The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-12-04
THE EXCISE AGITATION.
BLEEKER's CASE STILL UNDECIDED-THE LAW
AND ORDER LEAGUE ExoSERArE THE BOARD
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BLEEKER's CASE STILL UNDEcIDED-rHE LAW
AND ORDER LEAGUE ExoSERArE THE BOARD
OF EXCISE.
protracted hearing was given yesterday by Judge
Duffy sitting At the Tombs Police Court. to the
OF Amos j. Blocker, the witness against tho
tel keepers, TO whose testimony objection raised
because OF his having served term the Penitsn-
tiary. Counsellor Mundy appeared on behalf OF
Becker and Francis Oliver against The former ar
gued that under tho new Code ex convcts were COM
petept witnesses the jury beng the judges oil tho
weight OF such testimony. The counsel dwct a.
length on the cause OF Bleeker's Imprisonment. Hs
was mere BOY just returned from school, wild and
hayward at tho time. In . moment OF. impulse
he snatched iady's pocketbook. The crime was
committed whiie he under the influence Of liquor
he good parents, and since his release he had
led exemplary life, fact testined to by ministers
Gospel other reputable citizens In support
Of his claim that the new Code made Blocker COM
petent witness Mr.. Mundy cited opinions by District
Attorney Phelps, William A. Beach aud other well
known lawyers. He urged that the cases OF The
liquor dealers in which BECKER had testified be re-
opened and his testimony received.
ln reply Mr. Oliver c0ntended that the new Codo
dd not materially alter the old course or proceedings
In o the character in question. II was against
the policy OF the law that exconvict should be per-
mtted to swear away tho liberty OF reputable clti-
testimony. Justice ibuay requss.ad counsel 70 sub.
init briefs. ana promised 70 render decision within
week. Meanwhile the charges against the hotel pro-
Erietors are 10 remain at a standstill.
STILL
The officers OF the State Law and Order League
tinue active in the work VI prosecuting dealers VINO
soil without license, but there appears 10 be change
OF sentiment IN their ranks. Hitherto Mr.. Mundy,
OF the Law Committee Of the League, has
tended thai the Board oil Excise has IN many
granted illegal licenses and he made threats proceed
against them by indictment. Oliver Cotter, the gen.
eral agent Of the League for the state, also active
and only awaited an opportunity to bring the Excise
Commissioners up with short turn. Tue following
letter, which Mr.. Cotter recently forwarded to the
Board Of Excise however at rest all reports that
the League had instituted proceedings before the Grand
Jury Ne against the COMMISSIONERS
OFFICE THE Law ORpRR LrAGUEl
OF THE STATE or NEW York, ;
ALBANY Nov. 20, 1877.
GEORGE W. MORTON, President Board OF Excise -
SIR the honor to inform you agent
OF the above named society part OF my duties Is 10
bring the OF grand juries bourds ot excise
throughout the state who wilfuy and knowingly
licenses TO sell liquors to law. For
have carefully watched and examined the policy Of
given ind the examinations and
asked the applicants for hotel or inn licenses
have this II Board throughout the
would the and caution your honorable
Is doing would have little to do. 1t Is
this society bringing the notice
the ury any against your Board
the contrary Notwithstanding fully satisfied
that everything fur done by the Board accordance
with the statutes. Respectfully, OLIVER COrTER.