Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1873-05-28

the jury, consented to receive the renowned
verdict. Other highly interesting jury trials
have occurred in that bellgerant town, in
very many of which the spirit of fun and a
general disposition to have good joke, have
had much to do with the proceedings and
with the verdict
Several years since, while the late Hon.
o. L. Shafter was practicing in Wilmington,
he was employed to defend pump suit IN
which his client had been summoned to
| Woodford Hollow to defend himself against
disputed claim of some travelling pump
vendors who had left pump on trial and
had afterwards instituted a trial at law to
force the unwilling party to take the pump
and pay for it, will he, nil he. Judge
Shafter came across the mountain several
| times to try the suit, but the plaintiff WASH
ever quite ready, and the court being one
of the persons who set up the pump. and
possibly also assisted to set up the case
readily granted frequent adjournments, the
principal object of which was to get rid OF
the counsel for the defence, and allow the
plaintiff to have his own way.
Judge Shafter appreciated this desire, and
accordingly secured the services of Maj N.
B. Hall, then practicing in Bennington, but
now of jackson, Mich, and law graduate
of Judge Skaters office, to attend to the
suit. This was too close work for any fur
Their use of the adjournment game, and the
case was duly and positively set for trial.
| The plaintiff employed Hon. L. w. Park
then leading attorney in our village; ano
the suit Immediately promised and proceed
ed to be of rather more interest than was a.
| first intended, as our readers will see IRON
the eminent names called to participate
To beat 7. W. Park before a jury was, az
Senator McDougal, of California once said tt
US, harder work than to get elected to the
United States Senate, the senator further
remarking, in explanation, that he, Park
was the first. and only man that ever whip
ped me, fairly and soundly, before CalItor
MIA jury
| Seth Jones was the Woodford justice
Seth Jones was one of the men who put II
the pump and consequently Seth Jones wai
material witness. When all other testimo
ny had been given in there was still a lack
on the part of the plaintiff, and an offer wal
made to put the court upon the wltnes
stand. This was objected to upon genera
principles and tor obvious resons. Who, o
where, or what was the court when Sell
Jones was acting as witness? But as th'
arguments were all made to the court, h
decided that the testimony was admissible
and proceeded to swear. His testimony wa
direct, positive and exhaustive, but no eros
examination followed
After Mr.. Justice Jones resumed his judi
cial chair, Mr.. Hall requested that the cour
swear the jury as witnesses What are yo
going to do now?' inquired the counsel 70
the plaintiff. L am going to inlpeach tn
lUitness. replied the defence. The venerabl
Sol. Day foreman and first testified
How long have you known the witness, an
what is his character for truth and yeracity
was the question. Ever since he came
Woodord, and | wouldn't believe wor
he swore to on either side, was the answer
The balance of the jury to like questions CAV
like answers, and very soon gave unanimou
verdict for the defendant,