New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-09-27
With MEMBERS ofthe
q CITY'S q
REPUBLICAN CLUBS

Abraham s. Gilbert, Republican candidate
foF justice OF the Supreme Court, bonn
in this city thirty-nin years ago and wss
reared in the old Ninth Ward. lie WAS
graduated from Grammar School No. l6 and
soon afterwerd entered the law Offices Of
Colonel Edward C. James. Later he studied
mitted 10 the bar.
Mr.. Gilberts entry into politics va. made
on reaching his majority, in the night on the
old Van Colt machine. Since then. although
never a seeker OF public offlcc. he has been
politically active and has taken the stump
against Tsmmsny Hall in every campaign.
In 1896, a. a personal recognition OF ability
evidenced in private litigation. John vinton
Dahlgrer appointed Mr.. Gilbert assistant at
torney 70 the Department OF Buildings. He
resigned this post in 1895, and with Julius
NJ. Mayer formed the law firm OF Mayer and
Gilbert. The firm rapidly acquired vide
and substantial practice. II was retained IN
considerable litigation involving building con
struction and the application OF the building
laws. and also served as counsel TO the Civil
Service Employees Association.
While counsel for several civil service EN-
pioyes in 1899 and 1900 tbs firm stopped
Tsmmsny's wholesale removals in violation OF
the civil service lsv and restored many dis
charged employees. Recently Mr.. Gilbert by
mandamus proceedings attacked tho practice
OF tho Supreme Court justices in appointing
court attendants by transfers from other
places 70 the disadvantage OF those higher on
the eligible list and vas sustained by JUS
tice Blur.
In 1905 MIR Gilbert VAS appointed chairman
OF the Republican County Law Committee,
and or several occasions has represented hi,
party and Others in election contests. He is
regarded BIZ the bar GENERALLY az an authority
on the election law.
Mr. Gilbert was counsel for Justice Fsllon.
Of the Municipal Court. IN his fight 10 unsest
John j. Dwyer and after a years litigation
he succeeded IN having Justice F~llon do
clsred elected a recount by the courts.
In 1909. at the personal request OF Attorney
General O'Mailey, Mr. Gilbert accepted a spe-
cial appointment as Deputy Attorney General
TO prosecute violations Of the election law, par
ticularly against Bovery lodging house "host-
ers" Three convictions wsro obtained out OF
four cases prosecuted by Mr.. Gilbert. Acting
with counsel for the independence League and
Citizens Union last year, Mr.. Gilbert success-
fully carried the question Of the constitution
ailty OF the Levy Law 20 the Court Of Appeals.
In addition 10 his activities in litigation TO
latiug TO public matters, Mr.. Gilbert has buiit
I'D very large private practio. and numbers
among his clients some Of the largest business
institutions in this city fits ability AZ q trial
lawyer IL generally recognized 81 the bar, and
there is hardly volume OF the Appellate
Division reports within the last ten years
without reference 70 case which ne hso
either argued or IN which ne has been on the
brief
Despite the s,,en; ~ his practice, MT Gil
bert is sngularly free Of changing re'a''on'
with the so-eailed 'ipteres's" He 10 NO"
sctipg A. couns. 20 bondholders Commit
,eee in 4 suit 10 require Thomas T. Ryan ana
oth.r persons mixed w 81 the MetropoH'ah
deal 20 make good 20 the bondholders upNhFu
~ a. 600 90 % the proceeds 81 bonds "olo 70
the public and which vas alleged 10 nave oseH
fraudulerty misappropriated
ur Gilbert's attitude toward the Juoiaa'y
is shown IN the speech he made tn January OF
this voar before the James q. Blaine CIup OF
Harlem.
I'VE will never establish confidence in the
co,r,." ,a'd M Gilbert, by genera CON
6erua,ion OF the recall, and We snail never
s,,cc.od m establishing confidence IN me
counts until 20 start a. the bottom ana
Mace tho people IN position Nhere ule'
t,el tina, Justice Is administered In me courts
which ;hey know without fear o. favor nho
~. men 90 ability in whom they have con
hdsnce.
we mus. either restore confidence In 'ne
..,,r,s a, We shall have the recall: II VIII
M, do for us 70 argue that the ''csl OF
s..d,es will destroy the independence OF the
judiciary, until We have demonstrated that
INC ,udiolary IS independent; 50 Will not 10
GOV lawyers 20 argue for the bench unul
o.. ,bem,sives shall have tho confasne'