The Evening critic. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1881-1885, 1884-07-12
ZaIAdN.
POLICE COURT PRACTICE.
How Some Lawyers Get Business
Judge Smell Determined TO Break
Up the Soliciting Business.

Andrew jackson is the colored man against
whom Judge Smell Issued a rule some days
ago for an alleged contempt ofcourt, In solicit
ing business for attorneys around the Police
Court. Messrs. John A. MOSS and Il. III. Hew-
lett, colored mombers OF the bar, appeared for
the defendant.
Mrs. Agnes Chic, white, woman, snid che
came to this court last Tuesday TO soc tho
clerk and was met by the defendant, who ask
cd her what she wanted. She replied that she
wanted to see the clerk. He sat her down aud
said the clerk was not in. He questioned her
about the nature OF her business and pointed
out tall colored man with glasses, and said
he was good lawyer and would attend TO her
business. The next day he met her In court,
and said he was going to have that d-d police
man dismissed the force for arresting him.
She came back Thursday and he annoyed her
again, and she spoke to onlcer Marks aud
asked him TO protect her.
EJackson was put on the stand, and denied
the whole story, aud said he only gave the
lady some Information about the clerk of the
court, when o1lcer skidmore arrested him.
He said he is employed by Mr.. Moss to clean
his offlce and run errands. He denied that II
was q part OF his business to solicit cases for
MIR. Moss.
There was some argument as to tho right Of
the prosecuting attorney TO inquire into the
nature OF Jackeon's business around the
court, and particularly as to whether he ever
solicited business.
Mr. Hewlett's Defiant Remark.
81 have a man here TO solicit business for
me-" exclaimed Mr.. Hewlett, "and he Is going
to continue 10 do so, too. Judge Wylie says II
is not in violation OF any law"
This bold assertion caused little sensation,
but resulted simply In Prosecuting Attorney
Thomas saying, "You ought to DO dlsbarred."
Mr.. Hewlett was sworn and corroboratod
Jackson'9 statement.
MIR. Moss said this was the most outrageous
prosecution he had ever witnessed, and Is
nothing but
Prejudice Against the COIOred MEM
bers of the BRr
on the part of white lawyers who couldn't get
any business and who drank up what littlo
they did make.
The prosecutor said he thought q case was
made out.
Judge Smells Remarks on the Rule.
Judge Smell said, 81 wish to say specifically
that this rule is TO prevent solicitation around
THIS court for business for attorneys. II am
annoyed further will mako IL broad enough
10 include the attorneys themselves. This
court has power 10 regulate the practice and
mako II decent. 1t has not been decent from
time immemorial. The profession is bound to
become Indecent when business IL solicited,
and 1t becomes trade. II is deemed even un.
professional FOR q lawyer to advertise like q
quack doctor.
"Any violations OF this rule will be visited
me extent OF the law. The enforcement OF
this Will be for the good Of the profession, and
oil good members of tho bar are In favor OF its
enforcement, but not against any particular
class. SO far as this case is concerned am not
prepared to say that the defendant Is guilty OF
violation OF the regulations. Tho lady was
mistaken about the person, because her dc.
The case was dismissed. -.