Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 43, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 November 1893 — IS A FAMOUS CRIMINAL JUDGE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

IS A FAMOUS CRIMINAL JUDGE.

Doe* Many Kind Act*, Though Credited with Judicial Severity. The Becorder of the city of New York has the name of possessing a short temper, but for a baker’s dozen of years he has with cherubic resignation put up with having his name mispronounced by some 1,700,000 of his fellow-citizens, every one of whom is pretty sure to have that name on his tongue during some portion of the year. The Press, therefore, comes to the long-suffering Recorder’s rescue by informing the general public that Frederic* Smyth pronounces his name Smith. In repose and with the eyes closed, as they frequently are, as if to shut out the dismal outlines

of the court-room, Becorder Smyth’s face lookslike a death-mask of George Washington. When he smiles, as he does on those very unusual occasions when a lawyer makes a really humorous sally, it is a smile of dry amusement, and the face looks then like that of a cynical eighteenth century diplomat. The Recorder has a great fund of quiet humor of his own, which he keeps pretty much to himself. Everybody knows of this Judge’s severity toward evil-doers, and his reputation for bending the plastic minds of juries in the way that his strong mind inclines—which is generally for conviction—is widespread. On the other hand, none but habitues of the court are aware of his many kindnesses to innocent prisoners brought before him, nor of his encouragement of such young lawyers as he really thinks worth developing. His term expires next year.

BECORDER FREDERICK SMYTH.