The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1877-06-29
A MELANCHOLY SCENE IN COURT.

The regular business Of the court was inter-
der that a gentlemen, well known in this COM
munity, might be sentenced District Attorney
Rice arose amidst profound silence and ad-
dressed the court as follows: "If ii please the
court, it becomes now my painful duty to move
for sentence, in the case of f. p. Kisner, con-
castigating an editor. With reference to the
character of the prisoner have this to say ::
that he was a classmate of mine in college for
four years, and | never, during that time, knew
him to be guilty of an offence like this. | am
informed that he bas very large family, con-
sisting of father, mother, brothers and sisters
| believe he has no children that he knows of
but he says he is willing to have if that will
tighten his sentence. He is poor man and l
feel like asking the mercy of the Court in his
behalf. | think sentence as lenient as the
circumstances of the case will permit, will en-
courage him greatly to REFORM
After Mr.. Rice concluded Stanley Wood
ward, Esq, arose and spoke as follows;
lfyour Honor please when / frat entered
into this case | supposed we had good de.
fence. | was under the impression that casti-
eating an editor was not considered an offence
in this court Upon looking up the authorities
| however, | find no such exception. | cannot
account for this except by supposing it to be
like the case of the parricide, where, under the
old law there was no mention made Of the
crime because no one was supposed capable OF
committing it; or else, perhaps, it is because
there were no newspapers in those days.
There is another thing | wish to caution
your Honor about, and do so with great mis-
givings; it is this: that although the prisoner:
appearance is strongly against him, yet | as
sure your Honor that he is not addicted to the
flowing bowl. On that point your Honor,
would like to swear witness-upon reflection
however, | believe will not do that the ac
cused is afraid such testimony would weary
the Court. He desires that | shall make i
pleasant for the Court. As ] before remarked
although his appearance is violently agans
him, he is not bibulous man he gets his com
plexion entirely from Harvey's Lake.
The prisoner sat in the criminal dock in tn
farthest corner.
Judge Harding-E. p. Kisner, stand uI
We have sorrowful duty to perform in you
case. Have you any family?
Mr.. Kisner-Yes your honor, | have fathe
and mother upon whom l am dependent 70
support.
, Judge Harding-Wel, your case is saC
one. We do not learn that you have any chill
dren. 1t is unfortunate that you have not
few, that they too, might help to support you
you seem well fitted by nature to endure grea
deal of support, and if your florid complexio
is not due to the flowing bowl but entirely I
, the reflection of Harveys Lake, then you ce
tainly must take it ont in support" The sci
tence of the Court is that you pay fine of tiy
dollars to the commonwealth, and the costs
prosecution, and that You stand committed III
til this sentence be complied with You wi
have to 60 into the hands Of the Sheriff.
The prisoner then went out to find the Sheri
and, finding him, proceeded to hquordate IL
, fine Wilkes Barre Record.