Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1916-02-03
TOM WATSON
CAUSING ISSUE
Plan to Indict Georgia Edi-
tor VIII Be Vigorous
ly Resisted
GEoRGIANs IN ARMS
Delegation Visits Department of JUS
tice in Washington. But Fail to OBJ
tain Assurances.

Washington, Feb. members of
the Georgia delegation in Congress
are agitated over the prospect that
the Department Of Justice will 60
outside of the State in an attempt to
get an indictment against Thomas
f. Watson for circulating alleged OBJ
scene matter relating to the Leo NJ.
Frank case through the mails.
Hearing of the plans of the depart.
mcnt, the Georgia members have Wig
orously protested to the Attorney
General that if the department goes
outside of the State to seek this IN
l:ctment it is reflection on the State
and that Mr.. Watson, author, publish
cr and former member Of Congress.
is entitled to trial within his own
State.
Congressman Tribbie, ore Of the pro
testing members yof the delegation,
said today chat; the acvion contem-
plated by the Department of Justice
is an Outrageous proceeding and
!: would be stigma on the name of
the State of Georgia"
All the Georgia members of the
House went to tho Department OF
Justice yesterday to register Wig
5.:,.;It II Z .s;sc '1.'.>
were told by Assistant Attorney Gen
eral Wallace that the department
contemplated proceeding against Mr..
Watson in some other State. and the
only question which remains to be
settled is where the indictment shall
be brought. The inference was that
the department believes a fair trial
cannot be had in Georgia in a matter
concerning Watson and the Frank
case.
a member of the Georgia. deiega.
ton said today that no satisfaction
was obtained at the Department of
Justice concerning the protest, and
the Geongians were thoroughly work
cd up over the situation this morning
Mr.. Watson once a political power
in Georgia and still retaining consid-
cradle influence. was recently tried in
the courts there for alleged misuse OF
the mail in circulating matter reflect
ing on the Catholic church. After a
lengthy trial at Augusta, the jury
was unable to agree, and a mistrial
was declared 1t was reported that the
Jury stood 10 to for acquittal.
While discussing this case at the
Department of Justice recently, Mr..
Trihblc learned that the law branch
of the Government contemplated pro
cccding against Mr.. Watson on anoth.
er ground-circulation of alleged in
decent matter in connection with the
Leo NJ. Frank case. In this case Wat
son has taken stand bitterly mimi.
cal to Frank.
Members Of the Georgia delegation
think the indictment should be return
cd in Georgia. if at all. They say they
are not taking sides one way or the
other as to merits of the case itself
but they are severely critical of the
Department of Justice for suggesting
trial outside of the State Of Georgia.
The department thinks it can proceed
in any juridiction where the alleged
obscene publications have been circu-
lated.
"All the members of the delegation
are united or this question: said Mr.
Tribble today. I'VE think it is an out.
rage that the Government should say
to our State that it is feared fai,
trial cannot he had if Mr.. Watson i:
indicted. have done my utmost fol
Mr.. Watson and to uphold the integri
tv of my State in this matter and will
continue to use every honorable an,
legitimate method to prevent this un
heard of proceeding. If a resolution
of inoriry will do good l will intro
ducs that.
A.--eall.. O..etorx tha p ra,,a.