Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1854-10-23
EVENING STAR.
Anecdots Of a Louisiana Judge.

Old Judge b----s, who was for years the
circuit jugde in that portion Of Louisiana
known as Attakapas county, was celebrated
for his legal learning, and was greatly beloved
by his neighbors and friends He was stern
1pright and honest-and the death of the
good old man, which occurred some years ago
was universally regretted throughout the State.
But with all his book lore and legal attain.
ments, he was perhaps the greenest man at
Q ards in his entire circuit. 1t has been said
that he did not know tho Jack Of trumps"
from . diamond. In the village of Opelou
sas, three individuals were sitting round a
table, in one of those doggeries, I" with bill
lizard table attached, - which are 30 common
in the Creole parishes, playing q small game
of three-hauded poker, when quarrel en-
sued, which resulted in an aggravated ca'e of
fair, for at the next term of the court, at the
head of the docket stood, .s The State of Lou
isiara vs.. John Allen, for an assault and bat
terry, with intent, to kill On the body of Enos
Griggs." 4.-, ..., .........
The trial came on, and the only witness to
the afray was Captain johnson, who was
the third hand in the game. johnson was
the skipper Of one of those crafts which trans.
port sugar from that section of the country 10
New Orleans, and was q self-con6dent, 10
ahead fellow, and was undaunted before the
JouSo 0u0 JURY, as uo uUutV nave Ocou UoIoIc
the crew OF his only little craft After being
sworn, he was directed to tell the Court and
jury everything he knew about the affair. At
ter clearing his throat he commenced by
stating, 'that him and Griggs and John Allen
were over at BOuliett' grocery, the second day
of election, when Allen proposed that they
should have q small game of poker, and ali
agreed to it, and We went up stairs and sat
down to the game; did not know that there
was any harsh feelings between Griggs and
Allen, or wouldn't played, but heard af
terwsrds-'
Here the witness was interrupted by the
court, who directed him to keep all hearssys
% himself and confne strictly to the facts of
the case
The witness continued:
"Well, we sat down to the table, Griggs
sot there, John Allen here, and there (mak.
ing a diagram Of The clerks table in order to
elucidate the position Of the parties.) John
Allen dealt the cards, went blind, Griggs he
went blind, and John Allen wouldn't see
him."
The Judge, who was little deaf, was in
the habit OF using an ear trumpet of his hand
for the purpose of sharpening his hearing
and throwing his head a little forward and
sideways, interrupted the witness by asking
him, g what was the reason that John Allen
didn't see Griggs?" ..r.
90 The witness replied, &" I don't know, but
he would not look at him "
Proceed says the Judge.
.Well, saw him and he saw me, and Just
1t that minute" --a
Stop sir" says the Judge, throwing him
stand you to say that you went blind?''
Yes sir! went blind, and Griggs he was
blind, and Allen wouldn't see, but saw
Griggs, and then he saw
Stop, sir,' said the Judge, "I don't un
dsrs and you, speak louder y
"Yes, sir went blind, and Griggs he was
blind, and Allen wouldn't see, but l saw
Griggs, and then he saw"
Witness" exclaimed the Judge, striking
the bench with his clenched ast :. do hear
you Alright, sir? Do you say that you wen,
blind, and then you saw"
les, str," replied the witness ssT saw
driggs and Griggs saw, and Just at that -''
"Stop, sir" said the Judge. "Mr Clerk,
fine tho witness fifty dollars for contempt of
Court, and direct the sheriff to take him to
Jail, and there to keep him until he receives
further orders from the Court Call up the
lext case Mr. Clerk"
Captain johnson was dumfounded, and did
not awake to the reality of his condition, until
the Sheriff laid his hands on him-when he
exclaimed "God a mighty, Mr. Judge, what
have done, that must 60 to jail ?''
The Judge, who was pu, pie with rage, did
not deign to reply to poor johnson, but reit-
Grated the order with increased vehemence.
and the junier members of the bar, who had
been anticipating the fix that the Captai a
would eventually be placed in, we're convul-
sed with laughter, which increased the rage
of the old Judge to the highest pitch. Tie
prosecuting attorney endeavored to enlight,n
the Judge, and eventually succeeded, but not
until he had produced pack of cards, and
after dealing out three hands, made the blind
IS clear as day to the Judge
The fine and Imprisonment were RENTED
order was restored in the Court, and Captain
johnson was allowed to proceed with his tes-
timony.-N. Y. SPIRIT of the Times.