The Washington times., 1916-02-03
FIGHT GREETS
PLAN TO INDICT
TOM WATSON
Georgians Oppose Move Of JUS
tice Department to Take
Case Outside of State.

Members of the Georgia delegation in
Congress are agitated over the prospect
that tho Department of Justice will go
outside of tho state in an attempt TO
get an indictment against Thomas Il.
Watson for circulating alleged obscene
matter relating to the Leo M. Frank
case through the mails.
Hearing of the plans Of the depart
ment, the Georgia members have vigor-
ously protested to the Attorney General
that II the department goes outside of
the State to seek this indictment It is a
reflection on the State, and that Mr.
Watson. author, publisher. and former
member Of Congress, is entitled to trial
within his own state.
Congressman Tribble, one Of the pro-
testing members of the delegation, said
today that the action contemplated by
the Department of Justice is an out
rageous proceeding and would be a
stigma on the name of the State of
Georgia"
Members Visit Department.
All the Georgia members of the House
went to the Department of Justice yes
terday to register vigorous protest. 1t
is understood they we're told by Assist
ant Attorney General Wallace that the
against Mr.. Watson in some other State,
and the only question which remains to
he settled is where the indictment shall
he brought. The inference was that the
department believes a fair trial cannot
be had in Georgia in II matter concern
ing Watson and the Frank case.
A member of the Georgia delegation
Faid today that no satisfaction was OBJ
tanned at the Department Of Justice
concerning the protest. and the Geor-
CLANS were thoroughly worked UP over
the situation this morning.
Mr.. Watson once n political mower in
Georgia. and still retaining considerable
influence. was recently tried in the
courts there for alleged misuse OF the
mail in circulating matter reflectin[ on
the Catholic church. After lengthy
trial at Augusta. the jury was unable
TO agree, and n nistrial was dcclaI ed.
It was reported that the jury stood 10
to for acuuittal
On Another Angle.
While discussing this case at the De
partment of Justice recently. Mr.. TribbI'
learned that the law branch of the
Government contemplated proceeding
against Mr.. Watson on another grounC
-circula. lion of alleged inuocnnt matter
in connection with the Leo NJ. Franz
case. In this case Watson has takef
stand bitterly inimiCal to Frank.
Members rf the Georgia delegation
think tho Indictment should he returned
in Georgia 4 at all. They say they
are not taking sides one way or th,
other a sto merits of tho case itself
hut they are severely critica! of thu
Department. of Justice |Or suggesting
trial outside of the State Of Georgia
The department thinks it can proceed
in any jurisdiction where the alleged
obscene publications have been circu
lated.
"Aii the members OF the delegation
sre united on this question" said Mr.
Tribble today. 1--WE think it is an out
our state that 1t is feared a fair trla
cannot be had If Mr.. Watson is in
dicted. have done my utmost for Mr.
Watson and to uphold the integrity o.
my state in this matter and will con
tinue to use every honorable and legiti
mate method to prevent this unheard o.
proceeding. If a. resolution of inquiry
Will do good ] will introduce that