JUDGE WALLACE LEAVES
CRIMINAL COURT BENCH.
PRIDES HIMSELF THAT HE HAS
CAUSED REFORMS.
Some Likelihood That Indictments
Returned by the Grand Jury
Will Be Dismissed by
Judge Latshaw.
Leaving the bench before Governor Joseph W. Folk had accepted his resignation, Judge William H. Wallace yesterday morning declared that his official connection with the criminal court was severed. Before adjourning court at noon Judge Wallace reviewed his work as criminal judge since his appointment to the bench.
"My resignation is in the hands of Governor Folk and I believe he will accept it in due time," Judge Wallace said. "I informed him that I would vacate at this time and I feel I should keep my promise."
In reviewing his work Judge Wallace recalled that he had kept up with docket and tried all cases promptly. He said that he had brought the parole system into its highest degree of efficiency. Besides his Sunday crusade, which he averred had been a success, Judge Wallace claimed that he had practically put a stop to the practice of carrying concealed weapons.
As soon as Judge Wallace left the bench, after telling the officers of the court goodby, he left the room, and a few minutes later Ralph S. Latshaw, the criminal judge-elect, entered. He at once opened court and informed the clerk and prosecuting attorney, I. B. Kimbrell, to set a number of cases for trial next week.
The arraignment of indicted persons was then begun and Judge Latshaw spent the afternoon hearing them.
Special Prosecutor A. O. Harrison, who had resigned before Judge Wallace vacated the bench, was summoned by Judge Latshaw, who told him that he understood that the indictments signed by the special prosecutor would be attacked. While the judge intimated that he would throw them out, he said he wanted to give Mr. Harrison an opportunity to present any argument why they should not be dismissed. Saturday was the time set for hearing the arguments of Mr. Harrison and Mr. Kimbrell.
A bill for $1,122.50 for services as special prosecutor was presented to Judge Wallace by Harrison and was O. K'd. The county court has signified its intentions not to pay the bill and Mr. Harrison will probably mandamus it.
