The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-10-14
BAR REFUSES TO
BACK SWAMI FOR
SUPREME COURT
Legal Experience Too Linn
tied, Says Report Of
Association.
RAPS PUBLIC SERVICE
Record in Congress and
General Sessions Held
Not Noteworthy.
SEEKER OF SENSATIONS
Terrorized Defendants and
Used Oppression to OBJ
tain Evidence.
SEEKER OF SENSATIONS

The Association Of the Bar OF the
city OF New York refused last night to
| approve the candidacy Of District At
rorney Edward Swami for Justice OF
The Supreme Court on the ground that
| his legal experience was limited and
that he does not possess the necessary
qualifications for judicial Office. III a
resolution adopted by the association
accepting the report of the judiciary
committee, Air. Swann's name is not
mentioned, although the candidacies of
Ill of the other Republican and Demo-
cratic nominees not passed upon at the
May meeting were approved. At the
May meeting the association refused to
indorse Justices John Ford and Peter
Hendrick.
| The reasons for the rejection OF Mr..
Swann's candidacy by the association
are set forth In the report OF the
judiciary committee, which is COM
posed OF William y. Guthrie. chair
man: Francis M. Scott, William M.
Dyknan. Isidore J. Kresel, De Lancey
Nlcoll, Lewis l.. Delafeld and Henry
W. Taft. 1t deals in detail with Mr..
Swanns abilities and qualifications,
and his work az member OF Con-
gress, Judge Of General Sessions and
District Attorney.
Terrorism IL Charged.
Az District Attorney, the report
says. Mr. Swami has resorted TO the
practice Of terrorizing defendants in
criminal actions, seeking TO obtain
evidence by,oppressive methods. He is
also charged with having made public
for sensational purposes evidence pro-
cured BY him for the Grand Jury.
District Attorney Swami Issued a.
statement last night, after he had been
notified OF the action Of the association.
in which he characterized tho rerort OF
the committee as abusive" and de-
clared that he was pleased with the
fact that the associs ton disapproved OF
him personally and ns % candidate.
"1f they had not disapproved Of me-"
he said. Il would not feel satisfied with
my past official record"
Mr.. Swami said that lie had been
warned that his character would be at
tackled IL he did not discontinue the
inquiry into the larceny of 'S1.0o0.000
from the state Treasury" by q political
ring.
rhe report of the Bar Association
committee concerning Mr.. Swann's cam
didacy follows:
THE District Attorney. Edward
Swami, has been nominated for Justice
of the Supreme Court by the Demo
cratic party. He is IS years OF age and
was admitted 60 the bar in 1856. His
practice and professional experience at
the bar were very limited and made
quate TO show qualification for judicial
office. He has, however. been in public
service for many years; first Repre-
sentative In Congress, 1902 and 1908:
later az a Judge In the Court OF General
Sessions, from 1905 60 1915. and since
January. l. 1915, as District Attorney for
the county of New York
'Mr. Swans record in Congress was
not noteworthy and his services re-
Judge OF the Court Of General Sessions
were not satisfactory. His rulings were
severely criticized by the Court OF Az
peals and by the Appellate Division.
Reviewing O trial over which Judge
Swami presided and referring tn some
Of hIs rulings. tho Court Of Appeals felt
constrained to say that the efficient in
fluence OF the courts is largely depend
ont upon the opinions which the com
inunity entertains in regard TO theft
ability and the frequent commission
even Of harmless errors is not conducive
70 public confidence. We refer here not
70 rulings upon debatabie questions OF
law. concerning which there may well
be differences Of opinion among good
lawyers. but 20 mistakes which are pat
ent upon the slightest consideration.