Title: Ebenezer Rockwood Hoar to John A. Bingham, 18 April 1870
Date: April 18, 1870
Whitman Archive ID: nar.01331
Source: National Archives and Records Administration. Transcribed from digital images or a microfilm reproduction of the original item. For a description of the editorial rationale behind our treatment of the correspondence, see our statement of editorial policy.
Contributors to digital file: Elizabeth Lorang, Vanessa Steinroetter, John Schwaninger, and Nima Najafi Kianfar
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April 18, 1870.
Hon. John A. Bingham,
Chairman Judiciary Committee
House of Representatives.
Sir:
I transmit herewith a copy of a letter received to-day from the U. S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, relating to the decision of the District Judge of that District, denying the power of a Commissioner to take bail for the appearance of a prisoner before himself.
I have directed the U. S. Attorney to sue out a writ of error to the Circuit Court, that this judgment may be reviewed.
Meanwhile, I beg leave to call your attention to the subject, that if any additional legislation is needed, it may be had. It is of great importance that Commissioners have this power, as complaints before them, against persons charged with minor offences, particularly under the Internal Revenue laws, are numerous, and oftentimes the hearing is not concluded in one day—and to subject the accused in every case to imprisonment until the hearing is concluded, when he is ready to give good bail, would be a great hardship.
I have sent for a full copy of the opinion of the Judge, and when it is received, I will send it to you.
Very respectfully,
E. R. Hoar,
Attorney General.
(enc.)
power of U. S. Commissioners to take bail