New-York tribune., 1905-07-14
JUSTICES PRAISE HOOKER.
HIS ASSOCIATES AGREE.
Members of Brooklyn Bench Testify
-Irial MoUeS Faster.
tsr rr1roRApE no vnE Tn1puxE,l

Albany. July 1S.-The humdrum proceedings
In the trial OF Justice Hooker to-day were
broken by a scene Of great impressiveness when
his associates OF the Supreme Court IN the
Brooklyn Department. one after another. took
the stand and testified uniformly TO his integ-
rity, his ability and his good character as JUS
tice- 1t was late IN the afternoon when this in
cloent took place. For three days the court has
been occupied with the reading OF extracts from
testimony. Empty benches and bored legislators
constituted the audience. Suddenly this reading
came TO an end and the prosecution rested it's
case
This was a signal for the renewal of anirna-
uon. The legislators hocked in, while the gal
leries filed with spectators Even Justice Hook
er. who had sat alphabetically listening to the
testimony that was rehsarsed. showed signs Of
mental strain. AS his counsel called Justice
Nathan L. Miller the first judicial witness, JUS
tice Hookers face turned ashen white and he
faced about TO listen to the verdict Of his asso-
eistes. Mr.. Stanchheld rose, and facing the
justice. who was sworn amid great silence,
began 10 ask questions which indicated the wit
nesss acquaintance with the respondent FL
nally. when he had developed the fact that the
fwo justices had sat together. Mr. Stanchfeld
said;
TEL US. Mr.. Justice. what is your impress
SION gained from your acquaintance with War
ren 3. Hooker 4 judge?'
There was a moment OF silence Judge
Hookers eyes travelled wearily along the gall
le-y rows and dropped with sudden intentness
Epon the witness.
I knew him able, conscientious and
sssrless Judge" was the deliberate answer IT
never heard his reputation questioned"
The next witness the presiding justice
IL Il. Hirschberg. Justice Hooker's counsel, ex-
s0stce w W. Goodrich. Justice Hirschberg's
predecessor. asked the same question.
-Justtoe Hooksr's Judicial career, so far as
u came under my observation. was marked by
Ussrness. hrmness. independence without undue
spsrit Of self-opInion. by impartiality, by con-
sc'entioUEnsss and by adequate legal expert
sucs."
Justice A. B. Rich testified that Justice
Hooker was -sn able and conscientious Judge"
Justice Willard Bartlett declared that the judi
r4al work Of the respondent, so far as it had
come under his notice. was marked by ability,
capacity and frmness."
Justice A. F. jerks said Justice Hooker was
n capable and able judge. a man of inde-
pendent mind anxious to arrive at the right
decision. earnest In mental effort and, far
as have seen, honest in conclusions.
Justice ". J. Gaynor declared that the
spondent was. during the time he had observed
him, "a fine man and fine judge, fine in every
way, Just impartial and learned IN the law"
WIN uas testimony OF these judges over, the
oefence obtained adjournment until tomorrow.
IT promised to finish its evidence tomorrow.
At this time the legislature VIII adjourn until
Monday night, and the prediction is freely made
now that the case viii be concluded next week.
The Editor OF THE Press did not appear to-
day 10 respond to the subpoena. but telephoned
10 Lieutenant Governor Bruce that he would be
present tomorrow morning. No expects any
serious developments now, the legislative
choler has abated. The testimony Of the JUS
Iices To-Day beyond any question materially
helped Justice Rooker's case, and his stock has
heen gaining steadily for several days. Predic-
lions are now freely heard OF acquittal.