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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1924■ITHE FALL OF DON CHAFIN.We recall with considerable satisfaction the fact that we pointed out editorially on several occasions earlier in the year, in commenting on the amazing czar-like reign of Sheriff Don Chafin of Logan County, that at such time as the law should reach out for this strong-arm “ruler” his fall would lead him to depths far out of proportion to the highest peak of his rise.Such, precisely, has been the case, altho the fall of the redoubtable Don Chafin has been precipitated at a rate far more speedy than even his most confirmed enemies had dared to hope.Chafin is thru. He is thru as an officeholder, thru as a boss, thru as a citizen.On September eighteenth he was indicted by a Federal grand jury for violation of the Volstead law in connection with the maintenance of the notorious “Blue Goose” road house. His subsequent trial resulted in conviction and Chafin was sentenced to two years in the Federal penitentiary and a $10,000 fiine. He has appealed his case, but the appeal has not yetcome up for hearing.During the recent elections the machine and election methods built up in Logan county during the Chafin regime were closely watched by the authorities and much of the “Cha'finism”, so prevalent in recent years that candidates other than those of Chafins choosing had no chance whatever, was largely eliminated. The result was a closely contested vote instead of a sweep for Chafin as usual.On last Friday a further disastrous blow was landed upon the former mentor of Logan county when a joint indictment containing four counts charging conspiracy was returned by the United States district court grand jury against Judge Robert Bland, of Logan County Circuit Court, John Chafin, prosecuting attorney of Logan county and Don Chafin. The charges are grave, to the effect that the above named conspired to deprive Tennis Hatfield of his eonstitu-tionaltional rights. What the outcome will be is problematical, but it is fair to assume that Chafin will get what is coming to him.The skids are under the man who has for years past stood behind a Democratic party machine of his own perfection and literally defied the power of outside law. The course of the law has long appeared inevitable; it has simply been a question of when it would strike. It is indeed dealing a mighty blow.The case of Don Chafin is of more than local interest. It assumes a national aspect as a striking instance of the utter futility of an attempt, however perfect in organization, to jump the lines of our constitutional law and order as laid down and enforced bythe government of our nation.
Newspaper Details
Beckley Evening Post
Beckley, West Virginia, US
Tue, Nov 25, 1924
Page 4
Full Page
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USA 29 Feb 2020
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