Evening star., 1921-08-12
MAI, GORDON TAKES
OATH OF OFFICE
lnducted as U. S. Attorney for
District-SWorn In by
Court Clerk Beach.

Maj. Peyton Gordon. lifelong resi-
dent of Washington, was today in
Quoted into the office Of United States
attorney for the District of Columbia.
He succeeds John E. Laskey, also a
native Of this city, who has served in
that capacity for nearly seven years.
Maj. Gordon Immediately entered upon
the discharge Of his duties, after re-
ceiving the congratulations of an as
semblage of lawyers and other friends
which crowded the courtroom.
: The oath of office was administered
to the new United States attorney by
Morgan H. Beach. clerk of the Su-
preme Court Of the District of Column
bia, at meeting Of the court in gen.
eral term. Justice Siddons acted az
chief justice. and Justices Hitz and
Hoehling were present. Among the
ladies present was Mrs. Gordon, wife
Of the new official.
Laskey Addresses Court.
Mr.. Laskey, addressing the court,
called attention to the fact that he
had resigned the position Of United
States attorney last March, and that
his resignation had been accepted in
June. but he was requested to await
the naming of his successor before re-
firing from the ONCE. Mr Laskey ad-
vised the court Of his great pleasure
In presenting Maj. Gordon Of the local
bar and of handing to the court the
commission signed by President Hard
ing appointing Maj. Gordon as United
Justice siddons took occasion to
congratulate Mr.. Laskey on the ef-
f1ciency displayed by him in the con-
duct Of the ONCE from which he was
retiring. He assured him that 1t was
NJ A.
bench that he had served with "fidel-
tty. intelligence and skill" Justice
Siddons pointed out that Mr.. Laskey's
term had occurred during an unparal-
leled era in. the country's history,
which had increased the burdens Of
and novel propositions called forth by
the war. He wished him success in
the practice Of the law to which he
returned.
Addressing the new incumbent Jus
tice Siddons expressed his pleasure in
welcoming him. He referred to his
long acquaintance with Mai. Gordon
and said the latter's career filled him
With the hope and expectation that
with the same hdelity as your pre-
decessor." The justice assured the
new Official of the hearty cooperation
Of every member of the court toward
the success of his administration.
Both Carried Star.
Before taking the oath. United
States Attorney Gordon, In his office
In conversation with The Star repre-
sentative. recalled the fact that he
and Mr.. Laskey both carried The Star
and that their acquaintance began at
The Star ONCE when waiting to re-
ceive the papers to serve on their
routes.
Nearly 1900 cases await the at
tention of the new United States at
torney. Among those Of more than
leak" case, the alleged coal con-
spiracy. for which 226 persons and
corporations have been indicted in
Indianapolis, and in which the Ma
tional Coal Association here il at
tempting to prevent service of sub
poena: the appeal Of Nicky Arnstein
and his associates from q conviction
OF conspiracy to bring stolen securi-
ties into Washington and a number
Of alleged conspiracies to defraud the
United States in the war risk bureau,
the income tax bureau and the pro-
h1bitton enforcement bureau.
Mr.. Gordon will be called on to
prosecute a number Of hrst degree
murder cases and several lesser
charges in homicide cases. On the
civil side of the court he will have
to look after the suitsi for injunction
cabinet officers excepting the secre-
tary of the Interior.
The new United States attorney Is
expected to assign one, Of his assist
ants to the prosecution of the alleged
handbook" makers, who have been
apprehended and placed on bonds as
the result Of the recent activity Of
Commissioner Oysters flying squad
ron." Detectives Sweeney and Messer,
some OF these cases may be called
In the Criminal Court shortly after
the convening Of the fall term in
October
Mr. Gordon says he has given no
consideration to any changes in the
personnel OF his assistants. He has
asked the incumbents to remain ~
least for the present.