Weekly Trinity journal., 1875-02-13
st'eekly Crinity 5uurnal.
Weaverville, February 13, 1875.
Az ILLEGAL COURT.


1t has been well remarked by distin-
guished historian, that 8 for ways that |
are dark and tricks that are vain the |
Heather Chinee is peculiar" and this |
wise aphorism might be truthfully APP
piled to the average California attorney.
A case in which one of this class figured
occurI cd in the Municipal Court last
week. Mr.. Blank, young attorney Of
the last mentioned class, appeared as
counsel for a vllainous- looking China
man, who was called to receive sentence
on his third conviction on one charge of
gland larceny. All Shook was told to
stand up, and the Judge gazcd on him
with a look in which there was a varied
assortment OF stern justice and commits
Grafton. Mr. Blank slowly rose from his
chair, ran his bony fingers through his
raven locks, and extending his right hand
in dignifed and authoritative manner,
signifcd his intention Of making little
speech.
4" l PROPOSE" said Mr.. Blank, waving
his hard at the assembled spectators with
rare self-posscssion, q propose to con-
test the authority Of this court in the mat
ter of the people Of the State of California
versus my worthy and innocent client, All
Shook l propose, may it please your
honor-and don't think it will pro-
pose to establish the fact that this court
opfbnpiftr md 1ocro1 o,yi.
and that all its acts since its assumed or
ganization have been null and void and
non cOmpOS mcHtis."
'Hold on, young man." exclaimed the
Court, with a deprecatory motion Of its
judicial hand that game won't play
here worth a cent. While this Court has
the deal the percentage remains IN its IA
vor, and you needn't think you can hog
the game or bust the bank. Maybe you
think you are play ing it smart, but this
Court has had its eye teeth fled and sand
papered long ago, and all traces of vegct-
alton have been carefully cxtirpated from
its opticular organs"
May it please your honor" respond
ed Mr.. Blank, 81 have a long line Of
authorities to present. Here, James,
bring in the documents" At these words
little boy about three feet high entered
the courtroom bearing about fifty pom
dcrous tones.
"Now, your Honor" continued Mr..
Blank, Il move that the defendant be
discharged on the ground that the court
has no legal existence"
The Court adjusted its spcctaclos and
remarked gravely: " Young fcller,
there are times when patience ceases to
b; a virtue"
AT this juncture the Deputy Sheriff
stood behind the attorney ready and viii
ling to take him by the collar and throw
him down stairs the clerk, in an abb
stracted manner laid his hand upon a
heavy glass inkstand, and the porter
stood at the door with largc-sized broom
in his hand.
MY friend" continued the Court,
mildly, sit is now autumn, when the
c)ttonwoods shed their leaves and moth
ing is green but the evergreen. But you
make Il - hem - condemned mistake
when you take me for an evergreen. In
all the experience of this Court it has
never happened that an attorney was fool
enough to request the court to legislate
itself out OF Office, and out Of the perqus-
ties and cmouments pertaining to the
same. This Court was at first disposed
to deal lenicntly with this dcpravcd hea-
Them but in order TO vindicate its atl-
thority it imposes sentence on your eli
cnt OF four years in the State Prison.
AS for your authorities, you may go
ahcm-to the Supreme Court or any
where else with them. This Court stands
upon its dignity, sir, and if it did not res
poet your poverty it would impose fine
Of 81, 80 upon you for contempt but the
court is magnanimous, sir. You may
take your hand off his collar, Mr. Sheriff
The Court will now adjourn for refresh
mcnts."
The lawyer was seen half an hour later
loading up an express wagon with Lis
authorities.