Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1916-10-03
HARDINGs DEFENSE OF GUNMEN
ISioux City Tribune.l

HARDlNGS DEFlENSE OF GO0SA9N
ISioux City Tribune.l
Altho no one has been able to point
to any useful public service rendered
by W. l.. Harding, scores OF instances
have been cited IN which his personal
efforts were directly opposed to plain
public interests. One of his court cases
of more than passing concern to law
abiding citizens, was Mr.. Harding's
fight in behalf of Charles Ford, politi-
clan, murderer, thug. bank robber, and
leader of the worst gang OF bandits
that ever infested Sioux City.
Those who now enjoy an Increased
measure OF security because the mem
bers Of that bandit gang are in prison
do not have Mr.. Harding to thank for
the improved conditions. Mr.. Harding,
in fact, exerted himself greatly to keep
the bandit leader from being disturbed
in his operations.
It is not a sufficient excuse or ex-
PLANTATION to assert that Mr.. Harding
was F'ord's attorney. No conscientious
lawyer can ignore his duties and re-
sponsibilitiee as a citizen. How dia
Mr.. Harding happen to be Ford's at
torney?
Charles Ford. in addition to being a
bandit of the most dangerous type,
was one Of the professional political
'heelers" of the Fifth ward. Mr.. Har-
ding, in politics for ten years, had
more of a reputation as politician
than as lawyer. When Ford got into
trouble 1t was quite natural for him to
turn for protection to Harding. the
politician.
In trying to free Ford from the
mesi,es Of the law Mr. Harding in
vokec unusual technicalities. He made
special efforts to get him released
from custody and carried one techni-
cal motion to the supreme court, APP
pearing there in person to argue his
motion.
Mr.. Harding manifested particular
interest in Ford's case. He did more
than TO represent his client in court.
He argued his merits. personally, IL
the court house Hobbies.
Az opposed to Hardins's interests
and activities, it is important to note
that Ford finally admitted that he
murdered Roy Morley, a member OF
his gang. and now is serving SEN
tence of thirty years in prison.
II Ford had been able TO make the
expected use Of his political influence
neither he nor any of his interruptions
gunner would have been removed
from Sioux City. but Ford and his
gang encountered an obstacle in Coun-
ty Attorney Naglestad and staff
Those men could not be reached, and
they proceeded with their duties In an
efficient and courageous way.
When Mr.. Harding tried to save
Charles Ford from his just punishment
he was extending direct. and indirect
aid TO the following members OF Ford's
gang:
Nevada Blondy" Long, serving a
sentence of FIVE years on plea OF
guilty.
"sauint Eye" Taylor. serving SEN
tence OF Ave years on plea Of guilty.
Paddy" Driscoll. serving sentence
of twenty years on conviction for bank
burglary.
Whitley Brennan, who turned
states evidence. now serving SEN
| tence Of five years, on admission OF oe'
ing a member Of Ford's bandit gang.
| John Dillon, owner Of famous road
house and crooks resort-known as
| "The House Of the Crooked Camel,
serving term for conspiracy in aiding
Brennan to break jail.
| Southern Blackie'' Ellington, serv-
ing sentenc Of twenty years on plea OF
guilty to bank burglary.
Yves Williams and James Kehoe (the
latter now dead), who were shown uI
as members Of the bandit gang.
Arthur Pierce. serving sentence OF
three years on plea Of guilty.
Many Of these men admitted theii
! guilt. Evidence against the others wal
| conclusive. Every informed person In
Sioux City realized that great men
ace to citizens was removed when this
old gang was broken up, and thai
| there was no basis for the strained at
tempts to show that Charles Ford was
! being prosecuted"
II Mr.. Harding could have had hi
/ way. even in his capacity as q lawyer
a great wrong would have been In
| flicted upon the people OF Sioux City