The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1852-01-31

JuSlfCCy Uue was HOL aware LHdt you
belonged to either of the engine com.
panies. May Task Mr.. Ridgley, which
engine you run with ?n
"Which engine? The old St. Louis
You are aware. perhaps, Mr.. Justice,
that the old ST. Louis had two engines
one of them constitutes at this time the
motive power of the Hannibal, and that
is the engine I run with-aRd when
hard pushed for hands, I have upon oc-
casion acted as fremdn-tnerefore, |
suppose Pm excused from jury duty"
ssNot SO fast, my friend,n interposed
the Justice, "this will not excuse you."
"Now exclaimed Noah, with ap-
parent surprise, and taking seat on
the jury bench, "then bring on your
case since I am over-ruled, and let as
get through with it as soon as we can,
for T'll be hanged if I stop long"
Busby at this juncture returned from
another unsuccessful foray through the
neiehboring streets and alleys.
Cant scare up single man." he
reported. sitting down and wiping the
perspiration from his face with cotton
pocket handkerchief which he carried
in his hat.
"What is 10 be donew inquired the
lawyers.
II am sure don't know answered
Justice Walsh, 'unless you choose to
take Mr.. Ridgley here, and let him de-
eide your case.a
As the laws of Missouri permit par
ties by mutual consent to take ANY
number less than twelve" in civil
cases, the lawyers, finding there was
no chance of "scaring up" any more
Jurors, agreed to take Noah as the jury
and after few modest objections on
his part, he was sworn in, and assigned
a seat in the centre of the jury bench
"Come now, boys" remarked the
solitary jury on taking his seat, hurry
up these cakes; Pve got all these
freight bills to collect, and confound
me if | can stay here long for any
body"
The lawyers made short work of the
evidence, "not wishing TO fatigue the
jury" and proposed to submit the case
without argument.
The Justice thought this was very
good plant was near dinner time
and suggested that perhaps the jury
was ready to give verdict without
leaving his seat, when the jury spoke
as follows:
"May ii please the court. the jnry Is
not ready to give verdict. This is an
important matter-a matter involving |
but very small sum it is true. bnt the |
principle to be settled by our decision
here to-day is one which interests the
whole city, the State, the United States
Il may say the whole commercial
world The jury at great inconveni-
ence has been dragged here and COM
pelled to sit in judgment. The evi-
denee being through, the jury would
like 10 hear the argument of counsel"
avery WE'LL" answered the counsel
for the defence, and Immediately pour
ed forth torrent of eloquence in favor
of the side he esponsed, which must
have had a convincing effect in the
right quarter, for when the learned
gentleman resumed his seat, the jury
himself ready 10 render his
verdict but the attorney for the plain
tiff now insisted upon being heard, and
accordingly set forth has view of the
case in such vivid colors that the jury,
before he had finished his hours speech.
had evidently relapsed into state of
doubt and uncertainty
IF the court pleases," remarked the
Jury, "before this last speech verdict
might have been given which would
have satisfied one of the parties at
least: noto it is impossible. This last
speech has turned everything topsy-
turvy. There are some points on which
The jury must request the instructions
Of the 7ourt.'
The instructions were given, and it
was generally supposed that verdict
would be rendered at once, as the din
ner bells would be now ringing out in
every direction: but not SO, the jury
preferred to retire and consider upon its
Derdict, and as all parties, ercept the
iurg, seemed about obeying the sum-
mons of the bells, a hint was delicately
given that it would be no more than
proper and, indeed. humane, that the
ury should be furnished suith refresh
meats. The hint was seized upon as
quick as thought by the attorneys,
and two very abundant dinners were in
\ few moments passed in through the
window from the neighboring Jefferson |
House, the justice, constables, lawyers /:
Ind spectators, having left the Office in i,
of the jury, according to the {
custom of those times.
After dinner, the crowd gradually re-
assemble in the street, and through the
pen window the imperturable jury was
cen with one leg cooked over the knee
4 the other, looking carefully over the
authorities +" which had been referred
o by the lawyers; then changing his
'osition, and putting the leg which had
.een under on top, the upper wall OF
he room was scanned with great ear 7
estness for few minntes, after which |
large volume containing the statutes
f Missouri was diligently consulted, Q
nd so on. II was evident, from ap-
that the jury had not agreed. 9
Al 6 O'clock, under instructions from
ustice Walsh, the constable inquired.
$ is usual in similar cases. Has the 2