and
Rossers partner
Read the following, and see how deli
cateIy a member of the Atlanta bar
preached the subject to Slaton:
Atlanta, Ca, June 3, 1915.
Hon. John M. Slaton, Governor of Georgia.:
My Dear Sir: In reference to the Frank case
that will shortly be before you for your consid-
GRAFTON, Chief Executive of the State, I beg to
state that it is being commonly discussed that it
is move to hurry the case before you for action
before your term of Office expires. Your ene-
AS the case has not at this time reached you
for your consideration, but has been upon appli-
cation heard by the Prison Commission and now
there for their final consideration, which means
shortly to be transmitted to your consideration
4 make this suggestion: that as it is common
knowledge that you have a great deal of detail
work to dispose Of before your term of office
pireS and as your successor has been elected by
the people before the application for a pardon
or communication Of sentence in the Frank case
was filed, and your successor will shortly be
inaugurated and assume the duties of Governor
and as the record Of the Frank case, on account
of the different stages in which the case has
travelled through the courts will be voluminous
and Will require careful examination, which will
be very lengthy, and it is common knowledge
that you a member of the firm i'm which the
Hon. Luthur Rosser, senior counsel for Mr.
Frank is member, notwithstanding that you
have practsed law a member of that
firm otherwise, since you inaugurated
Governor, i suggest that reprieve by you in
Franks case be issued and granted and let the
case go to Mr.. Harris, the GOvemor-elect. for
final consideration; and in granting the reprieve
let the people, through the order granting the
reprieve, knCw that you send it to Mr.. Harris
UPON THE HIGH GROUNDS OF YOUR CON-
NECTIONS
Now, dear Governor, if this course is pursued
from my viewpoint, your bitterest enemies would
shrink with shame in charging improper motives
i'm dealing with your action in the case.
AS to the Frank case, beg to state that have
no interest, directly indirectly. 1t is imma-
teraI to me what disposition is made of his case.
Respectfully yours, S. c. CRANE.
Slaton did not deign to acknowledge the
receipt of Mr. Cranes letter-a letter which