The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1879-07-18
MIR. BERGH ON THE DEFENSIVE.

HIS OFFICERS TO RErALIArE IF CLUBBED By
THE POLICE -''NoT TO BE BACKED DOWN SO
EASILY"
The interest felt in the tight between Mr.. Bergh
and Superintendent sharp. Of the Union Square
Railroad the law prohibiting the delay Of street
railroad trac. sttested yesterday by the attend
snce of large gathering at the Jefferson Market Po-
lice Court. The attempted arrest by one of the
officers Of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Animals of car driver for using alleged innrm
horse had given occasion for the contest and both
Mr.. Bergh and Mr.. sharp seemed determined to fight
1t out to the bitter end There were number Of
railroad officials and lawyers present. anxious to
learn what Interpretation the new Law would
receive and to what extent they might resist the ag
gressive humanitarian. Richard r. Crane the driver
of car No. 81 OF the Christoplar Street and Union
Square Railroad. was the actual complainant. but
Superintendent sharp represented him throughout.
and Counsellor stner. who appeared for the com.
pany. joined with him In the war upon Bsrgh's Of
fcers. When Justice Morgan called the case Mr..
Bergh was admitted 70 place behind the judicial
desk. and there was general thronRing OF the on
lockers about IL to be within earshot OF what was
Counsellor stiner opened the case by stating thst
OfBcer Lambert who was only acting in accordance
with the instructions issued by the society. The
uoss Of testing the scops and scscy Of the law
Mr.. Bergh said that Ofacer Lambert required NO
consideration at the hands Of any one. He had
simply done his duty Ia arresttng Crane for driving
q lame horse. and Oacer Reilly. who took him into
custody. had NO right to do SO. He then said. Il
but Justice Morgan replied. There has been
written complaint taken. For my own part be-
that nns the of the Of
officer. 1t in true that the animals should not be Al
lowed to suffer; but they have to be transferred,
and the driver should be allowed to 60 on 20 the
railroad stables before the arrest Is made. There il
no doubt that these stoppages of cars upon their
and feel that were travelling through the city
would not feel inclined to lose time and temper
without grumbling."
"But, Your Honor" Mr.. Bergh persisted. ''who is
TO decide the character OF an offence relative to the
ill-treatment of animals 2?
sYeur officers should" said the magistrate; ''but,
like everybody else. they liable to make mis-
takes ..-
"sHow THE COMPLAINT" f...st
"Yeu grabbed my officer and locked him up" said
Mr.. Bergh I'm justice should be shown the COM
plaint." SIS
in. "You never have when you arrest people,.
Eyes, sir, / do" returned MIR. Bergh. "And now.
'Do not say it," His Honor observed. II do not
wish to hear personal recriminations. From what
have been told Of the case officer was stretching
point In arresting the driver and delaying the pas
sengers."
placed upon this delay. Mr.. Bergh persisted. 1.-The
car only stopped till the one following it came
up. Only three minutes time was lost.
'.No matter," said His Honor "You have no
right to stop O railroad with nifty people in II
under circumstances Of the kind"
"But am obeying the law. 1t says must make
such arrests"
Justice Morgan seemed disinclined to carry the
controversy further, and. turning to Mr.. sharp. he
asked Have you any desire to press this complaint
against Oficer LambertY
ave do not wish to punish him." Mr.. Sharp re-
turned; "but should this be repeated we WILL"
"Oh, I think you had better punish him right
away" said Mr.. Bergh, cajolingly.
'.You go now said His Honor to Oficer
Lambert.
s.But Your Honor, have come here to sift this
matter" Mr.. BerRh put In.
1.-THE case II disposed of SIR said His Honor.
'But, sir"
ut 10 dismissed"
Every WE'LL" said Mr.. Bergh, turning sround at
is all ended But II one OF my officers is arrested
again and dubbed III give him instructions 10 re-
turn the compliment"
"You should not say that" said the Justice.
"f am not addressing Your Honor" Mr. Bergh OBJ
served. 81 speaking for the benefit Of the
listeners. do not intend to give over this fight.
and shall now apply for . warrant for the arrest
Of the driver of the car. shall go on the street
now. and the frst man see violating the law,
Mr.. Sharp's any other railroad. will have
arrested I am not to be backed down so easily"
Hc then declared anew his intention OF having
Crane arrested. But the latter had gone OF, and so
all iuterU Nd followed.