New-York tribune., 1906-08-12
HANDWRITING EXPERTS.

Even if the plan for expert alienist testimony
were adopted it would not alter the present sys-
TEN Of adducng the testimony OF experts on
handwriting in forgery cases
David N. Carvalho. OF the most noted
handwriting experts in the country, holds de-
cided views on the subject He said: Il have
been the Office expert for the District Attorney
for the last twenty-eight years. ] have testined
in thousand cases. which means before twelve
thousand jurymen, and the most remarkable
thing I have learned Is how the people under
estimate their own ability and wisdom. jury
just a common, ordinary, every day, abused
how the present discussion affects my own par
ticular field Forgers do not commit their
crimes the City Hall steps after giving ample
notice 70 the press. How many Of them who
have attained to a striped suit and number
would have done without expert testimony?
Expert testimony is absolutely necessary I
turn down over 80 per cent Of the cases brought
20 me, and frequently when case hinges on
hand ndWrlting my opinion given 20 the OISIrlct
Attorney, has stopped a projected prosecution
before IL is so much as presented to the grand
Jury. This think is the case because II is neces
sary for a handwriting expert not only 70 tell
but 70 show his reasons. The difference I in
tend TO point out Is this an alieniSt states the
symptoms he has noticed, and gives his opin-
ion. The symptoms may or may not be seen by
the jury. Frequently, in will cases, for In
stance, the person himself under discussion is
not seen by the jury-is in fact dead But the
handwriting expert must show the paper 70 the
Jury and must point out the sinnilarities or diff
rerences which lead 20 his conclusion The jury
has the magnifying glass, everything that the
expert has. The latter cannot assume any posi-
tion without having IL subject to the eyes OF
all-it and its reaSonableness. In a way he
merely suggests a line Of argument There Is
/ nothing so technical about his science that the
ordinary man cannot understand IL, nor can
cross examination render it obscure.
Unfortunately. IL Is a feet that there are
men willing to give evidence In favor Of any
position They cannot, however, show reason
| able grounds IL the reasonable ground is not
there. Therefore the pGrJurer or false witness Is
I not dangerous The fact that receive fee
does not, think. influence the jury. They re-
/ alize that they paid also: that the judge is
paid, and. most obvious OF all, the man who
4 attacks my testimony is paid to do that.
Naturally, having been associated with alien
l lists in so many cases. 1 have opinions about
/ that subject. I think the vast majority OF them
/ are as highly honorable men you possibly
l find. There are exceptions and they cast dis
l credit on tine whole profession. AS far I am
I in position TO judge. I should say board OF
aheniStS paid by the state, whose duty IL should
be to pass on the mental condition Of people ac-
cused Of crime before the trial. would be an ex-
/ cellent institution. Its weak point would be
| that il would practically do away with the jury
l system in many cases. Then, also, outsiders
( possibly ex-meHnbers Of the bOard-wOuld al
/ ways be found ready to attack it's decisions.
| Il have always been In favor Of the appoint
\ ment Of state chemist a state bacteriolO-
1 gist. These are experts Of an exact science.
| With them IL is not a question Of opinion but
OF fact"