Wisconsin herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1846-1849, 1847-05-15
Fra ctEtal jokes and eSa0
ElINaROV.

E4EqsE0r.
tits well known fact that citen
times both those jokes which are call
ed practical'--and that liquor which
is termed bad, have been productive
of exceedingly evil consequences; but
whether the liquor or the joke has
done the most mischief. we are not
called upon just now 10 determine.-
We promise to make mention OF an al
fair where bad liquors and practical
Joke were productive of the very best
consequences imaginable.
Many years ago, while the State of
Georgia was yet in its infancy, an &c.
centric creature named Brown, was
one of its circuit judges. He was a
man of considerable ability, Of inlex-
ible integrity, and much beloved and
respected by all the legal profession,
but he had one common fault. His So
cial qualities would lead him, despite
his judgement, into frequent excuses.
In travelling the circuit, it was bis al
most invariable habit, the night before
opening the court, to get Comfortably
cornsd,' by means Of appliances com
mon upon such occasions. If he
couldn't succeed, while operating on
his own hook, the members Of the bar
would generally turn and help him.
1t was in the spring of the year; la
king his wife-a model of woman in
her way-in the old fashioned hut
strong 'cary-all,' that be journeyed
some forty miles and reached a village
where court was to be opened the
next day, twas along in the evening
Of Sunday that he arrived at the place
and took up quarters with relation Of
his better halt by whom the presence
of the official dignitary was considered
singular honor. After supper, Judge
Brown stroled over to the only tavern
in the town, and found many old ac-
quaintances, called TO the place. ike
himself, who were proper glad TO see
him.
Gentlemen said the Judge, 'it'S
quite long time since we have enjoy
ed glass together; let us take drink
all round. OF course, Sterritt, ad-
dressing the landlord. you have better
liquor than you had the last time we
were here-thc stuff you had then was
not fl to give a dog
Sterritt, who had charge Of the
house, pretended that every thing was
right, and so they went to work. Ii
is unnecessary to enlarge upon drink
ing in country tavern-it will an
swer our purpose to state that some
where in the region Of midnight the
Judge wendell his devious way to-
yards his temporary home. About
the time he was leaving, however,
some young barrister, fond Of 'prac-
teal Joke and not much afraid Of the
bench, transferred all the silver spoons
of Sterritt into the coat pocket of the
Judge.
It was eight O'Clock on Monday
morning that the Judge rose. Having
INDUCED in the process of ablution and
abstertion, and partaken of a cheerful
and refreshing breakfast, he went TO
his room TO prepare himself for the
duties Of the day.
" Well, Polly, said he to his wife, Il
feel much better than | expected to
feel after that frolic of last night
"Ah, judge said she respectfully,
"yon are getting too old-you ought to
leave off that business
"Ah, Polly, what's the use of talk
ing?'
1t was at this precise instant oftime,
that the Judge, having put on his over
coat, was proceeding, according to his
usual custom, TO give his wife parting
kiss, that he happened, in thrusting
his hands into his pocket, to lay hold
Of Slerritt's Spoons. He jerked them
out. With an expression of horror al
most indescribable. he exclaimed:
My God Pollyn
What on earth's the matter?'
Just look at these spoons
"Dear me, where'd ye get Temp
"Get theml Don't you see the int
tials on them?' extending them to-
wards her. j stole them
Stole them, Judge?'
Yes, stole them
Ny dear husband, it can't be pos
sible, from whom"
From Sierritt, over thcre-his
name IS on them