A DIVERTING STORY OF CHIEF BARON POLLOCK.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3829, 6 April 1881, Page 1

A DIVERTING STORY OF CHIEF BARON POLLOCK.

The late Chief Baron Pollock had a great idea of the dignity attaching to a judge when on the bench, and we have many times seen him when seeking daring a trial the support of a glass of sherry, drink the wine brought by an usher, from a teacup, carefully stirring the same, and blowing it, as if it were only the fluid " which cheers but not inebriates." Sir Frederick Pollock was remarkable, also, for his passive demeanour on the bench, and of him it might be said, as was long ago remarked by the witty Jeckyl of the place, Justice Graham, that " none bufc his laundress could ruffle him; " though as Graham in his day wore ruffles, and Pollock did not, the remark better applies to the^former judge. The Warwickshire Assizes some years ago were held both at Coventry and Warwick, and only twelve miles apart. One bright August day afc the conclusion of the Coventry business a closed carriage waited at the judge's lodgings at Coventry, to convey his lordship and his two clerks to Warwick. It was a warm afternoon, and the chief thought he would like to ride outside. " Ooleman," said he to his principal clerk, a singularly handsome old gentleman, who had been with him all his life, " you and Stephen (Coleman's.son) ride inside, and I vrill go on the box, but they musn't know I am the judge as we are going along. You must 'do the judge,' and mind you do it well." The journey progressed prosperously. On arriving at Kenilworth, half way to Warwick, the driver pulled up to water his horses. The hotelkeeper rushed out and inquired of the assumed servant on the box if "his lordship inside," would take any refreshment, "My lord," said the Chief Baron, calling to his representative inside, "will your lordship be pleased to take anything here?" Coleman, fully _prepared to „" do the judge well;" immediately answered, "Oh, certainly, certainly; a bottle of champagne, my good friend; your best;, mind-r—your very best." The wine was brought oufc with great politeness. Colemau drank oue glass his sou another. " Give a glass to my man on the box," said Celemsn ; "I daresay he..is thirsty, and he will settle with you." Afterwards, when at Warwick, Sir Frederick commended the manner in which his clerk had carried out his instructions, but suggested that he, had possibly a -little overdone it with regard to the wine, and did not again ask him to act so distinguished a part.— "Leisure Hour." • - .