The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-10-13
TIE POLICE JUSTICES AND THE GAMBLERS.

The following correspondence, passed between the
District Attorney and the Police Justices has been
for publication. AS the accompanying letter says it
explains ITSELF
FOURTH DISTRICT Police COURT
New YORK, Oct IL, 1875
To THE EDITOR HERALD
VIII you have the kindness to do a simple act Of jus
the Board of Police Justices of this city by pub
fishing with this communication the appended
respondence, which sufficiently explains itsef2
Perhaps the authors OF the statements referred to in
the correspondence may be induced by public inquiry
to come and furnish the information which has thus
far been sought in vain from the only official
which inquiry could be directed. Otherwise they
accept the conclusions which their failure
must inevitably provoke the minds Of all candid and
impartial persons Yours, very respectfully,
JAMES 7. KlLBRETH,
President Of the Board Of Police Justices.
FOURTH DISTRICT Police Court
NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 1878.
p. K PHELps District Attorney
DEAR SJs-The late Grand Jury upon the eve of It's
final al surnment submitted to The Court or General
Sessions prcsentment in which the Following Ian
guage occurs;-
'Thtrd-Another important reason for the increase
Of crime in this community arises largely from this
statement presented 10 us:-That when arrests have
been made by the oice authorities of gamblers caught
in the very act with their implements and money on
the tables; OF men guilty OF violation Of the Elk
else laws and Of others keeping disordery
and improper houses, that in large
Der of when brought before some Of
the Police Justices where the evidence OF their
grimes full and complete they have been promptly
discharged from arrest held to in small and
insufficient bail, often in a not exceeding 800 in
amount and to such extent has this been carried
that II has made the police largely Indifferent the
discharge OF their proper duties
Such assertions promulgated from such a source arc
calculated to impair the confidence of the community
the present Board of Police Justices and miscad the
public. Believing that the statements made TO the
Grand jury If directed against any Of the present
Police Justices, base fabrcatons Of design
ing person persons. aud regarding them wanton
and malignant on the part of those who adduced
them, a respectful communication of which the
enclosed is copy addressed behalf
Of the Board Of Police Justices TO the foreman OF the
late Grand Jury with the view Of ascertaning If posi-
bic the sources and Of those statements which
the Justices regard and here declare to be false, NAH
cious and unjust week having elapsed since that
communication written and no reply having been
received, am requested by my associates to communi
cate with you the legal adviser of the Grand Jury
and TO respectfully request and insist that you will
of justice and of right furnish To the President
OF the Board of Police Justices the specific statements
or testimony If any received, upon which the
ton Of the late Grand Jury was based the sources
from which such statements cmanated, and such other
information will place the Police justices of this city
in position TO distinctly meet the destinations
veyed in that presentment You will perceive that the
language Of tho presenment is vague, uncertain and
ambiguous that the Justices unable to give any at
tenton TO II other than 10 characterize II herein
above expressed May ask OF you the favor or reply
az your earliest possible convenience remain yours
very respectfully JAMES 4. KILBRETH
President Of the Board Of Police Justices
CITY AND COUNTY OF NEW YORK,
DISTRICT ATTORNEYS 0FFIcE, Oct. IL, 1875 4
Hon. JAMES T. kILnRErn, President Board OF Police
DEAR SIR am IN receipt OF your letter of the 9th
inst, with its enclosure In reply thereto have the
honor TO that have not In my possession any evil
dence taken before the late Grand Jury upon which
they base the presenment referred to in your letter
BENZ. K PHELPS District Attorney