A CONSIDERATE JUDGE.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3564, 29 May 1880, Page 2

A CONSIDERATE JUDGE.

An American gentleman named Greenthorn, being recently tried for murder, I was so unfortunate as to be found guilty. | How politely considerate United States judges can be to persons of condition "in \ trouble " is happily exemplified by the terms in which the dread sentence of the "law was conveyed to Mr Greenthorn by the mouthpiece of justice. **■ Mr Greenthorn," said his Honour, " the jury has found against you, and the law requires that 1 should sentence you to the gallows. I I wish to make it clear to you and your frieDds that it is not I who hare condemned you to death, but the jury and the law. Let us now turn to business. On what day would you wish to be hanged, Mr Gfeenthorn P You are aware that the law allows you a certain time wherein to prepare yourself for that impor* tant event."—Greenthorn: " You had better hang me at once, and hare done with it. Fix the day yourself; it is all of one to me."—Judge : " Think again, Mr Greenthorn. Being hanged is no trifle. I can only be of use to you as long as yon are alire ; therefore you would do well to ! ask for as much time as I can grant you." —Greenthorn : "1 tell you again, judge, it is all the same to me." Judge (turning |to the sheriff); "Mr Sheriff, you see that [ it is quite indifferent to Mr Greenthorn on what day he is to be hanged. Will you kindly tell me whether this day month be a Sunday or notP" Sheriff (after consulting an almanack): "It will fall on a Thursday, your Honour." Judge: "Very well. Mr Greenthorn, if quite convenient to you, you will be hanged on this day month, at noon precisely." Stateattorney (interruping) : " Your Honour/ it is customary in these cases to pronounce a formal sentence in order that the condemned criminal may be awakened to the gravity of his situation, to repentance, and to the necessity of preparing his soul for its passage, to the other world." Judge (smiling benevolently): "Mr State-attorney, I feel auite sure that Mr Greentborn understands all that perfectly well. Is that not so Mr Greenthorn ?'' —Greenthorn: " Certainly, Judge, certain ly." ■