The Arkansas banner., 1847-05-19
PRACTICAL JOKES AND BADLIoUoR

sR THE Ex-rRENcB EDITOR.
 1t is a well know fact that often times both those jokes which are called ''practical'-. and that liquor which IS termed ''bad," have been productive of exceedingly evil conse- quences; but whether the liquor or the joke has done tine most mischief, we are not cal- led upon just now to determine. We pro- pose to make mention of an affair where bad liquors and practical joke were productive of the very best consequences imaginable.
 Many years ago, while the State of Geor- gia was yet in it's infancy, an eccentric crea- ture named Brown, was one of it's Circuit Judges. He was man of considerable ability, of infiexible integrity, and much be- loved and respected by all the legal profess sion, but he had one common fault. His social qualities would lead him, despite his judgment, into frequent excesses. In travel ing the Circuit, it was his almost invariabe habit, the night before opening the Court. to get ''comfortably corned," by means of ap- pliances common upon such occasion. If he couldn't succeed, while operating upon his own hook, the members of the bar would generally turn and help him. IL was in the spring of the year; taking his wife-a model of woman in her way-in the old fashioned but strong ''cary-all," that 1 he iourneyed some forty miles and reached village where "Court" was to be opened the next day. It was along in the evening | of Sunday that he arrived at the place and took up quarters with relation of his ''bet- ter half" by whom the presence of the off, cial digntary was considered singular hon- or. After supper. Judge Brown strolled over 10 the only tavern in she town. where he found many old friends, called to the place, like myself, on important professional business, and who were properly glad to meet him.
 ''Gentlemen," said the Judge, Sits quite a long time since we have enjoyed a glass to- gether; let us take drink all around or course, S,erritt. Addressed the landlord, you have better liquor than yon had the last time we were here-the stuff you had then was not fit to give dog"
 Slerriit, who had charge of the house. pre- tended that every thing was right, and so they went to wo,k It is unnecessary to enlarge upon drinking abou; country tav- emit will answer our purpose to state that somewher in the region of midnight the Judge wended his very devious way towards his temporary home. About the time he was leaving, however, some younger barris- ter, fond of "praciical joke, |" and not mach afraid of the bench, transferred all the silvei spoons of Sterrit to the Judges coat pocket. It was eight o'clock on Monday morning that the Judge rose. Having ind ulged in the process of ablulion and ahsiersion, and par taken of cheerful and refreshing breakfast, he went to his room 10 prepare himself for the duties of the day
 "Well, Pollv." said he. to his wife. "l feel much better than expected tofeel after the frolic of last night"
 "Ah, Judge" said she respectfully, "you are getting too o,d-you ough, 10 leave of that business"
 "Ah, Polly-whai's the use of talking "' 1, was at this precise instant of time, that 1 the Judge, having put on his overcoat, was proceeding, according to his usual custom, to give his wife parting kiss, hat he hap pened. in thrusting his hands into his pocket, to lay hold of S,erritt's spoons. lie jerked them out With an expression Of horror al- most indescribable he exclaimed.
 "My God Pollyn
 "Wha, on earth's the matter, J,ldge' "Just look at these spoons"
 "Dear me, where'd ye ge. them }"
 ''Get them. Don't you sec the initials on them ," extending them towards her--''i stole them"
 ssStole them, Judge i'
 "Yes, stole them"
 aMy dear husband, it can't be possible. from whom'"
 ssFrom Sterri,t, over ,here-his name is on them"
 ] 'sGood heavens, how could il haPpen''