New-York tribune., 1902-01-22
judges RESENT CRITTCISN
SAY THEY WORK HARD. AND ARE
DOING ALL THEY CAN TO
CLEAR CALENDARS.

Justices of the Supreme Court for the First
Department yesterday spiritedly resented Gov
ernor Odell's censuring message sent yesterday
TO the legislature in which the Governor de-
clared that the justices worked only a few hours
each day, which, he said, accounted for the con-
gested condition of the calendars.
Justice P. Henry Dugro, when seen in his
chambers said:
The Governor has informed the legislature
that jury trial judges of New-York City work
only four and one-half hours a day for nVe DAYS
a week. That is true far sitting on the
bench is concerned. Sometimes are not there
so long To submit a case may require only
fifteen minutes, but TO look over the papers or
the case may take hour. The bulk OF the
work very often comes after we 60 home Fer
sonally, have to do considerable amount or
my work at night in my private library 10
render d decision properly and with due sollcl-
tude for the interests involved justice must
frequently work ten hours day, and work very
industriously at that. of course, much depends
upon the Conscientousness Of the justice Some
of them decide cases ofhand I have known
others 10 study cases carefully for a year before
they believed they had arrived at an equitable
decision. Those who decide quickly are perhaps
blessed with plenty of time on their hands, but
there are few such in this district ne labor
which a justice performs places upon hln a Sc
we're strain. If day laborer is ready for bed
after eight hours OF physical eXertion, man
who thinks hard all day should surely not be
called upon TO go beyond that limit.
Some time ago the justices discussed the
relief 1 was not present at the discussion. but
/ understand my brother judges were IN favor
Of the Governors present idea of designating
temporarily county judges 10 trial terms. either
within or without their own judicial depart
ments, until the calendars had been cleared
Such relief should be granted. The calendar
now carries perhaps nine thousand cases For
number of years have held II at that
level although there has been a constant in
crease Of court business. I have idea the
justices of Manhattan work much harder than
they do in Brooklyn or elsewhere in the State.
You will remember that but for the stress of
leoor imposed upon TWO OF our Justlces they
would without doubt still be on tho benches.
afraid that Governor Odell has not
given this matter careful consideration. He is
evidently looking at the number OF hours as
signed 10 Us and not to the number OF hours
really work. II is very strange that for
thirty years no complaints have been heard
about the conscientiousness of the justices. and
that now this rather vigorous censure is made
What do YOU think of the Governors sugges-
tion that the justices work on Saturday, Judge
nugro was asked.
Work on a half holiday? I am quite sure
the Governor would not expect us to do that"
Justice H A. Gidersleeve, who stepped in
at that moment, asked what he thought
Of the Governors message. He replied that his
views coincided pretty closely with those OF
Justice Dugro.
Justice Francis VI. Scott said:
have all the work that I can take care Of.
For month past I've worked until late in the
evening. Frequently nv cases prevent me
firing before l or O'Clock in the morning We
are doing our hest with the calendar. l do not
care 70 suggest any remedy for the present
difficulties.
Justice Charles H. Truax said:
I am here at the courthouse at 10 o'clock IN
the morning. and 1 rarely leave II before >
o'clock You see Il is o'clock now. Nearly
all the justices are still here Many OF them
will work at their homes tonight.
John E Parsons. president of the Bar Asso-
citation, took issue with the Governor $ follows:
ANY criticism put by the Governor Upcn the
Supreme Court justices of this department must
proceed from ignorance Of the amount OF work
which they have do. and Of the way in which
they do il. ! know all the judges. / have had
every opportunity Of knowing the way they
discharge their responsible duties II is not true
that they do not give adequate time TO their
work. The whole trouble. If there be trouble,
is that they overwhelmed with the amount
OF work.
l not in favor Of having county Judges
assigned TO assist them. If necessary some
help should come from judges of other depart
ments- With that assistance the work can be
accomplished. That the work which they per-
form means care, attention and time Is recog-
nized by all who know. These facts put the
judges beyond any fair criticism that they fail
10 90 their work