Atlanta tri-weekly journal. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1920-19??, 1922-05-25
CHAPTER XLIII

And when T say this Of Woodrow
Wilson, I mean it. I hope I have
all of the generous tendencies Of my
race and that I know a great heart
when I see its actions. I could not
have been associated with him all
these years, witnessing that great
heart in action without having full
faith in what now say. No man
Of all my acquaintance, with whom
I have discussed life in all it's phas-
es and tragedies, at least those
tragedies that stallked in and out of
the White House, was more respon-
sive, more sympathetic and more in
clined to pity and help than Wood
row Wilson. His eyes would fill
with tears at the tale of some untor-
tunate man or woman in distress. 1t
was not a cheap kind of sympathy.
1t was quiet, sincere, but always
from the heart. The president con-
tinued talking to me-and now he
spoke as the canny Scot am cold
in a certain sense. Were I judge
anu OWL sui SllOulO pC SOIl
Of murder, and was the only Judge
privileged to pass judgement upon
the case, I would do my duty even
to the point of sentencing him to
death, 1t would be a hard thing
to do, but it would be my solemn
duty as a Judge to do it, but would
do it, because the state cannot be
maintained and it's sovereignty vim
i+e,i INT aorTitIy f1TpGprUp6
less the law is strictly enforced, and
without favor. 1t is the business of
the Judge to uphold it and he must
do it to the point Of every sacrifice.
If he fails, justice fails, the state
fails. That looks coldblooded, doesn't
it? But I would do it." Then his
voice lowered and he said, Then,
after sentencing my own son to
death. I would go out and die Of a
broken heart, for it would surely
kill me-"
That is one key to the character
of the man that was revealed before
nv own eyes in the years of our in
timacy. 1t showed itself on many
other occasions. 1t was his idea OF
the duty of the trustee, the judge,
the guardian.
refusing fdruOHs
I remember a visit that two very
warm friends from the Pacific Coast
made to him, both of whom had
worked night and day for his cause
in the great state Of the Golden
West.
Their son had been convicted and
was incarcerated in the federal prls-
on. They had every personal rea-
son for feeling that a mere appeal
on their part (on behalf of this son
would be a winning one, for their
friendship with the president was
one of long standing and most affec-
tomato in character. can see hlm
now, standing in the center OF the
room, with the two old people group
ed about him, shaking his head and
saying, "I wish I could do it, but
must not allow personal consldera-
ton to Influence me in the least.
know it is hard for you to believe
that I will turn away from your re-
quest, but the only basis upon which
you make it is our friendship.
would be doing an injustice to many
| a boy like yours who has similarly
offended and for whom no one is
able to speak or approach me in the
| intimate contact which is your priv
| ilege. Please do not think me cold
| hearted, but cannot do it"
I remember one of the last pardon
cases we handled in the White
House was that of an old man.
charged with violating the banking
laws and sentenced to Imprisonment
| T nleaded with the president to par