The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1894-11-27
JUDGE RICKS'S DENIAL.
HE DTD NOT DEFRAUD THE GOVERN
MENT As COURT CLERK.

/ All the Feee ne was Accused OF TnktHH
Illegally He Earned In n Patent Case
was EntitIed 20 All the Fees He cot.
CLEVELAND, Nov. 2G.-The investigation Of
the charges OF malfeasance In office against
United States Judge A.. !. Kicks was continued
here this morning. The Congressional investi-
CATION committee, consisting Of Representatives
Bailey of Texas, Broderick of Kansas. and Lane
Of Illinois, arrived at the Federal building about
10 o'clock.
The charges against Judge Kicks are that, as
Judge of the United States Court. he approved
his own report ~ clerk, which position he
previously held. showing the same TO have
been Incorrect. It is charged that Judge
Kicks proftcd to the extent of about
$1,000 above his legal fees for the
approval OF the report. The Central Labor
Union, which preferred the charges. sent a me-
mortal to Congress which was introduced by
Tom l.. johnson. Arnold Green Of this city is
prosecuting the charges on behalf OF the Cen
trail Labor Union. Judge Kicks IL represented
by Judge Stevenson Burke of Hooking Valley
fame, Virgil i. Kline, Judge :. T.. Williamson,
Judge w. II. Sanders, md Andrew Squire.
Lawyer Green said Mt the opening NJ the hear
ing that he was prepared to prove irregularity
on the part Of Judge Kicks by which lie had
profted to the extent of $4,000 antedating the
charges In the memorial. Chairman Bailey said
that this would not be gone into. but that the
investigation would be confined to the charges
made in the memorial.
There are In reality three specific
charges. The first is that Judge Kicks
did unlawfullv, wilfully, fraudulently,
and corruptly on various dates between Sept. 10.
1850, and Dec. 81, 1891, cheat and defraud the
United States out OF various sums of money
ranging from s12 to $40 in each instance and
aggregating S1,55s.T5, which had been paid
into the Circuit Court
Charge No. . Is that Judge Kicks on Nov. 10,
1900, wilfully and corruptly counselled advised.
persuaded, and induced Martin W. Sanders this
his. report to the Attorney-Genera OF his fees
and 1 emolnments said sum Of 81 .5}s75:
TO- rG fs is,rd a CRiT Tilf IL that sS 5qd sSrT R \ C ser Jar;
tin W. Sanders. ne at the time we'll
shsrs!roSm said s%r' sum 'ny Of si IS 49,, ""l, and
II is also set forth that by reason OF the above
TO be q, person wholly untitled to properly per-
form the duties and maintain the dignity and
Mr.. Kline read a lengthy statement in behalf
of Judge Kicks. He made n specific denial OF
explanation to show that lie Judges actions
were perfectly legal.
inc ices In question az arose IN the Birdsell
enclosed a draft for 1904. 81 as balance due
the Government from the Birdsell cases.
Ricks's answer included a report made by
became Judge. stating that his accounts were
correct, He says that he knew Sanders did not
report the fees in question, for he knew that he
himsels was entitled to them. as was set forth
In his statement OF the defence There
been no propriety. he said, in sanders includins
those fees In his account. Judge Ricks's state
ment includes letters from United states Solicit
tor-General Maxwell, saying that his final ac-
counts "a clerk were correct and satisfactory to
the Government.
in which It was claimed that Judge Kicks had
withheld S4.5do due the Government. He also
Judge Kicks made that report to the Attor- !
ney.General In 1893. and RENTED the draft for
$500 in settlement because there was imminent
danger OF his exposure"
Our authority is limited to the charles con-
seems setnee thai N M ,h mst Was A. d fsrp mr. b" of .55ss
which Judge Kicks does not deny, but says It
was explained in his account"
Judge Kicks was then sworn. His voice
sounded rather indistinct, and he trembled with
nervous excitement.
nalf OF 1855" said Mr.. Kline. and state what
fee? you charged thege IL the Birdscll cases"
And how much in the last half Of 1883 ?"
Two hundred and eighty-four dollars"
Returned as earned and received I"
But not, in fact, received, " said Mr.. Kline.
MOI earned. " suggested Mr.. Bailey.
That Is right. In cases where knew the
ceived and ran the risk OF getting them. | guar
anteed the amount TO the government
Now the first half of 1899 z" said Mr.. Kline.
IL reported S2l7 received from the Birdsell
cases" answered Judge Kicks.
When did you, In fact, receive the money In
the Birdsell cases ?" asked MIR. Kline.
I'm lsDO and 1891"
Were your accounts examined after you
ceased 10 be clerk 2"
Yes: in August, 1882"
when did you account to the department
after 1892 -
In March. 1903, ! RENTED a balance due the
department."
The adjourned until tomorrow.