The Unsolvable Scandal of the Seattle Court

After reading a communication from the Attorney General regarding the 'Newlin matter,' Chief Justice Hanford of the third judicial district expressed deep frustration with the local climate of rumor and scandal. Despite a grand jury having been convened to investigate Mr. Newlin, the jurors reported back that they could not find sufficient evidence for an indictment. Justice Hanford declared the matter left in an 'unsatisfactory condition,' stating that while he could not personally act as both judge and prosecutor, he would not allow the court's dignity to be dragged through the mud. He challenged the local bar association, the newspapers, and the citizenry: if they believe the charges are true, they must stop whispering and file a formal, sworn affidavit. 'If no one will come forward and lodge a charge in court under their signature and with an affidavit that he believes it to be true, I think that Mr. Newlin is entitled to stand before this community fully vindicated,' the Judge stated. The court moved to recall the grand jury to further address the situation, while simultaneously warning that obstructing city railroads—even on private land—would be met with criminal punishment.