PROMPT JUSTICE.

Westport Times, Volume VII, Issue 1083, 24 June 1873, Page 3

PROMPT JUSTICE.

The Pall Mall Gazette says • It is only as nations advance in years and civilisation that their laws become barbarous and slow in their operation. There is something very refreshing in the account given by a San Francisco paper of the method in which the law is administered in Treka, California. The first Alcade in Treka in IS7I was known as " Cut-eye Foster," This gentlemen, it is stated, " left Nodcrket and soon ran away, and George C. Vail reigned in his atead. No law book was ever used in court, ho decided each case on its own merits, writing out its full kistoi-y, and his docket is a curiosity." In ono 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, Vail and two constables stopped him on the road. It was proved that he had received 3000 dollars on his sale, but ho declared himself unable to pay, though not denying the boy's claim. Judge Vail decided in these words. " Cohstables, stand this man on his head, shake him well, and see if you can't hear something drop." No sooner aaid than

done. A vigorous shaking 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 ouuce apiece for their trouble, and the defendant went his way a lighter man. Justice like this is worth three ounces.