National Republican., 1876-10-07
THE COURTS.
General Term-Chief Justice Cartier and
Judges wylie, Macarthur and Humphreys

on the Bench.
This court was engaged yesterday as follows:
Freedman's Saving and Trust Company VS..
Lanahan. Argued by Messrs. Totten & Cox,
and submitted.
Hovey & Dole vs.. Mcdonald. Injunction
denied.
Criminal Court-Judge 0lin.
The following cases occupied the attention
OF this court yesterday:
Edward Marlar, colored, charged with grand
larceny, in stealing a watch, chain and other
articles, in all valued at s1S3, from Daniel W.
Glassil. Guilty. Three years in the peniten-
tiary.
In questioning the convicted boy he made
the astonishing statement to Judge Olin that
his mother took the stolen chain, which could
never be found, and gave 1t to R. D. Ruffin in
consideration for his services as counsel when
her son should be Brought to trial. He did act
in that capacity, and it would probably have
been wiser if the boy had pleaded guilty, for
his defender has appeared in number of cases
during the past week, and in every instance
conviction has ensued upon his efforts to acquit
the accused. In fact he proves detrimeut
rather than benefit to any cause in which he
appears. This is the same individual who be-
came conspicuous in the Police Court for his
wholesale deception and imposition upon poor
ignorant colored people that were brought be-
fore the court for trial, and in humbugging
them and their friends out of fees without
making any proper or legitimate return. Act
ing Judge Mills, when the matter was brought
to his attention, took prompt and summary
action by severely rebuking Ruffin and forbid
ing his appearance in that court as q practi-
toner. 1t IS asserted that he is neither a
member of the bar Of this District or graduate
of law.
He denied the truth of the charges made by
the boy and pronounced it false.
z..l q Ak,& I.
ther into the matter, and directed that when
the mother OF the boy appeared in court that
she should be brought before him, that her
statement might be received. Later she came
before the Judge aud indorsed all the boy had
said; that she delivered the chain to Ruffin
ard had never seen it since. While ack nowl-
edgiDg that she did SO, he asserted that 1t was
returned to her. She confirmed that, but re-
piled that she afterwards gave it to him and
that he kept it, saying the detectives would
be after her and get it from her. This was
done in his office, and there were other per-
sons present, but did not hear the conyersa-
ton.
Judge Olin inquired of Ruflin if he was a
member of the bar: He answered that he
was.
The Judge said that he would like to be
furnished with the evidence of the fact, and
Ruffin, saying that he would produce them,
departed from the courtroom.
Detective Coomes, who worked up the case,
and was checkmated in tracing the chain,
thinks now that he will be able to recover the
rest of the stolen property. He proposes to
60 for Rufin and make him either produce
or account for the chain, otherwise will arrest
him for receiving stolen property and disposing
of it. This corresponds with some of Ruffin's
transactions while a member of the Virginia
Legislature.
Charles johnson, alias Charles Graham,
alias George jackson, and James Stewart,
charged with grand larceny in stealing gold
hunting-case watch, the property Of Felix
Braumgan, and valued at 800. Mr.. Cahill,
counsel for johnson, entered plea of abate-
ment, as the accused was named George Gray
son, and was so indicted. The prosecution
Joined issue in the plea and the case went to
trial, that of Stewart being heard and disposed
of first by verdict of guilty. johnson was
also found guilty. Each were sentenced to
two years in the penitentiary.
Chas F. Bradley, colored, burglary in enter
ing the dwelling of Jos. B. Bender, September
II, 1876, guilty of larceny. Two years in the
penitentiary.
Adjourned until Monday.