The New York herald., 1877-09-23
A CHECK TO SHYSTERS.

ENFORCEMENT OF THE POLICE COMMISSIONERS
ORDER IN THE ToMDs POLICE COURT.
Tho late order of tho Police Commissioners adopted
for the purpose of moro eGectualy stopping shyster
ing in police courts went into effect yesterday and
created no little excitement among the clerks OF tho
courts and the magistrates. The trouble In tho
Tombs began the arrival of Clerk Rockwell who in
a loud tone demanded from Sergeant Woodruff, in
charge Of tho police the returns for the morning Tho
Sergeant politely answered that his orders were to
deliver the sealed PACKET to tho magistrate in person
''Thon you refuse ?" said the ccrk, growing excited.
81 refuse to disobey ORDERS" answered Sergeant
Woodruff mildly.
"weu, wc'l see about IT," came from the clerk,
and turning to the officers present, he shouted, "O
GERS. come forward and make your ahldavis" Not an
officer moved. Soon aiterward Justice Duffy entered
and took his seat, and Sergeant Woodruff imm cdiatoy
handed him the sealed envelope containing Tho re-
turns the Justice handed TO the clerk and the bust
ness OF the Court proceeded.
The next incident was tho entrance Of Counsellor
Howe, who advanced 10 the gate and was about to en-
ter tho enclosure for prisoners, when one OF the Of
ncers stopped him.
III appeal TO the Court" said Mr. Howe, speaking in
q loud voice. IAN l., counsellor OF the supreme
Court, 10 be dcnod admission TO a police courtT
M am ou. carrying % out .hs order Of my prsaocessor
ing the gate except whom actually engaged IN case"
answered Justice Duly.
Mr. Howe became indignant and contendod that as
an officer Of the Court he was entitled by law to the
privileges OF the court ROOM He intended 10 tost the
matter.
SECOND rSRFyEcrUAL ORDER.
This little epis1ic ended business was again re-
suincd, and everything went along smoothly until
shortly before the opening OF the afternoon SESSION,
when Clerk Rockwell went through the farce for tho
second tme OF ordering the police TO come forward
The officers, however, remained as before, IN their
PLACES, 10 await the entrance OF tho magistrate When
Justice Duffy entered tho Clerk made protest against
the action Of the Police Commss,onSrs and Justice
Woodruf:-"Whilc don't blame you, Sergeant for
obeying your orders, want 1t distinctly understood
that run this Court, aud that the Police Commis-
sioners do not propose 70 SEQ those gentlemen
about this new rule"
Several times during the day Clerk Rockwell re-
sorted TO tontalizng rcmarks 10 Sergeant Woodruff,
"may 60 outY" but the sergeant preserved uniform
ovcnness OF temper.
WHAT OCCUR.
The magistrates regard the order about the roturns
being delivered 10 them IN person as an infringement
upon their right 10 deputize the clerks 10 act
meeting will he held by tho Board OF Justices on Mon
day night TO take some action regard TO the matter.
One OF the justices yesterday hintcd that II the OBJ
noxous order was not rescindcd he would clear his
Of the police squad and preserve order in tho
court room ny SPECIAL officers aud give the warrants
to deputy shcris to In this determination tho
magistrate stated that he believed he would be sus
tanned by his colleagues The clerks Of tho courts
particularly feel aggrievcd al the order Many OF them
iee kccnly tho suspicion OF dishonesty IMPLIED by tho
order
The Police Commissioners justify their action on the
ground that while II may incoLvcnicncc magistrates
by making II necessary for them to be more punctual
III opening, II will close up large loophole which
might by improper persons, be used Tor purposes
OF 'shyscrs.u With the order force the Comm T.
sioners contend tho blame Tor any future shysterng
Will be conciusvey narrowed down TO the police and
then the Board hod the officers solely responsible
and visit with condign punishment all ofcndera Al
egethei tho hight vromIses to be lively one as II Is
not lEely that either sido Will give way.