PROMPT JUSTICE.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume IV, Issue 227, 11 July 1873, Page 3

PROMPT JUSTICE.

The'*'Pall Mall Graze bte' says It is only as nations advauce "in years and civilisation-that; their laws become barbarous and; slow in their operation. • There is something very refreshing in . the account given' bya San -Francisco paper o£ the : method in wkich tire law is administered in Yreka, California. The first Alcade in Yreka in 1871 was known as ". Cat-eye Foster," This gentleman, it is stated,- " left Nodeket and soon ran away and George C. Yall reigned in his. stead. JNTo law book was ever used ill court, he decided each case on its own merits, writing out its,full history, and his docket is a curiosity." In one case brought before him a boy had driven a team from Oregon, and worked all winter for a man who declined to pay. He sold out in the spring, and was leaving, suddenly when, on the complaint of the boy, Yall and two constables stopped him on the road. It was proved that he had received 3000 dollars on his sale, but he declared himself unable to pay, though riot denying the boy's claim. Judge Yall decided in these words. " Constables', stand this man on his head, shake-him well, :and see if you can't hear something drop." INTo sooner said than done. A vigorousi'shakihg brought to light a' wallet containing 2000 ounces in gold dust; the boy received his claim of 300 dollars, the judge and constables took an ounce apiece for their trouble, and the defendant went his way a lighter man. Justice like this is worth three ounces.