The New York herald., 1879-02-04
JUDGE BLODGETT'S CASE.
WITNESSES CALLED FOR THE DEFENCE.

CHICAGO. ILL.,, Feb. 8, 1879.
The Blodgett investigation this morning proceeded
in the absence of Mr. Lapham. both the counsel and
that gentleman advising that course The defence
called Judge Drummond. who testified that Judge
Bodgctts instructions to grand juries like his
own: Bodgett often lacked patience and amiability
toward uries and counsel but no was sorey tried by
his amount OF work. lie possessed great executive
ability; did not know that he "took the bit in his
mouth" oftcner than other judges Of decided charac
ter; did not know that he partial to the older
members of the Oar; had heard complaints Of his
temper from young and old members of the Bar; did
not know of any lawyers "having the of the
Court" Preference is often given to the older men,
bers of the Bar without injury to the younger.
REGISTER HIBBARD's TESTIMONY.
Tho defence then called Register Hibbard who said
that in 1873 he applied Judge Bodgctt resolve
doubts as to the Interpretation OF the Bankruptcy act
his difficulty being how TO make the annual reports
Judge Blodgctt gave advice which be followed mi
nutely in roportingfccs and dividends.
On cross-cxamination he explained the technical
difficulties regarding fees earned in taking years
sette he considered deposits of fees trust fund:
he believed most other registers made reports as he
did. His cash books then submitted for
scrutiny aud he explained them. Ho said he had
made Judge Bodgctt present of watch and chain.
in token Of appreciation for favors done before he
was appointed Register. and had given a few Christ
mas presents to him or his family.
Witness always tried to make as honest and com
plcte reports possible. lie consulted carefully
with the Judge and other lawyers the matter, aud
they agreed as to the construction of the law. He
had stated that Judge Blodgctt construed the
law for him. although that the fact. for he
sidcrcd that Judge Blodgett had enough trouble
OF his own. but he was touched at thc
manhood of Judge Bodgett in assuming before the
Grand Jury the responsibility for the registers
struction. He wished now that he had been indicted
for perjury. he could defend and exonerate him
self and IL would have obviated this charge against
Judge Blodgctt.
In the afternoon tho defence put on record rcsolu-
tons of the Bar Association declaring confidence in
HbDard and tho memorislists, and that the assoca-
tion was divided upon the resolutions, shown
by the Minutes
W. II. Bradley Clerk Of the Circuit Court testified
he had in 1875 doubted tho correctness of IIbbards
manner OF making reports. but accepted Judge
Blodgctts interpretation correct, as a matter of
course; he never heard Judge Blodgett alude TO it,
He testified to the general honesty of Hibbards
ports and conduct.
IMPROPER MONEY.
The mcmorialists read charge third--that Judge
Dlodgott had borrowed and converted to his own per-
court Before considering this the first charge was
closed up by calling up Florshcim wcathcrill and
Sisson. who testified that they had received from
Hcsng $4,000 to prevent them creditors of the
Gcrmana Insurance Company from objcctinu to an.
arrangement by which his notes were disposed Of:
did not know that this done by any Arrangement
with Judge Blodgett or Assignee vocke.
General Loakc, Vocke's law partner testified that
he regarded Hcsing insolvent and hopeessly involved
Blodgett knew thoroughly the condition of Hcsinu's
aairs from judicial proceedings before him. and did
wisely In not entering Judgment. but making pri-
vate sale execution ct that time would not have
realized q cent.
Adjourned