New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-09-24
FEES IMPROPERLY ENACTED
LAWYERS WHO APPEAR FOR COMPLAIN
ANTS CENsURED IN COURT
PROSECUTOR WINFIELD OBJECTS To HAVING TN
ASKED ASSISTANCE ~ CONDUCTING HIS CASES.


ASKED ASSISTANCE IN CONDUCTING HIS CASES.
An exciting scene was witnessed in the Hudson
County Courthouse yesterday. Two Italians had
been tried fof atrocous assault and battery Coun-
seller Weller of Hoboken sat by the side of Pros
ecutor Winfield during the trial and showed that
he had interest in the case. as he once object
ed a question asked by Counsellor Simpson, VINO
represented the defendants.
Immediately after the jury retired prosecutor
Winfield arose His manner betrayed intense excite
ment. Addressing the Court he said that there
was a matter about which ne desired 10 speak In
open court. because It due to the public. the
Court and himself that IT should be made known.
Especially should the poor. ignorant persons not
familiar with the methods OF justice be ihlotIheu
and enlightened OF an abuse that had come TO MS
knowledge. The Prosecutor said that ne hid
learned that LAWYERS had engaged In the dishonor-
able practice of soliciting and accepting fees from
poor persons complaining witnesses agreeing u
prosecute the indicted offenders In the county
Court. He said he had RETAINED from mehtiohi"s
the matter until the jury had retired to aVo" ere
aing any prejudice. but IN that very case tho poor
Italians NOT familiar with the facts had paid a
lawyer to prosecute the defendants in the court
He characterized it as an outrage on the poor Peo-
pie on the Cour' and insult to the Prosecutor.
When he lost the ability to prosecute properly Inc
cases for the State he said he would resign ana
when he required assistance in any case ne "ou!d
appeal TO the Court Attorncy-oieneral
He declared that the practice of lawyers cN-
acting fees from ignorant persons 10 prosecute
cases in the Court OF Sessions should be stopped
and he closed with the notice 70 LAWYERS thar so
long he IL Prosecutor he VIII never again per
nit lawyer to interfere or pose az al ASSN
ciate of his In conducting a trial
Judge Hudspoth frOwned ana said such connuc'
was reprehensble and the Court would not toler-
ate IT, He aided that there may be instances Wntit
lawyers are familiar with the pecGliarirs OF ,i9
intricate and I'm the interest OF justice shouh
impart their Information to the Prosecutor ana
II necessary offer their assistance, but for lawyers
solicit fees from persons for the purpose OF
appearing as prosecuting attorneys in the court
would not be allowed
Counsellor Weller arose and said that the re-
lie said ne had appeared az the solicitation OF
and to accommodate another lawyer.
Prosecutor Winfield said that he did not rti"r 10
Mr.. Weller
Judge Hudspc:h resuming said no lawyer had
authority TO represent himself as the Prosecutor
OF the Pleas he entitled to compensation
for any such service
After the excitement had subsidized. Counsellor
Weller voluntarily informed Tribune reporter
that he had merely appeared mt the request ~
prominent Hoboken lawyer who had an important
political engagement Yesterday. II was rumored
that the man who had been beaten and his friends
had paid retaining Zee OF 50 TO the offending
lawyer