New-York tribune., 1905-01-24
HOOKER SEEKS INQUIRY.
LETTER TO ASSEMBLY.
Case Is Referred to the Judiciary
Committee.

Albany. Jan. 28.-Justice Warren B. Hooker
himself tonight brought TO the Assembly the
question Of an Investigation of the accusations
against him recently discussed by the State Bar
Association. by sending a communication direct
10 the Assembly. where it was handed down by
Speaker Nixon.
Justice Hooker's letter summarizes. without
comment, the action of the State Bar Associa-
iien, its grievance committee and the sub-com-
rnittee thereof, on the charges made against
him in connection with the Fredonia and Dun
kirk postofices, and closes as follows
At the recent meeting Of the State Bar Asso-
cstion held in Albany one resolution was
adopted approving the report Of the general
committee, and another TO the effect that the
facts embodied in the report were not Of a
character 10 warrant legislative investigation
Notwithstanding such action by the State Bar
Association, number ol prominent lawyers and
a portion of the public press have insisted that
legislative investigation should be had. These
demands must have impressed the public.
Therefore, 1 respectfully but earnestly urge.
as due TO the public. my Office and myself, that
my conduct be made the subject of legislative
inquiry.
After an extended but rather desultory discus
sioa Of the disposal Of the communication II
was referred on motion OF Mr.. Rogers 10 the
Judiciary Committee. which is expected to rec
ommend course OF procedure. The discussion
was IN no sense partisan or sensational, and
contained little reference TO the merits OF the
question. and there was criticism or spirited
comment from either side.
Mr. Palmer objected TO the immediate refer
ence 10 the judiciary Committee, as ne said he
old not want the investigation throttled. Chair
man Fish, Of the Judiciary Committee smilingly
resented any insinuation that the committee
might not treat the matter in good faith. Mr..
Merritt Of ST. Lawrence, supporting the pro-
posed reference, thought ii not necessarily to be
taken for granted that investigation would
be called for, with its long delay and expense.
Mr.. Rogers said he thought Justice Hooker
was entitled 70 an investigation If he asked for
l. He had all along felt that this the way
IN which legislative investigation should come
about in any case the members Of the Judici-
ary Committee were able lawyers. fully cOmpe-
tent 10 deal With the question Messrs Burnett
Of Ontario, and La Fetra, Of New-York also
spoke.
Theron C. Strong said last night that a meeting
OF the Bar Association OF New-York County had
been called for next Friday night, TO consider the
Hooker charges. Any action against Justice
Hooker. he said. he thought would be POSTPONED
until after the resUlc OF the investigation became
known. II the investigation was asked for in
good faith, he added. was made by q body oou1pe.
tent 10 swear witnesses and take testimony and
Vas not mere Whitewashing affair he Thought
me Bar Association and other interested bodies
dlQ persons would be satisfied
=. ~ neeler n. Peckham last night said that Jus-
Lce ROCKERS request for investigation had fore
TsraeQ tte request of the local bar associations
Ihelr object, he said bring about an in
seSugaton. and. s.ncs Justice Hooker had asked
.1r one ne did not think that they would move
lirther IN the matter