Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1868-08-05
4 Good Story of Sir Matthew Hale.

4 gentleman of considerable estate, re-
siding in the eastern part of England, had
two sons. The oldest being of a rambling
disposition, went abroad After several
years his father died, when the your ger son
destroyed his will; and seized upon the
estate. He gave out that his brother was
dead, aud bribed some false witnesses TO at
lest be truth of it. ---.-.-.
Ia the course of time, the elder brother
returned and in miserable circumstances.
His younger brother repulscd him with
scorn-t0ld him he was an impOster, assert
ing that his brother was dead long ago, and
he cCdld bring witnesses to prove it.
The poor fellow having neither money nor
friends, was in most dismal situation.
He went round the parish making bitter
complaints and, at last came to a lawyer,
who when he had heard the poor man S
m0urntul story, undertook his cause, enter
ed an action against the younger brother,
which was agreed to be tried at the next
general sssires at Chelu, sford, in Essex.
The lawyer having engaged in the cause
Of the poor man, set his wits to work to
'cOunteract the powerful interest exerted
against him. At last he hit upon the happy
Thought, that he would consult the first of
AL the judges, Lord Chief Justice Hale
accordingly he flew up to London and laid
zen the cause in all its circumstances, The
Judge heard the case patiently and atten-
rivey and promised all the assistance in his
power. With this object he contrived mat
ters in such manner, as to have finished
all his business at the kings bench before
the assizes began at Chelmsford. When his
carriage lad conveyed him down very near
the yeat of the assizes he dismissed his man
and eIuiplge AMI sought out a retired
house He found one occupied by 4 miller.
After some conversation, and making him
self quite agreeable, he proposed to the
miller to change clothes with HIM, and, as
the Judge had good suit On, the mlu had
40 reason 10 object
Accordingly. the Judge put on complete
suit Of the miller best. and armed with
sueI, aEsy re aza1 ci.ed to Chelmsford, pro
@ured lodgings TO his liking, and waited for
he asslzes that were TO begin the next day.
hen the trial came on he walked like an
iSHorant country fellow, backward and for
ward, along the country hall, and soon found
out the poor fellow that was plaintiff A:
soon . he came into the hall, the miller
lrew up to him:
ply honest friend" said he, chow /:
sour Gaze likely to 90 to day?'
Ny ease Is in very precarious situation
and II lose It | am ruined for life, replied
the plaintiff
Well, here friend, replied the miller
"uiyou take my advance ?-I will let ye'
INTO secret, which perhaps you do no
Aho" every Englishman has the the righ
ANl privilege. to except against any jury
man through the whole twelve; now do yol
iil'lst upon your privilege, without giving
reason why, and will doyou all the servic
IN my power
Accordingly, when the clerk of the cour
mad called over the jurymen, the planti
excepted to one of them by name Tn
Judge on the bench was highly offended wit
his liberty.
" hat do you mean" said he, 'by e>
eepiIng against the gentleman
L mean, my lord, to assert my prlvIles
as an Englishman, without giving the re-
sons why"
Well sir said the judge, who had bee
deeply bribed, ''as you claim your privileg
who would YOU wish to have in the room
that excepted against?"
Alter short 0ime taken into consider