Sunday, May 25th, 1913
Declares He Will Die Fighting ‘Foes of Reform'
Felder Denies Bribe Charges and Scores Police
Chief Sees Conspiracy to Overthrow His Rule and Calls Felder Leader in the Plot
Chief of Police James L. Beavers Saturday night gave to The Sunday American a sensational statement in reply to Colonel T. B. Felder's accusations against him and the police department, and declared that he would go before the Grand Jury, and seek to indict Felder and all others implicated in the "conspiracy" against him. He made it very plain that if there were men "higher up" he would go after them, too.
While the Chief mentioned no names but that of Felder, it is known that the dictograph evidence in the hands of the police involves the names of Mayor Woodward, Charles C. Jones and Edward O. Miles.
The Chief said he would present his evidence to the Grand Jury at its next session. He said further that he does not depend solely on the evidence furnished by A. S. Colyar, Jr.
Has Proof of Plot, He Says.
"I have the testimony of other reputable witnesses that will show up this plot against me," asserted the Chief.
The Chief declared that the alleged attempt to bribe Detective Secretary G. C. February [sic] to steal the evidence in the Phagan case was but an effort to discredit him and is "the fight of a gang of vice promoters and defenders." He asserted that the fight is now open and on to the finish, and that he will "fight to the end, even if he dies in his tracks."
The Chief mentioned the name of Councilman W. G. Humphrey, of the Eighth Ward as having declared to him shortly after the segregated district was closed by the Chief that "these houses will be open again within eight months—you can not keep them closed," and sought to discourage his move. The Chief characterized Felder as the "agent and mouthpiece of these gangsters," and referred to Charles C. Jones "as the main backer of Felder."
Says Enemy is Cornered.
Chief Beavers' peppery statement follows:
"I dislike very much to become involved in an affair like this, and to have to defend myself in this manner, but the time has come when I can rest quietly no longer. I have been shooting into the hole until my enemies must now come out and fight in the open. I've got them cornered and they must show their colors. It's a fight in the open and to the finish. This thing must come to a showdown.
"This gang of vice promoters and defenders set out to get me when I first closed the restricted district and they've been after me ever since, relentlessly. But they've been fighting under cover and have sought to stab me in the back. But I've run them from cover now and I'll fight to a finish, even if I die in my tracks. Consequences will not be considered—I'll regard nothing but the principle in the fight. It's a battle between decency and indecency, and I'm satisfied that right will prevail and decency triumph.
"This is the gang that has run Atlanta for years, but it is now losing its grip. Its
