The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1921-02-25
america CLAIMSEQUAL INTEREST
WITH ALLIES in HUN POSSESSIONS
LnULessness Is Discussed
At Meeting of Citizens
Holland Case is Aired But Shin
ny Peddlers Come in for
Discussion.

General lawlessness, jury packing,
embarrassing" crooked attorneys
and gang rule were thoroughly dis
cussed at mass meeting attended by
something over 800 people at the Ar
mory hall yesterday morning. The
John Holland case was particularly
under discussion and the gathering,
which voted to call itself the Citizens
Protective Association of Escambia
County, adopted several resolutions to
the effect that they want the princi-
pal to receive a trial on the merits of
the case and not on manufactured"
evidence. James B. Perkins was elect
ed chairman and w. Chipley Jones,
secretary.
There was no attempt to call a
spade an agricultural implement and
during the discussion the speakers
often turned aside from the main
theme to talk of shinny making and
peddling, Shooting up the town"
houses of assignation and general dis
reputableness which, it was asserted,
some officials willingly wink at. In
this connection the chairman took
those present to task for failing to
assist the honest officials by giving
evidence when possible.
Another depression on the part of
the speakers concerned the city gov
ernment and the police force. Some
speakers urged that a more earnest
effort be made to elect officials who
would try to uphold the law and
would not let gang run the town.
1t was frequently expressed that the.
good people of the city" are fed up
on "the idea that small bunch of
|crooks and thugs" openly boast that
they can Elk any jury in Escambia
county,
The name of Mr.. Hollands attorney
was not openly mentioned but it was
brought forward indirectly by a num-
ber of speakers who denounced what
they called his methods. In this con-
nection resolution was passed urg-
ing the prosecuting attorney not to
permit Mr.. Hollands attorney to have
the prisoner plead guilty on a minor
count, but rather to have him face
trial on the charge for which he can
receive the greatest punishment.
L. w. Marsh, clerk of the u. S. dis
trict court, spoke briefly but very
much to the point. I'VE must be very
careful he said, that we do not give
the attorney for Mr.. Holland grounds
for having this case removed to an
other county for trial. Neither must
we fail to watch when this case comes
up and as many of us as believe in
law and order attend the preliminary
hearing and the trial.
Mr.. Narsh's suggestions were adopt
ed by resolution and any resolutions
which previously had been passed
and which 1t was though might be
used as the basis for a request for
change of venue so as to get the case
removed to some other county for trial
Were rescinded.
we certainly want to settle this
thing at home" Chairman Perkins said
in putting Mr.. Marshs motion. 4
Lee Macdonnell introduced a reso-
luton that the newspapers be asked
TO give front page position to the story
Of the mass meeting. This resolution
was adopted.
Another resolution expressing the
confidence of those present in the
good character and moral integrity of
the woman in the Holland case was
also adopted.
John S. Beard attempted to speak
in opposition to some of the resolu-
tions but was given a poor hearing.
j. Hobart Cross introduced a reso-
luton, which was adopted, that two
members be appointed in each pre-
cinct TO continue the work of the as
sociation.
Other speakers included Capt. j. c.
Patterson, Maj. Paul Crank and John
w. Malone.