The times., 1899-08-24
HARSH WORDS IN COURT
Attorney Graf Fined and Ordered
to Make an Apology.
While Representing a Client I'm n
Case of Minor Importance the Law
yer Intimatcs That Policemen Who
Testified Perjured ThemseIves-In-
suits Acting Prosecuting Attorney.

Attorney Carl ]. F. Graft and A. Left
wich Sinclair, acting prosecuting attorney,
startled the Police Court yesterday morn
ing by discussion in which the former
received decidedly the worst of it. Graft
was fined IS for contempt of court for hav-
ing used improper language. The difficulty
grew out of an attempt on the part of At
torney Graf to vindioate his client, Thomas
Carr, who was charged with disorderly con-
duct and the use of profane and indecent
language Graft failed to convince the
court Of the innocence of Carr against the
testimony of three officers who appeared
for the prosecution. Carr was obliged to
pay the District 50, while an order was
later issued TO compel Graft to appear in
court this morning and apologize to the
court and the prosecuting attorney.
Thomas Carr, the defendant in the case,
was arrested yesterday morning in Penn
sylvania Avenue between Third and Four
and-a-half Strests, by Policeman Newkirk.
He was using profanity when placed under
arrest and continued ii all the way to the
patrol box. When Policemen Newkirk,
Gibson. and Steyenton appeared in court
yesterday morning and proceeded TO give
their testimony Carr dramatically de-
nounced them as liars and intimated that
they had perjured themselves Acting
Prosecuting Attorney Sinclair examined the
defendant and in the course of the exam
ination brought out an admission from Carr
that he had been drinking during the morn
ing. Attorney Graff-then took the floor to
address the court and entered into lengthy
r.afrr rserf -faf 1Ho f1ad
made against the prisoner He prefaced his
remarks by saying that he had never ap-
peared in the Police Court as counsel and
received a fee for his services. This was
taken by the court TO be direct insult and
slur. Graf said he desired to see justice
done, and intimatec that he had appeared
as attorney simply for the purpose OF de-
Tending friend.
On the strength of his clients testimony
he attempted TO discredit that of the three
policemen, who stated positively that the
defendant had been disorderly and had
used profane and Indecent language. At
torney Graf further. stated that he in
tended TO defend the fair name of his
friend the defendant. from the calumnies
which il was the evident intention Ct the
policemen TO heap upon it. a mere fine
of S., he said was nothing in comparison
with the damage done the good name OF
the man who had been accused falsely.
Attorney Graf then attempted TO prove
that the defendant had followed in Illus
trious footsteps when he had taken his
early morning drink. He cited the names
of Washington, Calhoun, Daniel Webster
and many others who had been in the
habit of indulging in their morning toddies
At this iuncture Mr.. Sinclair rose to an
swer Graf, .whereupon the attorney fol
The defendant exclaimed: ''Sit down, yol
brute
Mr. Sinclair replied: 1T is evident yol
have had your morning tipple."
That's none of your - business,
replied Graf.
] Mr.. Sinclair Immediately rose to his fee
and addressed the court. He said: 1T Is
/ evident that the attorney for the defendant
] is not accustomed to practice in Police
Court He ought 10 be made TO know thai
such actions are not to be tolerated in thi:
court. He ought to be fined for contempt
! Judge Taylor thereupon imposed fine o.
/ s., which was paid. He also fined the de-
fendant in the case S. for the offence witt
which he was charged. Graft apologizet
to the judge, but ignored Mr.. Sinclair.
Shortly afterward Mr. Sinclair moved
in open court that a warrant be issued foI
Graf compelling him TO appear in cour
this morning and apologize to the cour
and TO the prosecuting attorney. Judg'
| Tayior issued the order