The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1922-12-12
BAL DW|N DENIES
CHARGES MADE At
SUNDAY MEET INC
Was Personal Attack, States
Militia Commander-Cir-
cumstanceS Justified All
Arrests, Is Claimed

Arrests of alleged strikers and dy-
namiters were made by the national
guard with the Endorsement of civil
authorities and in cooperation with
the sheriffs office, declared Maj, VIII
liam l.. Baldwin, commander of the
unit in Birmingham, in. statement
issued Monday. Major Baldwin de-
MED charges that he was usurping
power of the civil authorities, made
at a mass meeting Sunday afternoon
when the guards activities We're de-
nounced by senator-elect Walter
Browe rand John Altman, Birming-
ham attorney.
The statement denied charges that
homes of striking shopmen had been
searched without permission and as
serted that ample evidence could be
submitted to show that searches
were made only after consent had
been obtained. Major Baldwin also
defended policy of the militia IN
making arrests without warrants,
claiming that it was necessary to
efficient law enforcement.
Major Baldwin Speaks
Major Baldwin announced that thu
military authorities had no apology
to offer for their actions, and that
the only persons who had objected
TO them We're persons who had been
arrested and those who appear to
be their spokesman"
The statement follows.
The mass meeting seemed to be
a personal attack on me, with the
Attorney General of the United States
and Gen. II. e. Steiner coming in for
their share Of abuse. The only OBJ
lection to any action OF the soldiers
that / have heard anything of Is from
the ranks of those among whom ar
rests have been made.
The military authorities have new
err had any idea of usurping the func-
ton OF the civil authorities. We were
called into service at the urgent re-
quest of the civil authorities. and
there has never at any time been
the slightest friction between us. On
the contrary, relations have been en-
tirely harmonious. We have, worked
in cooperation with the sheriffs Of
flee at all times.
Sufficient Evidence
The crimes for which we made ar
rests were committed principally out
side OF the city of birmingham. The
policy of the military authorities had
not changed since a firm stand was
taken early IN August to break up
dynamiting, flogsing, arson. and
other crimes. As soon as sufficient
evidence had been gathered to justify
arrests they were made. Had this
evidence been available at an ecrlier
date. arrests would undoubtedly have
followed promptly.
Several of the men who voiced
their indignation at the meeting. Sun
day have been indicted by the grand
jury. Others are at liberty under
federal bonds. / doubt very serious
~ whether the police department of
Birmingham or any other large city
would apprehend any great number
OF criminals II they always had to
obtain warrants before making ar
dests All law enforcement agencies
understand this thoroughly.
with Full Consent
They spoke of searches and seiz-
ures. The only searches that | know
anything about were made with the
fun consent of the people on the
premises. and this fact can be we'll
substantiated.
I'VE certainly have no apologies to
offer anybody for the arrests that
have been made. and We have not
heard of any criticism except from
those arrested and others who appear
to be their spokesman