Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1876-07-29
The investigation OF Judge Hum
PhreyS.
THE TESTIMONY TO-DAY

TIE TESTIMONY TO-DAY.
The special House committee Investigate
ing the charges against Judge ID. c. Hum
phreys, OF the District bench, continued
their exam iDation Of witnesses this morn
irg.
Henry W. Garnet was the first witness. and
corrobOrated the testimony of members OF
the bar who have testified heretofore. Judge
Humphreys is frequently hesttating and dis
connected in his utterances, which some
times have no connection with the case on
trial. He believed his conduct on the bench
was frequently tyrannical and insulting to
members OF the bar. Can't say positively
that he has been intoxicated on the bench,
vas little chow come you So" Have sean
him interrupt counsel rather abruptly.
John r. Hanna testified that at times he
had heard Judge III. deliver excellent opin-
ions and decisions, and at other times the
latter have been such as to excite ridicule.
Believes he had brought discredit upon the
court OF which he Is member.
Judge Humphreys did not cross examine
Thomas T. C'ittexde,, testified that in one
case where an Injunction was deniei by
Judge H. demanded an excessive bond OF
800 900, but finally reduced 1t to s25 900. In
opinion OF the witness $4,000 would have
been full and sufficient bond in this case.
j. j. Camp. assistant clerk OF the Supreme
Court Of the District Of Columbia, was swern.
Knew that Judge Humphreys once kept a
bottle in the clerks Office; didn't drink MINI
it bore label having on the name Of the
hrms OF Hall & Hume, wholesale grOcers. 1t
was In bookcase, and Judge ii. had access
TO 1t; 1t was there several days; saw the
judge take up the bottle and take q drink
from IL; thinks the bottle was filled more
than once while 1t was there; the Judge was
accustomed to resort to the bottle several
Judge Humphreys.-"You consider Mr..
McNsmee g good Judge Of liquor, do you,
yuS.s yss gSGa i@ds s;"
Mr.. McNamees private desk?"
Witness.-"No, judge; 1t was In book
case"
e Stanton was next called and testified
that he don't think Judge III. is ignorant OF
law, but does not think the organization OF
his mind is such as to qualify him fully as q
judge. Had heard him give expression to
nesitating, disconnected utterances. Have
seen him fussy, tyrannical, &C., towards
counsel. have Seen him nervous at times,
so much so as to be unpleasant to counsel
trying cases. Never saw him intoxicated,
either on or Off the bench. Do not think he
discriminates against those who do not loan
him money or in favor OF those who do.
Read motion once before Judge Hum
phrey's court in al important case, and
Judge Humphreys ordered him to Ia Ike his
seat, and said his motion would not be 1ied.
The witness informed him that the motion
was already filed, when the Judge ordered 1t
Off the file, and again ordered him to take
his seat The only objection given by Judge
Humphreys for declining to nle the motion
was the grounds upon which the motion was
based. Don't believe the Judge means 20 be
unkind, but that his accentricities are due to
his peculiar mental organisation.
Judge Humphreys.-"DOn't you think,
Mr.. Stanton, that your impression of my
conduct on the bench is derived from the
fact OF my decided manner In addressing
coupsel?''
Witness.-"No, judge; you give your Or
ders and directions In the nature Of q COM
mand, which IL not pleasant TO counsel"
Judge Humpnfeys.-"Weil, now, Mr.. STAN
ton, don't usually preface my directions
70 counsel to take their seats by the words,
If you please?'"
Witness.-"Well, Judge, even II you do,
You do 1t In such . manner as to 81 ve the
counsel no hope OF redress"
Judge Humphreys.-"Now, Mr.. Stanton,
Amt yOu nervous men?"
Witnees.-"I don't kuow that am, judge"
Judge Humphreys.-"Well, Of course, Mr..
Stanton, that 10 q matter OF opinion. A man
may be nervous without giving outward evil
dence Of the fact. i notice that you gener-
ally yield TO my decisions"
Wftpees.-"Yes, generally yield when ]
see there's no use lighting any longer"
james NJ Johnston was sworn and testified
that he agreed in the main with the testi-
mony of Mr.. Stanton.
The committee adjourned until Wednes-
day, At 10 O'Clock q. m.