New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-02-26

Judge Van Brunt IS the Presiding Justice OF the Court
distin elton held by the Governors designation. He is
oldest point OF service. both Judge Brady and
Judge Barrett having taken their seats earlier But he
chosen at tho general quest OF tho Court, and
especially OF Judge Barrett who has always greatly
admired him. Judge Barretts urgency probably de-
cided tho Governors mind 1t was claimed that he was
remarkably fitted for the chief place. he possessed
executive ability. When ho accepted this .he
General Term calendar was two years old In less than
three months he had cleared 1t off, having finally dis
posed OF every appeal. 1t Is considered that
there Is subject OF human interest whether
relating science or art or law, politics, whether
dealing with things in heaven the earth under
Garth. upon which Mr. Justice Van Brunt has
mmelate positive and unchangng opinion. The vigor
and robustness of his mental processes well shown
by story exJudge Neah Davis sometimes tea lie
and Judge Brady then sitting at General Term, came
the where the other members OF the Court
chatting together. and began TO speak OF case
which had Just before them appeal After stat
Ing the facts the record and citing the law they told
court nal decideu
Judge Van Brunt laughed dcrlsively. Hes wrong,"
he said He's al, wrong. don't know who he Is and
don't Gs but he's all wrong You're hound to re-
verse him and you ought have done it without leaving
tho Bcnch'
Judge Davis smiled.
Just "a you say Judge he answered the appeal
was brought up from one Of your own decisions"
reason OF this fact
"Thon | hal my head In bag that day. sure" no
piled. for TIA; doc sion Is all wrong II made 1t APP
ply to myself all said without knowing who made It,"
Those who know tho Judge personally Will need no
assurance OF his sincerity. His manner Is buf. sharp
and Tos0lute. what to other opinions. to him
solid facts lie speaks sharply ana goes straight
as heart OF his subject brushing aside quib
bles and paltry pleas mercessy as the housewife
sweeps OF the cObwebs the wall Ho
sense and deception tried on him lie does not lack
humor. Indeed no has much OF certain sort 1t Ia IA
grim humor with nothing Of the Damascus blade about
snt having made his report which fell TO Jud &c Van
Brunts lot receive him asking for tho further
commission sell tho property II Is the usual practice
appoint referee for sale the person who has
been referee In the suit and the attorneys motive In
writing call tho Courts attention to tho fact that
he had so acted His dsmay and chagrin may DO i'm.
agncd. therefore, when he received reply his motto
running about like this:
SIR Before the receipt OF your letter desiring the ap
pontmcnt referee to sell the property involved In tn
partition suit OF Doe Roe had already made my ap
pontmcnt But to DO entirely frank with you, SIR
must say that even II had heard from you in time
should have ma lie no change"
The unhappy lawyer plunged in glosm What
could he have done to deserve such letter. For
twentyfOur hours he In misery. hut the note
explained the next day when he received tho order OF
the Court to sell in which his name appeared
referee Judge Van Brunts humor is humOr, but spare
me from being It's victim