THOMAS W. GREGORY - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 06/23/1915 - HFSID 317494

THOMAS W. GREGORY
A letter from the Attorney General stating the results of the United States v. Central Railroad Company Supreme Court trial
Typed letter signed: "T. W. Gregory", 1 page, 8x10½. June 23, 1915. Washington, D.C. Office of the Attorney General. In part: "Dear Mr. Seits: In response to your inquiry as to what has been done in favor of the Government in the case of United States v. Central Railroad Company of New Jersey, I send you the following information: The fine administered was $200,000; an appeal has been taken by the Railroad Company, and the case will be argued in the fall. A supersedeas bond has been given which results in suspending the payment of the find pending appeal". Texas lawyer Thomas W. Gregory (1861-1933) was a regent at the University of Texas before joining other former conservatives in supporting Woodrow Wilson's presidential campaign in 1911. His support opened up numerous appointments within Wilson's administration that culminated in his being appointed U. S. Attorney General (1914-1919). Gregory was generally progressive but drew criticism for collaborating with U. S. Postmaster General Albert S. Burleson to suppress domestic dissent of the American war effort during World War I, including framing the Espionage Act of 1917; encouraging illegal surveillance of citizens by the right-wing American Protective League; and directing federal prosecutions of over 2,000 opponents of the war. After resigning as Attorney General, he was made a member of Wilson's Second Industrial Conference (1919-1920) and resumed his law practice. Normal mailing folds. Surface creases. Corners lightly worn and creased. Lightly soiled. Otherwise, fine condition.