AN AMERICAN COURT.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 139, 9 August 1876, Page 3

AN AMERICAN COURT.

Ju;joe S ,of Wisconsin w«S a poitly, genial man, fond of all the good things of life, and especially fond of his cups ; yet he was a dignified man. The ■* Court had been in session at Spanker’s Cross-roads three days and the docket was almost clear. It was during the forenoon of the fourth day. The judge and most of the lawyers had been up all night playing poker, and it is not too much to say that they came into Court on this morning far from sober, if not very drunk. The case on trial was a contested wls* A witness was testifying who wal directly and deeply interested. Opposing counsel quite tipsy arose and addressed the Court: May it (hie) please your honor, to think this witness is, by his own showing (hie), interested in the event of this case. I (hie) object. If he can be allowed to swear himself into possession (hie) of a thousand dollars in this Court, then I say (hie)—l say such a Court! “Mr Sp-sp-arkler,” said the judge, trying hard to look sober, “ your objection, sir, seems to be (hie) justly taken, but, Mr Sparkler, this Court, sir, allows no profane language in its au (bic) gust presence. You were profane, sir, profane ! You are fined five dollars for contempt of Court. “ Why,” replied the drunken attorney, slightly sobered by the rebuke and the fine, “ your honor just used profane language yourself.” “'Ehl” cried the judge, trying to steady himself, and to collect his floating ideas. “ Did the Court use profane language ?” 11 The Court certainly did.” tl Well, then, (hie) the Court fines itself. Mr (hie) clerk, here is the money. This Court intends to preserve its dignity regardless of cost. Go on, Mr Sparkler.”