The New York herald., 1878-03-30
JUDGE PITCHER.

SOME OF THE VILLAGE GOSSIP occAsIoNED
BY HIS APPROACHING TRIAL AT LONG BRANCH.
LONG BRANCH. March 20, 1873.
The approaching trial OF Judge Edward l. Pitcber
occupies the attention OF the residents here and the
air 10 iull OF rumors regarding the charges made
against him. There is one ch rye to which Judge
Pitcher made no reference IN his recent interview
with HERALD correspondent A man named Matthews
was arrested u charge of theft last summer and,
having business OF importance in Washington, made
deposit Of 500 With Judge Pitcher security Tor
his appearance when wanted. Matthews had been
employed porter at the West End Hotei, and ut
one time when Mr.. Presbury had been recarpeting
some OF his rooms he divided up the old carpet
share. Matthews had secured appoint
ment In Washington, and was ready TO start
when some officers that were on the look
property ut the West End, insisted upon making an
examination OF his baggage and In their search found
the OLD carpet He was then arrested and held even
carpet had been gwen him. AS Matthews was
afraid OF losing his position In Washington
never Indicted he has has not It said been able to
get the money returned. All these charges that have
but the knowing ones affirm that there is member
ot the Long Branch Comm ssioners VINO will to
vote on the Judges side, or else he may have his
official record while In charge OF responsible office
made public.
THE JUDGES ANTEcBDENrs.
Judge Pitcher is n native OF Monmouth county, and
comes from family that have Always been very COM
fOrtably situated. His unclc at time owned line
Of steemers running between New York aud Red
Bank. Some thirteen years ago the Judge
quite an active politician, and succeeded In
obtaining the appointment Of Reader OF tho
House. During his stay in Trenton, II Is
sand, he charged with being Implicated
In some countcreitiDg transaction and had 10 take
refuge IN flight In the time when the Setson House
hourished there was parade day of Captain Stet-
sons company, of the Eighth New York, and Pitcher
was stroiiing on the blum with the Some
stables made their appearance and told Pitcher he
was wanted. He made no resistance. but
with them. Suddenly he leaped the bank
and began swimming out Tue
stables, It Is said, launched boat and
started after him, but they swampcd IN
the breakers fisherman then rowed out 10 Pitcher.
and taxing him on board, pulled out TO 1t
aiterward reporlec that Pitcher was put board "a
schooner ana taken 70 Georgia He did not turn up
lor a cuupe OF years. 1t Is currently reported that
Judge Picher's father pad out large amount OF
money to buy up the men who were prosecuting his
son, and that ne much Affected by his sons
Ing u previous attempt to cut his throat
lew years ago judge Pitcher became OF the
leaders oi the Blue Ribbon Temperance Band In Long
Branch, and attempted to poison himself, but
tcond thoughts sent for a doctor and a stomach
pump he Is boss mason and contractor by trade,
and has done The work on a number OF prom ncnt
buildings III Long Branch. HIS appearance the
bench In working costume, with his pants all white
with lime and his sleeves rolled up, has often Afforded
considerable amusement to strangers who have hap
pened to visit the LoLg Branch Police Court