New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-05-04
JUDGE HERRICH ACCUSED.
A REMARKABLE SCENE IN HIS COURTROOM.
w. NJ. SPEER CHARGES HIM WITH ATTEMPTING
TO INFLUENCE THE POLITICAL COURSE OF
THE ARGUs"-THE JUDGES SIDE
OF THE STORY.
[BY TELEGRAPH TO TIE TRIBUNE.l

Albany, May 3-Tle conflict THE Albany
Argus between the Cleveland and anti-Clevcahu
Democrats reached highly acute stage To-Day anu
a remarkable scene took place before Judge l'rrlcH
Of the supreme Court. 1t virtually was declaration
in open court by William McMurrie speer. the owner
OF majority OF the shares in the newspaper, that
he did not think Judge Herrick ought to preside at
hearing Of the case. Mr. Spcer made affidavit mat
Judge Hcrrck had attempted TO persuade him 10
promise that Tie Argus under his management
would support the Hcrrick wing Of the Democratic
party in Albany County.
Mr.. Speer says IN his affidavit that at Judge Her
rickS invitation he visited the Judge at his home III
Washington ave. and this was what followed
Il went to Judge Ierrlck's residence in Washing
ton-ave. I'm this city. l there had conversation
with Judge IIerrlck lasting about hour. found
Judge errck alone In the library OF his house. ana
| said to him 1t not necessary for you to send
for me- as had intended coming to see you as soon
as this matter settled TO tell you that you and
| have been personal friends for years that have
had high personal opinion Of you, and that trust
our friendly personal relations will continue That Is
all have say. and think you should understand
that Then told him of my conversation with MI
Manning in The Argus Office that afternoon 'hat
had all the worthington stock in The Argus ana
that my friends and controlled Il majority OF
the stock that my conversation with Mr.. Manning
was pleasant. and that felt sure that matters be-
tween Mr.. Manning and myself would be arranged III
a HAMMER satisfactory to us both.
Il then proposed &c 60 away, having engagements
elsewhere, but the Judge detained me ana toid me
that he wanted know where l stood on iocii
politics. told him that proposed to keep out "i
local politics. He asked If ! ineided TO JON
the local poli,ical organization Of which he was tlc
mead / told him that had no intention OF mixing
In local politics at all. Then he asked me TO pes
The Argus 10 the local political organization of which
he the head
Mr. Speer firmly refused 10 give the pledge asheo
for by Judge IIerick. and left his house In court
to-day when this affidavit read, Judge licrricR
with visible emotion said
Much of the affidavit do not deem worth! oi
consideration Nv alilation with acquantances III
the mast I have never allowed to interfere with my
official action so far as this case Is concerned,
had made up my mind not to hear 1t or act In any
capacity. unless TO prevent taGre of justice. All
the counsel In this case must be perfectly aware
The cmbarrS Ssm7nt that am placed In III h.arns ,"i
order While sought to avoid II. nave u'lcliI'
nj 10 shirk what | think Is my duty 20 lhr aS
the legal questions are concerned, they have never
hcen discussed bv me talked over excepting III u'
lime when the application for the stay was iau".
There is no reason lc-aly or morally dlSluilnAihH
mo IN act and although would prefer IL olHer"IS''
| will hear the order , =, -, ao,do Tho
udge Uerrick said further that lie would necide le
cosc in Julv The counsel then made their nrgu-
"cn,s II Judge IIcrrck does not give his decision
nnfu Julv the Court Of Appeals may not It;ich
decision on the case before year from now