The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1922-08-25
SERIOUS CHARGES ARE ENTERED
BYD|STR|CT ATTORNEY BROWN
Friction, Existing in Federal
Court Here, Leading Up To
Sensational Expose
Incompetency, Pettishness
Unscrupulousness Among
Allegations Exchanged
Department of Justice to Be
Called Upon to Act In
Serious Controversy

KUN bIingS or controversy or Serl-
Gus political nature have been heard IN
the state during the past two or three
weeks. The contemplation OF such a
controversy is not only aroustng lively
interest among the political leaders Of
the state but. in itself. threatens 10 be-
come one OF the greatest political dts
turbances witnessed IN West Virginia
In years.
This controversy has 10 do with the
federal Judge OF the northern district OF
West Virginia. w. E. Baker. on the one
hand. and the United States district at
torney T A. Brown. on the other. For
some time there has been noticeable
friction between these two offices, hut
Il is only recently that.it has assumed
serious proportions.
For some time the friends of both
parties to the controversy have talked
freely OF the incompetence and unhtncss
of the other. and have made charges
and counter charges OF an unofficial ma
ture. District Attorney Brown and his
friends have charged Judge Baker with
being petty and unscrupulous in his Of
ficial duties. Judge Baker, 1t is said
has openly talked OF the total unftness
II
ants The unfrleudly feeling between
Judge Baker and Judge Brown has
grown until an open break. resulting IN
official charges beinS lodged with the
department OF justice. Is not only cX'
pec,cd, but threatened.
WIN Seek Impeachment.
II Is understood that the district at
torney will press his charges before the
department cf justice and will ask con-
gress for the impeachment or Judge
Baker. but not until after the fall cleo
tion and the reconvening OF congress IN
December Recent news from Washing
ton is 10 the effect that Judge Brown
has made II clear TO the department that
either he or Judge Baker must go.
Judge Baker. OF course. denies very
enphatically the charges made BY Judge
Brown. and at the proper time, II Is uh-
derstood. will hle counter charges
against his accusers. Judge BAKER -
quoted as having said on one occasion
regarding the qualifications anu e"'S'-
ency OF the dtstric; attorney ana MS as
sistants: They may be able TO noe corn
but they certainly are not competent 70
try a case in court.
Besides the charges NJ unhtnesS' IN
efficiency, unscrupulousnes jealousy,
pettlshncss II is expected the PERSONA
ronduc, of the TWO court officials Will
figure In the controversy.
Controversy Not one-Sided.
Uudge Raker has fled no official com
rIa,n,s or charges with tho department
Of Justice. nor has II been intlmateo lie
Is seeking or has sought the resisnaNon
Of the district attorney. II Is KNOWN,
roweyer, that he feels he has not nau
the best OF cooperation with the o's'
,rI,, attorneys office. and that he reel'
himself greatly hampered because oi H.
II would seem that the controNe'Ss
no, at all one-sided. and II IS rap'otS
growing In bitterness until some o.
scial actions appears about 10 TAKE
place. ,,,a,or
In fact. a dispatch from Washlosto'
% The In,ellI Kencer states that J"use
Rroyvn went 70 Washington. taking a',
cumulated evidence FOR the purpose VI
starting tho impeachment OF JuosS
Raker. and stated that. unless Juase
Raker hands In hts resignation the III
neachment will happen.
Brown Makes Charges.
The dispatch. dated yesterday' 'r neSu"
TT q District Attorney I. a. hs'N =
.,d hts assistants. Charles ). sC"u'N
and W. &. Grimes. are In "aS"''s ''''
0h.l