New-York tribune., 1920-01-12
Hughes May
Lead Fight
OF Socialists
Suspend e d Legislators
Hold All-Day Confer
ence in Preparation for
Mass Meeting Tonight
Pastors DenOunce
Assembly's Action
Twelve Clergymen Sign
Statement Protesting In
justice of Sweets Stand

uSeACC VI sweet s stand
Charles b. Hughes, who addressed
vigorous protest to Speaker Thad-
deus c. Sweet Of the Assembly be-
cause OF the unseating of the five
Socialist members of that BODY.
may be asked to appear as counsel
for the ousted legislators.
This became known yesterday af-
ter long conference of the state
executive committee of the partv
with the unseated members of the
Legislature. While it was not Off
cially announced that it had been de-
clded to ask the former Republican
Presidential candidate to appear for
them, the Socialist leaders admitted
that his name had been considered.
together with those of numerous we'll
known lawyers who had rendered
their services without charge. One
Of these, it was said, is former JUS
tice Samuel Seabury. Morris Hill
quit also will appear for the Social
lists.
Mr.. Hughes reached the Grand
Central Terminal from Glens Falls,
n. Y, at II :05 last night. He was
told of the reported intention of
the Socialist Assemblymen.
Il haven't heard anything about
It," said Mr.. Hughes, "and have
1othing to say"
Protests From Pulpits
Meanwhile protests against the
ousting of the Socialists from the
Legislature were heard from numer.
Gus members Of other parties and
from New York pulpits. Twelve
ministers, pastors Of city churches,
signed a protest against the refusal
Of the Legislature to seat the So
cialists on the grounds that "such a
proposed infringement of represen-
tative popular government is intol-
erable."
Cash contributions for the assistance
Of the ousted five in their legal fight
to retain their seats in the law-making
body were received in large sums at
the party headquarters at the Rand
School, East Fifteenth Street. Checks
were exhibited bearing the signatures
OF members of both of the big politi-
cal parties and letters of protest
against the "undemocratic action" of
tine majority of the Legislature were
declared to represent every shade of
political belief.
Tonight a general conference of men
and women who have indicated their
sympathy in the attitude Of the Social
lists will be held at the Rand School
1t was said yesterday that the meeting
would include delegates from practi,
caliy every big organization in the city
that had shown an interest in civic and
devise means of forcing the reseating
Of the Socialists who were denied
membership in the Legislature.
Yesterdays conference, which began
early in the morning, continued for
the greater part Of the day. DR.. Simon
Berlin presided and the following men
participated: James Sheehan, of AL
6any; Herbert Merrill. of Schenectady;
Frederick Saunders, Of Syracuse; Fred
Aillquit, Mrs. Theresa Maikill, Miss
Esther Friedman and Julius Gerber, of
New York.
Map Plan of Fight
The chief subject of discussion at the
meeting, which was behind closed
aoors was said to have been the plans
or obtaining justice" for the un-
ssa.ed Socialist legislators. Gerber
I'D that q brilliant array OF legal
7uhsel would appear for the accused
1eE when they appeared to argue their
sse before the Legislative Judiciary
Committee on Wednesday.
he admitted that former Justice
shughey's name had been under discus
s'en, but would not admit that he would
Ds asked 10 appear for the men, be-
cause no official conference has been
nad With Mr. Hughes. II Is expected
tsat such conference will be arranged
H'day before the meeting 10 be held
" the evening at the Rand School. The
eHsrs Of aid that have been made by
seyersi other we'll known lawyers OF
accepted.
Az the conclusion of the meeting
spnis WaIdmsn and August CIsessens,
rev York Representatives. among the
Vassed FIVE, issued this statement:
~ appears now that Sweet and COM
pany ere locking Tor scapegoats AZ q
Issns of retreat. They are insinuat-
ssg that At least three Of the five VIII
= seated. IL is intimated that they
ASye information that ne two are
np'ity of advocating the overthrow OF
sss government of the United States
means of yio:z5ee; that We arc cor
I'D With organizations haying for
sesx obtect the f0reibls overthrow of
~ f1ysYnusnt.
eneAksr swest has such knowi"
~