The Trial of Judge Sachs: A Legislature in Uproar

The Sachs removal case began tonight in Olympia and the proceedings were characterized by several incidents not less dramatic than the historic events of the late senatorial contest. The attorneys of Judge Sachs protested against several rulings of President Wilson in such a stubborn, persistent and unparliamentary manner that they narrowly escaped removal from the floor of the House. Wilson was placed in the arduous position of enforcing severe rules as to the conduct of the case and the right of counsel to appear before the House, and he acquitted himself with great nerve, notwithstanding the stormy protests of the defense. The lobby was filled to overflowing, and the aisles and corridors were so choked that members and officers moved about with difficulty. The poorly ventilated, poorly arranged quarters in the lower house never appeared more inconvenient. During the reading of the charges, Judge Sachs stood up and was visibly affected, his eyes several times filling with tears. Defense counsel Colonel Haines protested against the proceedings, demanding more time to summon witnesses, but President Wilson repeatedly ruled him out of order, leading to a scene of intense confusion and shouting, with the president pounding his gavel until the sergeant-at-arms had to intervene to maintain order.