The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1900-01-21

IN the case OF a Circuit Court Judge. As his
decision is final in the immediate DISPOSE
ton of a proposition. his course is watched
closely. not only by those interested in the
case at issue. but by all who may be pres
ent.
The Circuit Court Judges In St. Louis
have many characteristics as Judges that
make them Interesting TO the layman. as
Well as to the lawyer and the court at
taches.
Judge Klein. who occupies the bench in
Division No. 1. has the reputation Of being
one Of the hardes; workers on the bench.
He is noted for the lengthy opinions which
he writes. He makes it a practice to write
down in narrative form. as it is related
during the trial. the competent evidence
which is offered in the case. By doing this
he never misses a statement, and in the
case of an objection b. an attorney, he is
ready TO pass on the matter In an instant.
He never interrupts the hearing in order 20
ave something repeated which was said
while he was writing something else. He
carries what has been said in his memory
until he gets time to write it. The fact that
much which is not competent Is said in the
trial of a case affords the Judge time TO
write the material portions during the In
tervals in which competent matters are not
being discussed.
In passing upon a case. Judge Klein gives
the reasons for his decision in writing. COW
ering every point with scrupulous attention
TO detail. This custom has been the means.
II Is stated. of saving large expenses III
costs. The attorney for the side which loses
Is frequently convinced. after reading the
opinion Of the Court. that the decision Is
correct and likely TO be upheld by the upper
a-..Y.- 1871 q Ea not m
many eases which would otherwise be ap-
peaied.
Judge F1itcraft, in charge of Division No.
2. is noted for the deep interest which he
takes In the trial of a case. He watches
every point closely. and If he thinks a suS-
gestion from him will be " any benefit he
generally makes ii. He Is very careful not
To let an Incorrect ruling escape him. III he
has any doubt of the correctness OF a ae-
miss the matter finally until he has satisfied
himself that he Is right: or. In the event
that he makes up his mind that he Is
wrong. he will call the matter up again,
and amend his ruling.
Judge F1i,craft Is very positive In MS
manner in dealing with attorneys, and VIII
not allow them to indulge into extended
quarrels during the trial Of a case or while
arguing a motion.
Judge Withrow. who presides in Division
No. 3. has a keen appreciation OF the hu-
morous. While he never allows MS procii'-
ity in this respect TO interfere with the
dignity of his court, he al times gives tN-
preston to remarks. which show that ne
fully appreciates a funny incldent. On one
occasion a case was being tried before him
in which a woman was suing an attorney
for a fee which she alleged she had paid
him to attend to a case for her, and he had
not done so. In describing a scene in the
attorneys Office between herself ana the at
torney. she said that the attorney told her
to go to he'll
Did you do so?' asked Judge Withrow.
NO. / came here" replied the witness.
Judge Withrow has an even manner OF
disposing of business and never allows him
self to become disturbed. On one occasion
an attorney. against whom he had ruled,
arose and said abruptly:
Your honor can't rule that way.
But. Mr.. Blank. | have done 50. sald
the Judge. and the lawyer subsidized
I1dca Zanhritz In charge Of Division No.