The Daily Alaska empire., 1935-11-09
 Alexander Declares Coer- cion Activities Will Be Summarily Dealt With SHADY TACTICS NOT
 TO BE TOLERATED Mis- C onduct or Disrespect to Court Officers Will
 Bring Contempt

Striking out against the reported intimidation of witnesses in the B riot cases arising out of the mine trouble last June, District Judge George F. Alexander today issued firm warning that any such activi- ties will be summarily dealt with by the court.
 In statement addressed from the bench to all concerned with the trial which starts next Tuesday, the Judge also threatened action against sym pathizers of the defendants who are rumored to be planning picketing the Federal Building and mass at tendance at the trial wearing in- signias of their organization.
 Tt has also been reported to me that one of the attorneys for the defendants has been advising some such tactics as those mentioned the Judge declared. II don't know whether there is any truth in any of these reports or not. I am loath to believe there is. If anything of this kind is attempted by anyone they will be dealt with summarily and sternly by the court
 Men Arraigned
 Judge Alexanders statement was made following the arraignment of the accused men in court this morn- ing.
 Rumors that efforts will also be made by other groups to intimi- date the defense counsel were re- ported by Attorney Irwin Goodman, representing the alleged rioters. Goodman, Portland lawyer who has been retained by the International Labor Defense to appear for the men, said that he was "suspending judgment" on whether or not any of these other reports were true.
 T know nothing whatever about the supposed intimidation of witt nesses or any plans for picketing or demonstration" Goodman said Any of these reports that have reached the court cannot concern me. There are lots of rumors, including ones that some persons are planning to intimidate me-"
 No substantiation could be ob- tained from any source for any of the conflicting reports.
 Judge Alexanders statement is as follows:
 Hears Reports
 Tt has been reported to me that attempts have been made recently to intimidate witnesses in the cases arising out of the strike trouble that occurred here last summer, which cases are set for trial next Tues- day
 Tt has also been reported to me that sympathizers of the defend ants are planning to. or at least have been talking obout, picketing the building where this court sits, during that trial, or congregating in and about the building and its cor riders during said trial
 Tt has also been reported to me that sympathizers of the defendants are planning to, or have been talk ing about, attending the trial in force and wearing a ribbon or other insignia thereat with wording thereon calculated to intimidate or influence the jury or witnesses or those engaged in the trial thereof.
 Tt has also been reported to me that one of the attorneys for the de- fendants has been advising some such tactics as those mentioned.
 Warns of Result
 T don't know whether there is any truth in any of these reports or not. l am loathe to believe that there Is. At any rate hope not.
 Tt must be plain to anyone, how ever, that such action. if attempted. can have but one purpose. and that is to attempt to intimidate or un- duly influence witnesses and jur- ors of this court in the discharge
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