Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1919-07-24
CLAIMS OF MOONEY
ADHERENTS UPHELD
Department Of Labor Reports to
House Unfairness Displayed
in Trial.
FLAY PROSECUTORS ACTIONS
Special Agent Densmore Uses
Dlctaphone and Says Corporate
Interests Involved.
FLAY PROSECUTORS ACTIONS
IBv Associa,cd P-e.s1

w WASHINGTON. July 23-Charces
OF labor leaders that Thomas j Mooney
was unJustly convicted for participa-
ton in the bomb throwing outrage in
San Francisco three years ago were
supported in report of John T. Dens-
more, special agent OF the Department
or Labor. submitted TO the House to-
day in response to a resolution de-
mandinS more information on the case
MIR. Dcnsmore. now director of the
Fedora! Employment, Service. conducted
a secret investigation of the case at
the request of Secretary Wilson. With
the aid of several immi grafton inspec-
tors he had gathered his evidence.
working without the knowledge of the
San Francisco authorities. Most of il
was obtained by use OF dicta phone,
placed III the office of District Attorney
Fickert. prosecutor of the case.
From this evidence Mr.. Densmore
drew the conclusion that Mooney did
not receive full justice in his trial and
that he was the victim OF corporate
interests in San Francisco. who desired
TO discredi, the labor unions and main
tain the open shop" The prosecu
ton was conducted without real in
vestigation OF the crime. Mr.. Densmore
declared, and with deliberate intent TO
frame" the labor leader.
Learns Case Is Mnkeshift.
Inc pIdlIl truth Is, MI.
said. that there is nothing about the
case To produce feeling of confidence
that the dignity and majesty of the
law have been upheld. There is no.
ency the effect being a patchwork of
incongruous makeshift and often OF
desperate eXpediency."
Methods employed by District Attor.
ney Fickcrt in prosecuting Mooney
were attacked by MIR. Densmore. , VINO
declared that there were excellent
grounds for believing" that the prose
cutor was Influenced by local corpor-
ate interests most bitterly opposed TO
union labor. After Frank G. ONman.
principal witness. had been proven
pe-iurer. Mr.. Densmore SAID. flckert
agreed TO new trial. and later vrgor-
ously opposed 1t, his attitude being
completely reversed.
Since the ONman exposure MT.
Densmore said, the district attorney 8
case has matted steadily away. until
there is little left but an unsaVory
| record of manipulation and perjury.
further revelations having impeached q
principal witnesses for the prosecution.
Evidence of Weakness.
And if any additional confirmation
were needed of the inherent weakness
Of the case. the aeIuittai OF ,.hsi MIS-;
Weimbsrg M9Gbs e" in the following October
would seem TO supply it."
The report which was submitted TO
written pages including a general
resume of the Mooney case. an outline
OF the manner in which the lnHeStiga-
ton was conducted. "A mass OF evidence
and a lengthy summary in when the
charges OF unfairness are analyzed and
formulated. IL was accompanied by
statement from Secretary Wilson CIV
ing the reasons the Investigation was
ordered.
MIR. Wilson said no attempt had been
made 10 secure inforna ton regarding
the case until after il had ceased TO be
merely criminal case and had become
IAN international and labor case, en-
dangering the friendly relations be-
tween the United States and Russia and
affecting the conduct of the war" He
commission by the President TO tnvcSti-
gate industrial troubles in the West.
he said and directly thereafter he di-
rected MIR. Densmorc to look into the
Mooney case.
Information Is Refused.
Information regarding Investigations
conducted since the trial was refused
such a course would not be compatible
with the public interests" The secre-
tary estimated the total cost OF the
Mooney investigation at not more than
$3.50.
Conjectures regarding what the gov
ernment might further do to aid
Mooney were revived as a result of the
submission Of the report TO Congress.
Since Mooney was convicted on
charge of violating a State law rather
than Il Federal statute. it would be
beyond the power of the Federal gov
ernment to do more than request Cali
fornia authorities to pardon him or
give him new trial. His sentence
already has been committed by Gov
ernor Stephens from death to life inn
N