The evening world. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1887-1931, 1894-07-31
EPSTEIN IS REBUkEl,|
Chief Judge Ehrlioh Refuses u
Punish Him for Contempt.
But Says His Remarks on "Flxins
the Court" We're Contemplate.
End Of a Case of Much Smoke and
Little Fire.

Chief Justice Ehrlich, of the City Court,
to-day handed down decision denying
the motion of Lawyer Herman Joseph
to punish for contempt of Court Lawyer
George II. Epstein, Lawyer Abrahau
A. Joseph. Saran Goldenson and the lat
ters husband and son-ln-law, jacob
Richman.
The motion was made because lawyer
Epstein had In argument before Justice
Andrews. of the Supreme Court, stated
that Lawyer Abraham A. Joseph had
secured from Mrs. Goldenson $500. which.
although showing on the face OF the
agreement that the money was to retain
Herman Joseph as counsel in the case,
was really represented to her to be to
fix the Judge of the City Court" before
whom Mrs. Goldenson's cases against
the Bowery and Dry Dock Savings
Banks were tried.
After affidavits in support of and
against the moIion to compel Lawyer
Abraham A. Joseph to return the
money were filed, Justice Andrews
denied the motion.
In his opinion denying the motion
Chief Justice Ehrllch refers to the fact
that Justice Andrews in denying the
by Lawyer Epstein, or the aff1davits Of
his client did not impart either the CIV
ing or Offering of bride to any Justice.
Justice Ehrlich then says:
''If any suggestion, however slight
had been made upon any record, how
ever slender, to the effect that a bride
had been given, or even offered, to the
would make rigid and searching in
vestigation and would hold accountable
every person uttering words Of such i'm
| 40
holding 1t of not the slightest conse-
uuence by whom or where or on what
occasion such words were uttered.
"Rumors of official corruption are now
abroad. Whatever action may be taken
by other public servants when thus
| assailed, but one course Is open to a
judicial officer whose name is attacked.
He must promptly free his character not
only of all accusations of crime, but
of every suspicion of evil doing. other
wise not only Is his usefulness ended,
| but his Ions or official service become
a reproach to himself and a curse to the
| community.
"The counsel defending the motion
m a H., ne ASSURE r or inn niaa P0s
a justice of this court dishonorable con-
! duct or wrongful intent he would be
held TO answer ant his plea that the
words were used In another proceed1
| ing and court would Ike brushed aside.
Justice Enrich then states that only
a forced and strained construction coulL
make. the words cast an imputation upon
| the Court.
Justice Ehrlich says the language useI
! by Lawyer Epstein was insulting to u
opposing counsel, in that it imputed
! him Willingness to commit a cr'"
and as such Is contemplate. but n
contempt of any court other than
in which it was uttered.
Concluding, Justice Ehrlich says
| conduct of Mr.. Epstein was Gle
reprehensible. and deserved severe
buke.
His was" he says. a" the opposite O,
! frank and manly course. and hfs repesS
ing the angry words of disappolr y
| woman client, which he did not bell -
which assailed the character of
, low lawyer, was wrong.
"He ought, in justice to himself, rent
an ample apology to the attorney Y
! Justly attacked"