Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1841-12-23

New York. He is flaming abolitionist.
| We learn that as soon as the slaves triumphod
while their dead master was still quivering In ths
| agonies of death, ono of the negroes was seer
marching from the cabin with large junk Of white
sugar in his hand, sucking away at the delicious
lump-the first thing he sought amidst the plum
| der,
| [*No such person is known in Richmond.1
| The following amusing anecdotc is taken
from the Pittsburg Advocate. The circum-
stances occurred In our own County Court, a
great many years ago, and are substantially
correct They were narrated in Court on
Wednesday week last, by Sam1 Hughes, Esq.
who was an eyewitness to the scene. The
Judge and Lawyer were the late JOHN STuLL
and JOHN r. MAsoN.-Ed Hagerst'n. Torch.
THE UNCERTAINTY OF THE LAW.
1t is no unusual thing to see men in this
country rise to eminence at the bar, and in
the State, by their own unaided energies, and
the natural vigor of their minds. OF this kind
was Judge s., of Maryland. He had
come to the bar late inlife, avoiding, or over
stepping the dull technical 'formallties which
surrounded the practice. Having reached
the profits and advantages Of his profession
without them, he felt or affected for them in
difference or contempt, and the old sMartinets'
OF the law were made TO stare at the liberties
he would take, with what they deemed in
dispensable and necessary forms and rules of
practice. To s. the form was nothing,
so that he could seize the right
Anotorious offender, who had long escap-
ed the meshes of the law, by means of flaws
and holes i'll indictments, was to be tried be-
fore him. Gen. Mason was his standing
counsel, aud the fellows good fortune, and
the ingenuity and tact of his counsel, were
considered as good as law-proof. Judge
S. was sclf-satisfied that the fellow de-
served punishment and was determined he
should receive it, maugre the talents of Ma
son, or any legal difficulties that might inter
pose. con-.
The prosecution went on, and the counsel
for the State made out very clear case the
offence was proved point blank, and Mason
began to think his client rather cornered-
when the prosecuting attorney, to make as
surance doubly sure, called one more witness
very respectable man in the county-He
confirmed all that had been proved by former
witnesses rs to the offence, and with 1t this
additional important fact, that the offence was
committed in Pennsylvania, not Maryland,-
it being one of the border counties. Appa-
rently the court paid no attention to this part
of the testimony. But the criminals counsel
remarking that he supposed he need call no
witnesses, as this fact, well ascertained,
must at once put an end to the prosecution.
sNot at all, sir,-not at all-go on" said the
court sY our honor will not attempt to try
an offence committed in another State 20 IL
tell you will, sir, and show you good reason
for it. The offence has been clearly proven,
and he deserves punishment-we have him
here and can punish him. In Pennsylvania
they cannot catch him, and the law is not to
be banked by such technicalities." al
The counsel here remarked that he could
convince the court of its error, if he had time
to look up authorajes-he had not the books
with him, but could procure them in half an
hour.
90, will give you as much time as you
want,' replied the Judge-";ake half day
if you choose"
SO soon as Mason had left the court, ia
search of these unanswerable authorities, the
Judge turned, and remarked TO the jury, s.that
they had heard the testimony, and could no
doubt make up their verdict, and 'he would
take care Of Tom Mason" The jury return
ed verdict at once of guilty. The court
sentenced him to receive fifty lashcs on the
bare dack, and ordered the sheriff to execute
| The sentence forthwith. His counsel returned,
with the least possible loss of time, and with
out noticing the absence of his client, COM
menced quoting his authorities, and arguing
! ,therclrom-ihe court taking notes and listen
ing very attentively all the time. Mason at
4 last missed his client, and enquired where he
1 was. Never mind-never mind-go on,
| Mr.. Mason" But Mason had become alarm
ed, and refused to go on further, until satisfied
4 e H. L.. Il.
Mason," said the Judge, "if you will stcpup
to yonder window, you can see him. Ma
son proceeded in the direction indicated by
the Judges gesture, and had no sooner look
ed out than he turned to the court, with the
exclamation, "By Cd, sir, they are Goggine
him." That makes no difference, replied thu
imperturbable Judge, proceed in your argument
"What good will my argument do--the mar
is already sentenced and punished -, / have
nothing to gain by convincing the court n'-
30 yes, | aciU grant you," said the Judge 81
nctc trial p'--PHsburg .Adrocate =,