Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1863-12-31
LOCAL NEWS.

The CHARGE OF MALFKAsANcE IN OPPICE
The case of alleged malfeasance in Office agains,
Justice Rowland and J. F. King and ]. P. Free
man, county constables, commenced yesterday,
was continued in the Supreme Court (Chiet
Justice Cartier and Justices Fisher and Wv.
le) this morning.
Justice Wylie stated that he understood yes
terday that Hanf had sold his property, and
he thought that it was material to know who
sold It. and who acted as agent.
Mr.. Wilson said that he had not been able to
ascertain who was the agent.
MI Schwine was recalled, and reiterated
his testimony OF yesterday. Witness asked
Mr.. King If he could not get security for
Liant, and he replied that he could for q con.
slderation He did not propose to pay King
OF the witness had bought Hanfs establish.
Mr.. g. T. Gibbons was put on the stand, but
no new facts were ELECTED. Witness did not
see King or Freeman during the transaction at
the magistrates office.
MIR. Norris proposed to examine Messrs King
and Freeman, to show that Justice Rowland
knew nothing OF the procuratlol Of bail
Mir. J. r. King was sworn and testified that
Justice r. knew nothing OF the procuratIon of
rail, and witness asked to make a statement in
regard to his connection with the affair. While
witness was in the Office Schwing came in with
some entlemen and had conversation with
the Justice in relation to bail and as Schwing
went out he patted witness GU the knee aud
asked him (King) if he could not get bail, and
Schwing said If he could he should be well
paid for it, Witness then went to Freeman
that Sehwing had offered to pay tor bail, and
Freeman came up and went the security. Hanf
at that time was doing business on Eleventh
street. He knew nothing of the reduction Of
bail.
Mr.. Norris remarked that that 1t was a com.
mon thing for magistrates to reduce bail.
Chief Justice Cartier asked what amount of
business had been heretofore done in procuring
bail for persons
Mr. King said he did not kow but this was
the first time he had engaged in the business.
bail for parties. Mr. King also stated that after
Eanf had left the city Mr.. Freeman and him.
self went 10 Baltimore after him.
Mr.. j. Il. Freeman testified that uStice Row.
land was not connected in the matter as to pro-
curing bail and the witness made 8 statement
10 the effect that Mr. King met him the day
In question and told him that Hanf was in Jail,
he knew Hanf was innocent, not having mar
ried the woman he was living with Witness
went bail for Hanf and after wards met King
who gave him $50 Witness was worth about
S4,GU.
G. w. Phillips, Deputy Marshal. and E. J.
Middleton, Clerk Of the Criminal Court, tesa-
ned to the good character of Mr. King, who
they considered as one of the best officers.
After short consultation with his asso-
ciatee, Chief Justice Cartier made the follow
ing decision:
Decision of Chief Justice Cartier.
Mr.. Rowland: The Court has come to the
conclusion to discharge this relation, and the
reason is that they think the testimony vindi-
Gates your purposes for an honest discharge Of
ysur duty, though not q pise one. The Court
would b. very reluctant to strip magistrate
of this city of his magisterial power, by reason
OF q mere error OF Judgment, II he were found
TO possess capacity for the proper discharge of
the duties OF his office We have no DISPOSE
ton TO visit the honest exercise OF magistsrial
duties with penalties. The Court, however,
considers itself responsible for the purity Of
the magistrates of this District. The law has
charged them with this responsibility, and
considering all the sanctions they are under
tor the preservation OF public peace here aud
the security TO this cemmuniry5o of life and
property. the Court Will be under the necessity
OF vigorously exercising that power.
The moment that corruption, weakness, or
yiekedIess creeps into the deliberations or
dis barge OF tie duties of the magistrate. the
sucurity of the. public peace and of private
rights IN the District is ended. as you are we'll
aware. Nothing but the stern and faithful
discharge of ms gis;eriai duty can preserve the
sscs OF the city and the citizens Of the Dis.