The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1874-02-28
A Reminiscence OF "HOrsc Allen.


[Harpcr's Monthly for March,
In earlier days in Missouri there presided
over the judicial destinies of a large circui
Judge remarkable for his official and socia
excelleucics. He was universally known a
90 Horse Allen" to which title In later year.
the prefix Of "Old" was added. Ue was
sound lawyer and an incorruptible judge
and in those primeval days imposed per
sonal regard by the possession of set O
brawny limbs that men said bad been call &c
on more than one occasion into active eXer.
else to teach the refractory "bow to respect
the court" He regarded the bar composed
generally Of young mcD, whom he called by
their Christian names almost in the light OF
his children, and they in turn soon learned
to love him as father. They tell this story
on the old judge: ,,,.u
On one occasion. while he was holding
court in q log cabin in one of the then via
counties of the Southwest, two of his boys
became so excited over a case that, utter eacn
had in unmistakable language questioned
tbe yericity of the other, an inkstand had
been hurled, and the compliment returned
nv forcible propulsion of the Missouri
Statutes by the maddened disputants at each
others herds. The whole thing occurred
20 quickly that the Judge had not time to
prevent it, but he proved himself equal to the
occasion. ......- .,-.
"Cyrus," he remarked to the sheriff, GO adj
journ court for fifteen minutes" 1t was
done by Mr.. Frost, the sheriff. "Now shut
that door and lock it," '..
AS soon as these orders had been executed.
turning to one of the combatants, then States
attorney. and now an eminent citizen and
oyyer i'm California. he said:
"Peter, come out and stand behind that
bench !" The representative OF the State
quietly took position.
"Tom," he continued, to young Horrell
of whose future your historian has lost
sight, edo you stand there" and the atti-
Jude was taken as ordered.
Snow, boys" said the cold Horse" in
gentle tones, "you have been guilty of a
very gross diSrespect of this court, and the
court cannot and will not stand it, and will
take proper steps to yindicate itself. have
always held myself as good a judge ofa fight
Is of the law. LII this matter OF outrage the
court will sit and see it out, and you both
shall have fair play. Now pitch iu and fight
It out"
Nothing lOath, the two boys went at it fist
and skull; for they knew very well that if
they did not settle it in this way the cod
Horse" would probably quit his seat and
thrash them both-a feat very easy of accom-
plishment for him. Aud so they fought,
md the Judge looked OIL to see fair play.
History does not record which of the two
was the victor, but after protracted and
exhausting efforts, and, alas! much pro-
anity, Of which the Court took no official
the Judge, turning to the sheriff.
said:
"Cyrus, separate them, unlock the door,
aud qren court"
And when court was opened, he turned to
he clerk and said:
"Mr. Clerk. enter a fine Of twenty dol
lars each against MIR. Minor and Mr.. Horrell
Tor a fragrant contempt Of this court"
Before the adjournment the fines were re-
mitted, and the boys were ever afterward
The best of friends