The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-02-15
JUSTICE PTyCKNEY,s CASE
Some Peculiar Business Done In the Finy-
seventh street CivIl Court.


Civil Justice Pinckney entered the Fifty
seventh street civil court room at ten minutes
before o'clock yesterday morning Notwth
standing the publication in THE Sun of ycster-
day of his determination to take his seat on the
bench. his appearance was Il surprise to all the
court officers. He was palcr than usual. but
none of the ordinary signs Of intcmpcrance
were visible He busted himself with signing
papers preparatory TO taking his seat on the
bench.
The Board OF Civil Justices had already as
signed Justice Gcdncy to this court during tho
illness of Justice Pinckncy. Accordingly ut
few minutes before O'Clock that gentleman
entered the Court House. The two Justices sa-
lutcd each other. and both awaited the opening
ofthe court by the crier. At few minutes after
Q. both entered the court room and the crier
opened the court for business. Justice Pinck-
ney took the sent behind the desk. and began
with the business Of the day Justice Gcdney
sat down behind him. and for short time
watched the proceedings uttentiyey. Then he
retired from the room.
When 1t was discovered that Justice Pinckney
was to preside for the day several lawyers went
out of the court room. In the hall some of these
accosted Justice Gednry and desired him to
Soon aiterward he went out OF the building
Justice Pinckney. after bearing several com
plaints. called the case OF Peters against Smith.
dispute concerning me Foreclosure OF rnhtt'i
mortgage on horse. The Justice WIS watched
narrowly by the lawyers. but his rulings were
made decorously. betraying no evidence of a
dsordered BRAIN His manner was more ner-
yous than usual. At % minutes before 10 o'clock
he hastily withdrew while "A witness WAS on the
stand. He returned twenty minutes later. and
on the conclusion of the case, at 20 minutes be-
fore 2 o'clock. he adjourned the court until
o'clock this morning. Mrs. Pnckney and two
of the Justices sisters. who had come from New
Jersey. were waiting for him in his private
room. He went away with them.
The affairs OF the Seventh District Court have
been severely comnented upon by those who
have had business there. The frequent absence
ofJusttce Pinckncy are only one among several
irregularities complained of. MIR. James r.
Davies had control until yesterday of what is
called by the court officers the "dspossess
mill" When landlord desires to dsp0sscss u
non-paying tenant he makes an affidavit. to
which is attached summons. II the affidavit
is satisfactory to the Justice. the latter signs the
summons. and II is then served on the t'nant
The law provides for no fees TO the court Tor
adjoining the private room Of Justice Pnckney
Landlords. i is said. are Obliged 70 goto III =
room to get their summonses. The afliiavits
are prepared there. and the summons.s
are filed out ready for signature. Then
1t is said they IRE perforated with punch and
sent in to the Justice ior his signature. For
til is service Mr.. Davies. 1t is charged. has ex-
acted leo from every applicant ranging from
have paid tn 5 fee willingly because they were
under the impression that part of II went TO
Justice Pinckney. and that they were thus ia
door OF the room occupied by Mr.. Davies there
Is no sign to indicate the nature OF the business
transacted there.
II IS further said that Justice Dinkel refused
q sit as substitute for Justice Pinckney whilo
Mr.. Davies was connected with the court. Mem
bers Of Justice Pinckney's family. as well ms
many OF his friends are OF opinion that his
companlonship with Mr.. Davies has specially
tended to increase his indulgence in strong
drink. Once. II is said, several relatives called
upon Mr.. Davies. with a view To- persuading
him to change his influences in this respect.
salary has been drawn 10y Mr.. Davies who holds
from Justice Pinckncy power of attorney for
that purpose. The explanation made ut the
Comptrollcr's office when the power of attorney
WIS first presented there was that Justice
Pinckney was Ill.
1t is said that the illegal fees accruing from
the operation, OF the dispossession business
have amounted TO from $3.50 TO $500 week. and
II is alleged that in addition 10 the money so
received by Davies. he has increased his in
come by having warrants for dispossession
served by boys instead Of marshals. the charge
TO the parties for service being -.
MIR. Davies was AT one time appointed rs clerk
OF the court by Justice Pinckn'.y. but was re-
moved by decision OF the Court Of Appeals. Mr..
Patrick Anthony. the contestant. then resumed
HIS position. Yesterday Mr.. Anthony. the chief
| clerk. closed the Office.
Justice Gedney gave notice on Tuesday that
| him. and that he would sign them free OF cost.
Mr. Davies Is in Albany. On his return Mr..
Anthony intends 70 order the instant removal OF
his desk from the Court House.
Justice Gedney said. yesterday:
l came up here this morning. first. because
II is shame that in SO large a district lawyers
and litlgants should b. made TO encounter such
veNatious delays, and secondly because / want
to strengthen the hands Of Mr.. Anthony in his
efforts to put stop to the abuses that still ex ST
here. Ii is shameful at a time like TINS. when
landlords have MS much as they can do 10 pull
through. that they should be obliged 10 submit
10 SUCH eXtortion.'