Chicago Tribune
C. G. ROE RESIGNS AS WAYMAN’S AID
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Avenger of White Slaves Decides to Return to General Practice of Law.
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SHORT RETAINS HIS JOB
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Rumor That Prosecutor’s First Assistant Had Quit Proves to Be Baseless.
Announcement of the resignation of Clifford G. Roe as assistant states attorney and the rumor that Benedict J. Short, first assistant to State’s Attorney Wayman, has severed his connection with his chief on account of the McCann investigation caused a sensation in the Criminal court building yesterday.
Denial of Mr. Short’s resignation was made by the state’s attorney and by Mr. Short himself. A telegram was received from the latter, who is at Paw Paw, Mich. stating: "Absolutely nothing to it." Mr. Wayman also said Mr. Short would continue his work in the state’s attorney’s office.
According to Mr. Roe, his resignation is due to a desire to take up again his private practice and had nothing to do with the graft investigation or with any work in that department of the state’s attorney’s office.
Letters which passed between Mr. Roe and Mr. Wayman indicate that the former leaves with the best feeling. Mr. Roe’s letter, dated August 21, tendering his resignation stated:
"Please accept my resignation to take effect Sept 1 as I deem it quite necessary to return to my private practice. Allow me to express to you my appreciation for the many kindnesses you have accorded me."
Roe Praised by Wayman.
Mr. Wayman, in accepting the resignation, replied
"In accepting your resignation, permit me to express to you my high appreciation of your services in this office, the ability with which you have handled cases in court, and the industry and intelligence with which you have assisted in the work. You leave this office with the warm friendship of every man in it, and the best wishes of us all for a distinguished career at the bar."
"There is nothing political or personal about my resignation," said Mr. Roe. "I simply believe I have served the public long enough, and as I can return to private practice and make a great deal more money. I believe I should do so.
"I have one client who will pay me more as a retaining fee to take care of his business than my salary in the state’s attorney’s office amounts to. In addition to this, I have recently been selected as dean of the Chicago Business Law school, and that will take some of my time lecturing at night.
"I shall continue my interest in the white slave subject and that is the only charge upon which I shall absolutely refuse to defend a man.
"I was not connected with the graft investigation in any way and my resignation has no bearing whatever upon that work or on my actions in that department of the office of the state’s attorney."
Short Prolongs Vacation.
The rumor of Mr. Short’s resignation resulted from his failure to return to the city at the expiration of his vacation. He was due back at the state’s attorney’s office on Monday, and his failure to put in an appearance led to the belief of possible friction with Mr. Wayman.
"I cannot say when Mr. Short will be back," said Mr. Wayman.
"Is it true that he has resigned?" was asked.
"It is not true. He will be back."
"It has been announced that Mr. Short would aid in the prosecution of Inspector McCann. Is that true?"
"I am undecided now."
The rumor of Mr. Short’s resignation also conveyed the report that he desired to be excused from the protection of the indicted members of the police force. This, coupled with the transference of Detective George C. Chatt from the state’s attorney’s office on Monday and Mr. Roe’s withdrawal, was the nucleus for the dissension rumor. Chatt’s transfer, it is said, came after Mr. Wayman was informed that the detective was on friendly terms with certain resort owners.
Preparing for McCann Trail.
Opening fire in the battle which will begin in the criminal court building on Sept. 7 began yesterday when fifty subpoenas for policemen connected with the Desplaines street station were served.
The list of witnesses called for the trial of Inspector McCann includes the names of members of the police department who have not appeared before the grand jury or who have not been mentioned in connection with the graft investigation. It is said Mr. Wayman will depend upon the patrolmen of the Desplaines street station for much of his evidence against the inspector.
The policeman served with subpoenas are Lieut. Michael Madden, Sergts. Frank Troy, Patrick Kelleher, Garrett Brennan, Patrick Dawson, and Thomas O’Malley and Patrolmen Andrew O’Day, Thomas Bekett, Arthur Conley, P. J. Mulvehill, Herbert Reed, Michael Galvin, and Patrick Bonner.
Opposition to Julius Frank
A report was received in the state’s attorney’s office that Julius Frank, brother of Louis Frank, the principal witness against Inspector McCann, is meeting with opposition from some of the members of Kalveria synagogue on account of his activity in behalf of Mr. Wayman. He was ejected president of the synagogue some time ago.
Recently the Jewish Labor World printed an editorial severely criticizing the Frank Brothers for their connection with the levee district. The editorial call on the members of the synagogue to take immediate action toward obtaining the resignation of Julius as president. It also advocated the expulsion of both men from membership.
