New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-03-18

It IS a strange fact when considers the vast
volume of the criminal law business that IS done In
New York, that the criminal law specialists arc so
FEW In number But they can be counted on ones
fingers, and the volume Of the business goes to ono
firm that singular pair, Howe & Ifumnel Much has
been said, perhaps moro truly than kindly, OF the
methods employed by these advocates to set guilty
FREQ. Even were necessary 1t would be foolish
in mo attempt the defence Of men so accomplished
I'm the great science OF defending But no account OF
leaders OF the Bar could 10 called complete which
failed to refer to them. Among criminal lawyers they
undoubtedly ia the foremost line. Howe, as he
himself frankly Informed tho public during Most'S
last trial, IL Christian. Uummel Is a Hebrew
Howe IS burly. IIummo IS tiny Together they look
Hike thoroughbred ball and black and-tan dog.
Mono enjoy this dramatic contrast moro than they.
None refer to 1t more frequently. Hummel Is tho
consulting member OF tho firm Howe does tho work
Of tho court roOm though they frequently appear to-
gether Their business IS Immense though the most
u IT, and by far the most valuable part OF it, IS never
known 10 the public. That IS the part which Is ad-
justed" Jeforc tt gets into court. l know that their
individual income averages $4,000 year. They
have been together in practice just twenty five years,
having celebrated their silver wedding In January.
Probably tho greatest contributor to their success
IS their remarkable knowledge Of human nature They
adopts at jury getting They understand tho
Judges before whom they practise thoroughly and
adapt their mhOis accordingly. Before ono they arc
bolstcrous and noisy. Upon another thoy pour tub
fus Of oily na'tery. Before Recorder Smyth they
don't know their souls their own and act with
astonishing urbanity. Before Justice Barrett they
arc gcnilcmanllhc quiet and cautious. And all this
Is art, pure art.
Mr. Howe used to lie great friend Of Police Justice
Joe" bowling. They almost inseparabe. orc
day Howe ont scgh-rding, having the Judge with
him. Ifowo handled tho relns audaciously, driving
hs horses and speedy they were, at their widest
rali. Tho Judge bcamcd with delight. He enjoyed
u immensely, and every now and then cried out,
let 'cm go, Lii faster, old fellow, faster" finally
they dashed up I'm ont Of The Tomts and as they got
ont the Judge called police officer.
Arrest that man. he said, sternly, pointing to
Mr. Howe. Arrest him Instantly, and bring him
Immediately before me-
IIowr was utterly dazcd. but before he could dc
maud what 10 meant, tn, Ioccman's hand was ON
DIS shoulder ard tho Judge running up the Stone
stops OF o." 1omDs. Into the court room he was
'ahon, ard presently Judge Bowling appeared on the
be.rh. li- eyes twiuAlcd, but his face vas severe.
Howc.r he said. adlre>sin; the noted counsellor
g., boz would an ordinary prisoner, stand up
Aad Up Mr. Howe stood
"A> was driving along Crntre-st. a few minutes
ago with nrud,~ continued the Judge i saw You
running yonr hor,r- desperately IN defiance of Tho
l,w. Don't yoi dare deny IT,. l saw you with my
own oyr-. Ten dollars or ten days"
~. howo pad The fine. but it was long While
before tl' judge rode beAud his horses again.