Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-07-27
The Charges Against Jadge Ham.
phfeyD.
PRoCEEpINGs OF THE INvIsTIG ArrNe
COMMITTEE.

PkOCkEpINGS OF THE INvBsTIG ArIN0
COMMITTEE.
The special committee of the House of
Representatives. Hon. w. w. Warren, chair
man, to whom was referred the charges pre-
ferred by Gen. r. d. Mussey against Judge
humphreys, had q session yesterday,
Among those examined were Messrs. A. q
F. Norris, James Fullerton. r. Ross Pei,r -.
John 9. Wilson and William A, Melov OF
the washington bar: They all testified that
unit for The position he now OCCUPIES. beins
deficient in legal knowledge and PROBES
sl0n ally d1scourteous to members of the bar
was also testified that he had borrowed
money from Mr.. Merrick, knowing the
money TO belong to trust funds, (which
conduct after the daily recess was such az To
be ascribed to intoxication only. Testimony
was also given tending to show that he dis
crfmfnated against some members of the
bar; would not allow or would limit argu-
ment; refused or unnecessarily delayed
signing exceptions TO his rulings, and on one
occasion tried to shield the Register of Wills,
when tie latter had Intentionally rendered
an excessive bill of fees. Tue Witnesses all
assert that Judge Humphreys had made
himself q Laughing stock and thrown dts
credit upon the ofiice he holds. Tuey al 20
testified that members OF The bar avoided, as
much as possible, to try any cases before
him, but generally continued them.
THE TESTIMONY DAY.
The investigation into the judicial conduct
of Judge Humphreys was resumed this
K. j. Meigs. clerk of the court, was first
sworn, and identified certain papers.
Nathaniel wilson testified that he cons Id
cred Judge Humphreys unfit to hold his
place; that bis rulings were not sound; that
he on one occasion refused to sign biz OF
exceptions on case appealed from his judg-
ment TO superior court. Mr.. Wilson said
that Judge Humphreys had never borro we'd
money from him, but that on one occasion
asked him to raise him some from others,
for which he would pay ten per cent. interest
and give an order on his salary.
Wilson Ou cross exam tn8tiOn leni0d that
he had cOpspfred with others to smirch
g a. james, cashieriof the Bank of Wash
$500 from the bank on q note dated June "a,
1872, endorsed by John 8. Norris and Heary
3: Davis. II was paid March IA. 1873. Also
and Norris. Also 500 on October s, 1874, en-
dorsed by II. 8. Davis.
In reply to q question by Judge Hum
phreys, James said he did not know that
Humphreys had given Davis an order on his
salary as collateral security, but that he
knew Davis must have had sum cient secur-
lily or he would not have loaned the money.
All the money borrowed by Humphreys had
Judge Humphreys.-And you charged me
8 per cent. interest?
Judge H.-When the legal rate is only
per cent unless by contract. Am the only
one who every borrowed money from you?
Judge H.EThe bank would not 20 on,
would it, If was?
Judge H.-Dld Mussey ever borrow any
money from you?
A. don't remember.
Judge A.What is his reputation as to
money matters?
sn The Gha Urn Judge, what differ
Judge HI want to show that he is iniqui-
tOus, and Is gangrened from the sole OF his
foot 10 the crown of his head.
n. 3. Williams was sworn. He said that he
had been practicing law eight years. In his
Judgment Humphreys Is wholly unit for his
position. Witness read several rulings made
by Humphreys on what he (wItness) termed
the 80 called safe burglary conspiracy, to
show that his utterances were incoherent.
VIM Btney sworn.-Is a praciicing at:or
Humphreys has the judicial Instinct or
character Of mind to be q judge; do not
think he Is ignorant Of law; think he has de-
nvered In various cases good opinions; bis
of the bar is somewhat unfortunate; do not
think the Judge has the capacity for extern
poraneous speaking on points OF law; do
toxicated on the bench; have seen him drink
when on the bench.
Judge Humphrey s.-When?
him once In an intoxicated condition on tue
bench-ft was quite recent; knew nothing of
his having sat In any case where he had a
direct pecunisry interest in the suit Knew
nothing OF his having borrowed money from
members Of the bar and failed to pay It back;
think that in several cases OF my own his
conduct as judge has hindered justice;
many OF the decisions rendered. by the judge
have been the subject Of much Jest among
members of the bar.
The chairman.-Any questions to ask the
A. No, except that will give him the
benenlt OF rumor that heard, and that Is
that he IL an expectant to take my place
when am removed. [Laughter.1
The witness.-That Ia something new to
me. do not think am com petent to be =
judge, and certainly would decline the Office
II IL was rendered me.
The committee adjourned until tomorrow
morning at 10 O'Clock.
POLITICAL NorRs.-The Louisian demo-
cratic state convention at Baton Rouge, yes
terday, nominated General Nichols for gov
ernor, and Hon. L. A. Wiltz for lieutenant
governor. General Nichols commanded the
Louisiana brigade, army Of northern Viz
ginia, during portion OF the war, and lost
an arm and leg In the confederate service.
Mr.. Wiltz was mayor Of New Orleans sew