Washington sentinel. [volume] (City of Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1856, 1855-03-27
Sotal anO 4ersonal.
Caught in his own Trap.-Yesterday morn

Caught in his own Trap.-Yesterday morn
ing an elderly German complained, at the watch
house. that an Irish boy had called him hard names
mot pronouncing blessings upon him; in other
words, had cursed and sworn al him, in the mar
kel house.
The complainant and the defendant were soon
arraigned before the presiding police magistrate.
Justice Morsell, who examined into the case with
his usual carefuness.
II appeared that the parties occupied stands on
the market square, and that The German, leaving
his place of business, proceeded 10 that OF the
Irish boy, oticiously 10 remove box which some
what obstructed an inlet TO the market. Hence
the difficulty between the parties.
The German swore TO the truth, Of the offence
charged; and the result was, the Irish boy was
fined Two dollars and twenty two cents which his
gen,lemanly employer paid Tor him, although the
juvenile offender, in tears, protested against this
act of friendship The German appeared to be
satisfied.
II was now the boys turn 10 obtain satisfaction;
SO he charged, under oath, the German with cal
ling him bad names; rejecting too, upon the land
Of his birth and in addition, threatening TO shoot
language, at a stage of the quarrelsome proceed
ings, was, III show you" the word show sound.
ing somewhat like that of shoot.
The magistrate fined the German in the sum of
two dollars and twenty-five cents; which amount
he reluctantly paid, expressing his surprise that
he was thus dealt with. He had hastily and voun-
tarily presented himself as the complainant. but
was now a defendant, by the oath of the boy. His
Joy was turned into sorrow
Further TO adjust and equalize the matter the
German and Irish boy were severally bound over
TO keep the peace not only with each other, but
toward all the good people the United States
A Complaining Lodgcr.~-On Friday night a
white boy, aged about ten years was found in
countryman's wagon, secretly, perhaps dishonest
y, inspecting the choice contents of the vehicle.
One of the Auxiliary Guard escorted him TO the
watch house, in order 10 provide him with lodgings
The little fellow complained of the hard bench-bed,
but 10 make his rest more comfortable some old
coats and blankets were furnished for that purpose
/" How do you manage elsewhere z" il was asked
/" for you have deserted good home and your
kind parents" Why" the lad replied, 81 sleeps
on hay"
Young he is, he has served term or two in
the wofk-t ouse there being no other receptacle
for juvenile and adult vagrants in this CITY, One OF
the magistrates in attendance remarked, "Tm
afraid I'll have TO send you down for ninety days,
again" "Please don't" he responded; " have no
objection 10 thirty days !" bursting into tears.
Imprisonment in the work-house or municipal
penitentary has effected no reform in his morals,
and he is now as great truaht from home
ever.
He was discharged from custody, yesterday
morning, after promising that he would not again
be found lurking about the Centre Market.
1t is deeply 10 be regretted that there is no in
stiIution in the midst OF us TO which wayward
boys, who night-runners, or outdoor sleepers,
can be sentenced--where an oversight can be
exercised concerning their morals, and where
wholesome instruction will predispose them 10
conduct themselves with propriety and inspire
them with ambition 10 attain to honorable man
hood.