Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-03-04
TURNS OUT MIN.
WHICH WIS THE RESULT OF THE
CHARGES AGAINST JUDGE cox.
The Committee Take Evidence Relative
to Judge Cox's Conduct at Fairmont-.-
The Charges Not Sustained---The Com
mittee Prepare Report Generating
Him.

to Judge COXs Conduct at Fairlnont-..
The Charges Not Sustained---The Com
mittee Prepare a Report Generating
Him.
The special committee appointed by the
House to investigate the charges against
Judge E. st. Julien Cox, relative to conduct
on the bench at Fairmont Martin county,
held it's investigation yesterday afternoon.
The committee was composed of Messrs. s.
L. Campbell, j. P. West, Day, Edison and
Bohan. Besides the committee there were
present Judge Cox, his attorney, James
Smith, Jr., and Mr.. Goodrich, who appeared
as prosecutor, and The GLOBE reporter. The
public at large were excluded, owing to the
small capacity of the room. AS neither
Judge Cox or the committee objected to re-
porters being present, they were allowed to
remain, and, for once, an investigation was
inaugurated which was not star-chamber
affair. AS the evidence progressed, it was
very apparent that no case would be made
out, and the accused Judge was speedily re-
ieved from anxiety, if he ever entertained
any. The following comprises the proceed
ings, the witnesses sworn being from Martin
county:
Il. EaMcher
having been sworn, testified substantially as
follows: Am clerk of the Ninth judicial circuit
and reside in Fairmont. Court met on jan
uary %, 1877; Judge Cox opened the court at
p. M; saw Judge Cox when he arrived in
the town at 80 at the Fairmont House; MIR.
Dunn, of Winnebago City, seemed to be with
Cox, and introduced the latter to witness; did
not see him drink Intoxicating drink there or
at any time during the session of the court; at
the first meeting of the court Cox was sober;
could not say that he was intoxicated at any
time during the session of the court; would
not swear to it; could not swear that he was
intoxicated at any time. Witness detailed the
opening of the court. Cox opened the court
most intelligently; his charge to the grand
jury was generally commented upon as a mas
terly effort Cox being stranger to witness,
the latter particularly watched the former;
Cox evidently understood his business; the
first day, the court adjourned at about O clock;
the calendar called and all the
business was transacted on times Cox was
prompt and expeditions, and warned attorneys
profane language on the bench; Cox never APP
pealed to witness in this language tsWhat in
hell is it this court wants to do?" There was
nothing of the kind during the term of the
court. Cox had evening sessions during the
second week; his conduct was lust the same
swear Cox intoxicated; Cox acted a little
odd once or twice, but witness could not recall
when or why; it was pretty hard session;
never thought Cox was drunk until it was men
toned to witness afterward; never rccollected
telling any one he thought Cox. was drunk; on
the ninth evening Of the court noticed Cox
acted odd; that is, Cox appeared tired and
sleepy; Cox neither by deed, act or word while
on the bench did any thing unbecoming a
judge; did not scarcely meet Cox out Of court
hours; Cox's charge was clear and compre-
hensive; there was large audience who pro-
nounced it "a good affair."
Cross-examined by Mr.. Smith-There was
badly contested case lasting five days, during
which Cox held night sessions; had long hours;
it was one of those evening sessions that
Cox appeared odd and tired; witness acted
clerk all the time; was in constant attend
ance; on that long day, court opened at a. m.
and closed at 10 p. M; if witness had not
heard that Cox was i'll the habit of drinking
witness would never have mistrusted.