New-York tribune., 1873-05-22

promptly to the rescue of the District Attorney,
who had evidently been confused by the
practice of the defense, Judge Davis main
tanned his high reputation as quick lawyer
Of ready resource at the sacrifice OF his character
as judge.
II is not the cause of Mr.. Train about which
we are anxious. He was very likely not un-
Justly or 'uncharitably used. 1t probably was
in the power of Judge Davis to commit him
thus arbitrarily; doubtless he will find war
rant for refusing to poll the jury; but the
whole proceeding was indecent and dictatorlal,
characteristic of the impeached Barnard
almost suggestive in its manner OF Jeiireys
himself, and certainly an exhibition unworthy
the reformed Bench of which Judge DAVIS has
been and is still considered chief ornament
At this particular juncture of the legal reform
movement, the action Of the Judge Is dIs-
cOuraging to those who have labored lor
judicial purity and decency, and II Tor no other
reason it is 10 be severely condemned as
violation of the latter. Hardly q lawyer Otiepu-
tatiOn practicing in the State Courts talled 10
feel Judge Daviss action as degradation
of both Bench and Bar; and there were lew
who did not yesterday freely characterize IL
as q blunder or an outrage. The Bar has SUI
fered in the past such indignities at the hands
of other judges that lawyers are just now Sc
verely critical. and jealous of their standing;
personal rights were so outraged in the past
that the people grow timid and suspicious over
any apparent violation of them. The judge
who by mistaken zeal or irrepressible anger
sacrifices public confidence in this regard at
the very beginning of long term of office,
blundcrs more grievously than he THINKS, or
else is extremely unfortunate.
There has been no time in many years when
the confidence of the people OF this COM
munity in the honesty and ability OF the
Bench was more sincere than now. The re-
form of the courts which has been accom-
plished in the past two years is still matter OF
daily comment and congratulation among the
lawyers Of this city. We have been relieved
of the indecencies of Barnard, the outrages OF
Cardozo, the peculations Of McCunn, the petty
annoyances and insults of the whole body of
Police Magistrates There is left on the Bench
only one of the Ring judges to disgrace it.,
and exposure has rendered him impotent. OF
the whole race of Crates only one remains In
standing, and he is powerless now to piunder
as before, when the Ring protected him.
References are impartially distributed among
honorable lawyers. not given to pettifogging
fayorites who shared illegal overcharges with
their patrons and relatives on the Bench.
Receiverships are granted only in well con-
sidered cases, and professional Receivers
do not monopolize this profitable branch
OF the legal business. Honorable lawyers, emu
lous for their clients success, are not compelled
as formerly to associate with themselves law
yers whom they know to be corrupt and able
corruptly to influence judges. The courts are
no longer markets for the sale of injunctions,
or theaters for the display Of bufioonery.
Business is dispatched; decisions and verdicts
are won by legal acumen, not bought with money
and political influence. Court attendants are
comparatively respectful to the Bar, and less su-
percilious to the Bench; and altogether there is
confidence in the administration of justice.
1t will be extremely painful if any judge shall
thoughtlessly or in anger create doubts OF
the thoroughness of this wholesome reform.