New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-22
WAR AGAINST IRREGULARITIES
SURROGATE vARNUM SAYS HE INTENDS
TO STOP ILLEGAL PRACTICES. AND
ASKS THE BAR TO HELP HIM

Surrogate Varnum. In addressing the members OF
the Bar who were present In the Surrogate's cham
bers yesterday. when he disposed Of the motion
calendar. used the following language on the SUBJ
ject Of illegal fees:
las there are many members Of the bar present.
think 1t only right to make statement to them
which desire them to disseminate far pos
sble among other members of the bar and their
clients
You all OF the result OF the recent
legislative investigation to the methods Of GER
tain persons who were formerly appointed by this
Court appraisers. Most of you aware. from
your own knowledge. that only a small part OF
the delinquences offences that have actually oc-
CURED were brought out before that legislative
committee. Nevertheless. 1t would II.
under all the circumstances the facts that had been
brought out would be sufficient to warn any per-
heretofore hereafter appointed by this
Court that exactions OF illegal fees and form
Of blackmail intimidation OF any kind would
hereafter be tolerated
Now It has been brought to my attention from
most trustworthy sources. within day or So that
two OF the persons who had been frequently ap-
pointed by my predecessor general inventory
appraisers. and who still have many unfinished
matters before them. are actually carrying on the
same illegal practices and attempting the same
blackma now.
Il wish 1t to be distinctly understood that the
Judges OF this Court intend this to stop. and as
you. gentlemen oil the par. snOuId any eHOrts ne
made by these men. by any Of the appraisers or
other officers appointed by this Court 20 secure
larger fees than those that allowed by law
either by attempting TO treat with attorneys or by
attempting by blackmail. such as threatening to hold
UP a report until their feets are settled satsfac-
torily 10 them, as has been done frequently, TO
bring II al once to the attention OF this Court
when the offence viii be promptly dealt With
ments eitheryunder the Transfer Tax law or under
the general inventory appraisement provisions the
at faa af he taYe cd ~
blanks have been prepared which can be procured
from the proper clerks. showing exactly what the
facts are. which the Surrogates deem necessary 70
taxation integently and justly. NJ,
There is no necessity for your paying Illegal
fees or being backmaied There Is no egs ses
Those may IL frnaf-T think they are for a city Of
this size wiis~' tt}ere many estates OF great
provided by law The great trouble has been that
the LAWYERS themselves have been too much dis
posed In order TO facilitate their own business OF
that OF their clients listen TO the suggestions OF
the appraisers and pay more than the legal tees
in order TO get their work completed.
OF the persons whom shall appoint as appraisers,
to break up this practice. and also stop me exaG,
lions Of Illegal charges We must Snsr baye
said In mind and to give your valuable assistance
in this matter TO the Judges OF this Court. III you
have any complaints to make as to the conduct Oa
~ the Surrogates and they will be promptly IN
yestigated ] have thought under all circum-
This Court desires that they should be treated II
they fail to return their reports promptly or
threaten to withhold them. bring them up before
above referred 10 largely depends on you. gentle
men Of the bar and feel sure that you will sus-
tain us by your confidence and your actual personal
Svproeate Varnum declined to mention the names
OF the two appraisers he had referred to.