The Seattle star. [volume] (Seattle, Wash.) 1899-1947, 1916-11-06


been guilty OF some serious improprees. for instance
they reported that held pass from the Great Northern
Railway Company. which did not deny; which admit
ted-a pass that had used | did deny IT, and did
not attempt TO deny IT, At that time you gentlemen all
know that practically every Judge IN the State OF Wash
ngton held pass"
Whether not this last statement is true there is
Judge Roots own admission that he held pass and that
he used it, and time when both the state constitution
and the statutes OF the State Of Washington prohibited the
use OF by anyone except employees OF the transpo
ation companies and that anyone else guilty OF the
same uansgresson does not vndeate him.
Going back the record OF the investigation OF Judge
Root following his resignation in January. 1902 find
the following letters. which part OF the official
ord OF that investigation:
Root to Gordon the Supreme Court letter head
dated Olympia Washington. April g. 1906. My dear
Judge: My brother, w. = Root, Is coming
and would greatly appreciate IT II you would send
transportation for him from 81. Paul Seattle II you
can do so. please mail the at Seattle
as you can conveniently Your very truly Milo A. Root
Judge Gordon's response immediate for find
the next letter OF record is follows: Honorable NJ
\. Root, Seattle Washington April o. 1906. My dear
Judge: Complying with your request OF the 3rd | take
pleasure IN handing you herewith transportation for
brother from ST. Paul Seattle for thirty days from this
date. Sincerely yours, NJ !. Gordon"
And then find that Judge Roots brother was no,
satisfied with coming west but he twice. for
in September folowing-Sepember D. 1906 be exact
the printed letter head OF the Supreme Court of the
State OF Washington. under date OF Olympia is the fol-
lowing: Dear Judge: | have given up taking the trip
cast which spoke Of to YOU but my brother w s Root.
to get transportation Tor them from ST. Paul Seattle
il possible Can you send me- II so. kindly mail
same to me At Olympia. Thanking You in advance for
any favor YOU may grant, beg to remain yours very
truly. Milo A. Root"
And by return mail tho record shows this eommun,
cation from Gordon TO Root: Spokane September D.
1900. addressed to Milo 4. Root. Olympia Washington
Dear Sir: take pleasure handing YOU herewith trans
portaon in favor OF w. s. Root and wife St Paul to
Seattle and return good until December "a 1900 Signed
NJ. !. Gordon attorney"
And September 10Th. Judge Root acknowledged
receipt OF the communication saying My dear Judge
much Yours very truly, Milo A. Root"
This. we think proves eonclusively that Judge Root
while member Of the Supreme Court violated his oath
OF office support the constitution. which forbade the
issuance OF free passes to public officials and that he broke
wiully a law OF the State Of Washington passed the
previous year. and in effect for thanu year which
declared it unlawful issue free transportation except TO
employees OF railway companies.
The record discoscs that there was another matter
between Judge Gordon and Judge Root which had ex-
ceedingly embarrassed the latter. his confession
by promises made received" for in letter
written by Judge Root August /. 1908, Judge Gordon
is found this paragraph:
Am exceedingly embarrassed by promises made
assurances received II they can be logged up little it
would wonderfully help the situation Begging pardon
for annoying YOU which would never have done only
because OF my extremity beg to remain ever, very
truly yours"
The investigating committee makes this observation
regarding this communication: This letter is suggestive
OF financial transaction"
Judge Gordon refused explain it Judge Root
said II referred solely to campaign contribution OF
hundred dollars. which Gordon said would be made by
contractors and business OF Spokane The
mee found itself barred from probing this
ther by constitutional provision prohibiting them from
compelling unwilling witnesses testify in such cases
But Judge Roots admission that it referred to a
three hundred dollar contribution and the soctous ma
OF the letter OF August lst show conclusvey Judge
Roots anxiety TO be relieved OF his embarrassment
In the record is found another undated comnunica.
ton, apparently bearing this same subject in which
Judge Root said:
Ex,rIa, 81.
little when convenient, because quite embarrassed
by promises made by reason OF assurances received"
1t is evident that Judge Root banked heavily the
assurances received"
Before taking up the record in the Harris let
revert to referred above made by Judge
October 20 last Judge Root said:
DIET TN TILT "a CT