New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-09-25
ATTACKING ILLEGAL FEES.


APPOINTMENT OF A COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE COM
PLANTS AND SECURE THE ATTENTION OF THE
GRAND JURY TO THE CHARGES.
The circular which called the meeting of
the Bar Association last night stated that the purpose
OF the gathering TO determine whether any, and or
any what action should be taken by the association
spectlnR certain reports recently spread abroad by
common fame and published in the newspapers
rejecting upon the administration and management Of
the offices of the Sheriff. the County Clerk and the Regis
ter 1t was signed by J. A. Bush E. E. Anderson, j. H.
Miller, L. S. Hatch E. G. Stedman, G. E. SOuther. o. p
c. Billings, II. W. Webb, p Merrill. F. S. Wait F. II.
Man, F. b. Lord ID. Lord, f., F. w. Adee, @. E. Cod
dington. D. g. Riddle, G. S. p. stman, H. L. BeekmaD,
c. j. Nehrbas, +. +. Hall
Charles Tracy who presided mentioned the object Of
the meeting stated in the circular D. s. Riddle asked
that Dwight H. Omstead should read the report Of tile
committee which had investigated the charges OF eXor
ton made against these officers years ago. TO,ths
Mr. 0lmstead replied that he thought the time was
fitting; he began to give the history Of the work
when H. L. Cole, Of the City Law Department rose 10
point Of order that the report not germane to the
object Of the meeting John A. Foster insisted that was
since II record Of the association and treated OF
the frauds which were notorious to all lawyers. The
report would show he said not only the fact but the
figures of the frauds. a." don't believe" he continued
I" in allowing Tammany Anti-TGmmany TO come up
here; but We ought 10 take measures TO
protect our clients tents IRON Seng swmdled-anq
Harnett objected to the consideration OF the
Whole matter SAYING R WE ngve csgH of
mot mucn."l These opinions should have been eK-
P Cw @ Sond Not at least blame thsso officers
whose regulations thus far have been spotless Cres
" Oh oh yes Rely's OF course"l
Mr. Harnett got further, but Hugh L. Cole objected
most strenpously to noticing newsp9PeT TeportS The
need time to consider this matter and an I'D
& at ni 6 sea 5SuS Heans S S
association. The newspapers haye declared, through
published interviews with Nelson j. waterbury that the
effect OF the movement against the ocers IN question
was political he decidedly In favor OF postpOning
this matter until after the Syracuse Convention There
fore lie made motion for an adjournment Tor wee.
point OF order in the meantime seeming 10 be lost
for the business lie was not in favor Of adjourning
from fear Of charge Of politics He urged the young
in the offices named but in the suTogates Court also
Mr.. Langoein ana MI shepard favored an adjourn
OF association from the charge OF political Interior
ence w. g. Peekham, IT,, opposed an adjournment by
affairs. Mr.. Cole sprang 10 his feet and said II yOn
fCries of You didi"l some confusion ensued here
Artemus II. Holmes said that be was surprised that
for The meetinc should now want to have the matter
postponed "Here is one gentleman" he continued, who
oSe Of tie accused odoTs who Wants s matter to
go over; and yet we are al well informed upon the
Subject. from my own practice that the fees In
the SheTirs Office nothing less thap roPberies."
dnS oPg sCSS % o yUeS TGS
by very decided majority He then presented the fol-
| lowing resOlutlOnBi
Rssopsd That within the knowledge Of the members Of
association that fees and charges not authorized by law
! OF in excess Of those allowed by law are and
the offices Of the Sheriff. County Clerk and Register
that suoh excessive charges notorious and
within the constant and almost daily experience OF ali the
members Of the legal profession.
charges partake less OF the
Of eXOons and In cases be defined by
no other term.
eSoUsdy That committee OF FIVE be appointed present
the charges made against these officers 10 the Grand Jury
In regard to his position, 20 which cutting illusions
had been made several times Mr. Shepard explained his
action at the meeting called by the County Clerk BE
said that officer neturned from trip Y Europe 70
aud these charges staring him In the face He published
notice inviting the members Of the bar TO attend
| meeting that he might near the charges made. Mr..
| Shepard said he CHANGED 10 drop into the meeting
ard explained the defence OF the County Clerk claiming
that there abuses-Only two charges OF Illegal
fees and those unfOunded. "The action taken there
said Mr. Shepard, with spirit, twas much dni1ed
than this taking here You come here in spirit
of fire and thunder TO belch out your unreasonable feel
! ing toward these men"
Mr.. Arnold moved a substitute for the last Of Mr..
! Hoimes's resolutions the following resolution:
PesoUed That committee FIVE be appointed receive
complaints that be made by members OF the
sOcaOn and further the presentmen Of these charges to
| the Grand Jury.
This substitute was adopted and the original resou
tiOns amended were passed by an almost unanimous
vote, not than half dozen voices being heard in
| the negative.
After the adjournment the chairman appointed the
| following committee: Artemus III. Holmes, g. de Forest
| Lord, Charles +. MacLean, J. A. Bush and Henry f.
| Knox.