New-York tribune., 1902-12-09
COURT REFORM COMMISSION MEETS.
More Judges, Longer Sessions and Reduc-
ton of Costs Are Suggested.

7-,,. erst rutli. meeting Of the commission re-
Gently appointed by Governor OdeH TO inqui9
into the delays and expenses OF the courts IN
New-York and Kings counties was held yesterday
q, Psrt u of the Supreme Court in the County
Court House. The commission Is composed OF
Wheeler Il. Peckhan, chairman: Edward Lauter-
bach Edmund Wetmore, Lawrence Godkln' Ho-
ratio c King Robert z. Deyo and William r
King 1t has selected ]. Noble Hayes as its coun-
sci ard Clarence Bonynge Its secretary. The
meeting yesterday the first of several which
the commission will have to hear suggestions from
lawyers. judges and Others
? Yesterday the audience was composed mostly or
lawyers, and the absence Of many prominent MEM
hers of the bar was explained by Mr. Hayes, who
said that leading lawyers OF the city had sent
letters giving their views Charles Stewart
Smith. representing the Chamber of Commerce
presented a resolution which had been instru-
mental in causing the appointment OF the COM
mission. He said the action of the Chamber
had been caused by the belief that the long delays
IN the trial of in this city, particularly in
the Supreme Court, amounted to almost denial
OF justice TO many business men. An obvious
remedy, ne said, would be a provision for more
judges to try cases, but there were other recon-
Inendations which the commission might make.
locking to Improvement in the methods Of the
courts. The commission is to report TO the legs-
lature.
James a. Douglas suggested that much delay in
The trial of cases in the courts might be saved
If the calendar for each day called late in the
Conkling suggested that the judges sit hour
longer each day in trying cases. Several lawyers
said that much of the trouble could be solved by
keeping out of the City Court and the Supreme
Court by legislation cases which properly belonged
in the district courts The higher courts were
being ciogged with insignificant cases, they said,
&c enable the collection Of higher costs by the ti-
giants successful in the suits Chairman Peckham
suggested that il would be well 10 have all costs
taken away, Whereat there were signs of dis
tress by of the lawyers.
Justice t1tzSImons, of the City Court, said he
thought the pressure upon the calendars of the
supreme Court and City Court could be relieved
by limiting the costs allowed in the City Court on
actions for $3.50 or less 10 the amount allowed in
The district courts and the costs for all actions in
The supreme Court for less than 81 90 to the $50
allowed for such actions in the City Court. He
said. replying &c j Noble Hayes, that he thought
The aboshing Of the Appellate Term might help
The situation Dy restoring three justices active
work or the bench and permitting itigants 10
so direct 10 the Appellate Division.
Denis O'Sullivan thought the remedy sought
would be ford in -aising the Jurisdiction of the
municipal courts to of Sl,0oO and in estab-
Mr. Iauterbach said he did not think the an
sence Of well known lawyers practising in the
Supreme Court indicated lack of interest in the
commission. He said the better known LAWYERS
preferred writing TO talking, that the con1rnis-
sion had received large number of letters and
suggestions frCm the leading legal firms in the
city The commission adjourned at 5:45 O'Clock 10
meet on Thursday in the Appellate Division rooms
n RroOElyn