The Alaska daily empire., 1918-03-27
COMMUNICATED

JUNEAU, Alaska, March 26, 1918. Editor Alaska Daily Empire, Ju- neau, Alaska; Dear Sir:
 In this mornings issue of the Daily Alaska Dispatch (March 26, 1 1918), there appears an article headed "Sandvik Is Bound Over,' and wherein it states that "Attor- ney A. E. Maltby, chairman of Lo- cal Exemption Board, is acting as Sandvik's attorney"
 Since the publication of this ar ticle in this mornings issue of the Dispatch it has ben brought to my attention that some criticism has been made as to Attorney A. E. Maltby, chairman of the Local Exemption Board" acting as Sand yik's attorney. and while I am not I adverse to criticism at any time, that is fair sm,-nevertheless feel that the article referred to is most misleading.
 Attorney A. E. Maltby, chair man of the Local Exemption Board" is not and was not actine as Sandvik's attorney, but A. D. Maltby, attorney-at-law did act as | Sandvik's attorney at the hearing | before the United States Commits sioner on March 18th, 1918. If the writer of the article re- ferred to in the Dispatch was able to distinguish between the two po- sitions, l as chairman of the Local Exemption Board did not act as Sandvik's attorney, nor in any other capacity as a member of the local board.
 l have no objection to any criti- cism of my actions as a member of the Local Exemption Board which in any way tend to be a direlection of my duty as a member of that board; but do object to criti- | cism of my appearing as an attor- ney for any man charged with crime, which under my oath it is my duty to do.
 The morning paper states: At torney A. E. Maltby. chairman of the Local Exemption Board, is act ing as Sandvik's attorney" It is true that l did appear and act as Sandvik's attorney in the hearing held before the United States Com missioner when Sandvik was bound over to the Grand Jury, but it seems to me somewhat presump- tuous on the part of the writer of the article in the Dispatch to take | it for granted that the next Grand Jury to convene in May will bring in an indictment against MT. Sand vik upon the charge on which he was bound over.
 | MT. Sandvik did not come to me, as chairman of the Local Exemption Board. for advice but came to me as an attorney to act for him, and my services to MT. Sandvik ended when the hearing before the United States Commissioner was concluded and MT. Sandvik bound over. He has not as yet to my knowledge re- tained me further in the case, and as to whether or not he will fur ther need the services of an attor- ney will depend upon the action of the Grand Jury.
 In the absence of any rules and regulations prescribed by the mili. l tary authorities of the United States prohibiting attorneys who happen to be members of local ex- emption boards from defending man charged with a crime, I feel that l have done no wrong, especial. ly as a member of the Local Exemp- tion Board of Juneau, Alaska. II those who feel called upon to criticise me for appearing for MT. Sandvik at his hearing before the United States Commissioner would give the matter more thorough con sideration. and not allow their feel ings In the matter to warp their better judgment, feel sure that they will conclude that their criti- cism was somewhat premature.
 Trusting that you may find space Tor the publication of this letter l beg to remain,
 Yours respectfully, ALFRED E. MAI.TRY