New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-03-22
MR.. IVES PLEADING FOR CRIMINALS.
DIRECTING TO MEASURE TO DIsBAR LAWYERS
~o<-x-,~,-r-r rrrnxy

CONVICTED OF FELONY.
Albany. March ct (speclan-Mr Ives Of New York,
is sort Of legislative IiandA Andy lie is con
nually getting into scrapes in the Senate through his
amazing faculty Of taking the wrong view Of case.
This morning he outdid himself by protesting We
hemcntly against the advancement Of Judge Robert
sons bill for disbaring lawyers convicted Of felony
The bill the work of the state Bar Association and
supported by Mr.. Ives when il passed the Senate
last winter. late to be ratified hy the House But
these facts utterly lost sight OF in hi, mpuSive
onslaught The measure to-day.
why YOU oppose the bill p judge Robertson de-
handed in establishments "In Westchc>ter County
regard fclOn man Of bad character. Under
the existing law. can become an attorney or
counsellor unless he has good character. and provi
sion is made for disbarring him If he fortcit it. My
bill simply does away with the law requiring some dis
interested person TO move against felon in conse
quencc of which many who ought to be expelled
still members OF the bar
"Oh think you ought not to act hastily began
Mr. Ives
Excuse me-" said Mr.. Van Gordcr; will this
affect the bar in Ncw-York city,
1t might replied Mr.. Ives. artlcs,ly.
IL suggest, then" said Judge Robertson. amid
laughter, that Ncwl York be exempted from its opera
ton
To which object cried Mr.. Cantor, cravcy.
Really said Mr.. Ives. this bill is no laughing
matter. The General Term Of the supreme Court may
dsbar a lawyer IL il wishes, under the present law.
But think it's unwse To take away its discretion and
make conviction for felony involve expulsion. IN
large percentage Of cases, fclon believe. should
be disbarred. But there may be circumstances in
which a lawyer may be convicted, say acciic1'a man
slaughter, when ii wouldn't be fair TO deprive him Of
his only means OF livelihood. Is there any similar re
striction applied to any other profession? ?"
There is" said Judge Robertson. The physicians
expe felons.7
:" Well. ! believe in that But here we have a
question OF whether shall make 1t impossible for
any who happens TO be convicted of felony to
practise at the bar. might be convicted OF
felony, and at the time there might be nothing
base or degrading in the conviction. Moreover,
don't see why il he serves his time, he should not
resume his old footing
Mr.. saxton met this prodigous assertion with the
remark tina; the supreme Court already has power Ia
rehabilitate him.
"Ah.7 cried Mr.. Ives "but this bill says nothing
about that. 1t makes it impossible for any power,
cepting the Legislature, to give him the right prac
Use again"
"surely you're not in earnest" said Mr.. Fassett
"Some Of your propositions very serious. Why dc
you say crimes not degradng?7
.Oh, now Mr.. Chairman" exclaimed Mr. Ives. an
gry. a. object to being msqGotcd. l speaking
only of one in huudrcd.7
You cited accidental manslaughtcr That isn't
felony"
We'll, manslau ghter, then
You talk about deprivnC convicted OF a
livelihood Why, they can 20 West, or wood. 0;
come up here and be members Of the legislature
Lawyers sustain fiduclary relation 10 the people