Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1883-02-15
Humor Of the Bench and Bar.


The gravity of the bench is so much a
characteristic that humors are little expect
ed. Yet there are many anecdotes OF the
bench that show its humor TO be bright and
genuine. Perhaps the grimmest humoris,
on the bench IN this country wa. Mr.. Justice
Grier, of the United States Supreme Court.
His colleague, now Senator Davis, is said
to relate, with great relish, a whimsical
story OF his first day on the bench of that
court. Tie was quite impressed with the
Importance of his functions and listened
with great eagerness to what was going on
young lawyer was making n very ambl-
tlous speech and after the harangue had
lasted for nearly an hour. Judge Grier. who
was seated next 10 Judge DAVIS, turned as
If TO speak to him. Davis inclined his head
expecting to hear some profound observation
on the la" OF the case, when the solemn
Judge Grler growled. "Confound that fel :
low. Tie makes such row | can't sleep y
congress. not many wears ago passed an
act requiring a term of court to be held
every year in Judge Griers circuit, at the
town OF Wllliamsport, Pennsylvania The
Judge was there promptly at the first term,
and taking his seat commanded the clerk 10
call the first case. II was a trihng criminal
case and was disposed of in few moments
by an acquittal of the prisoner.
Call the next case then sand the Judge
There is no other" modestly replied the
clerk.
What :" said the Judge, breaking out in
to storm of indignation, "call a Judge of
the Supreme Court Of the United States
here TO Try one case Why, YOU might as
well call regiment Of United States sol
diers TO shoot at a plgeon-and miss him at
that"
Judge Grier had great spite against the
technical defense often set up in suits to re-
cover upon bonds given 70 secure subscrlp-
tons to railroads and other public improve
ments. In one case where a LAWYER had set
up one Of these objections, the Judge, re-
membering an old case in Penn,,lyania.
which had sustained like decision. excialm
ed as II 10 assist hIm "Yes. Mr.. Richards.
you will Ind case IN point in your favor IN
the 23l Of the Pennsylvania Reports"
81 was about. said the delighted attorney,
'to refer to that case
but, sand the Judge, grufFiy. "lt is con-
trary TO every other decision on the face oi
the earth
II will he remembered bv LAWYERS familiar
with the Supreme Court reports, that Judge
Clifford for good while omitted the article
THE" from the beginning Of sentences
where that article was appropriate. The
omission made the sentences awkward and
often obscure. Judge Grler. who was quite
faihrri.. one day after Judge Clifford had
delivered an opinion where these omissions
seemed quite conspicuous, said "Clitfy that
wa. good opinion Of yours. 1t il good
saw and It Will stand But what's the cause
OF your anImoslty against the little the ="
"Nr. Justice Grirr." replied Judge Clif-
ford "ith considerable dignity. ..thc lav VI
my opinion i proper subject for criticism ;
The style Is my own"
When Judge Davis first held term Of
the United States crcutt court at Inaiau-
apoI' General Tom Brown wa, nited
State, district attorney The general.
thlnsng he should show the Judge some
special attention, bought t"o tickets for the
opera. and going into the Judges room, IN
vited the Judge 10 ~ TO the opera with him
that u ght.
"Oh," SAID the Judge 'I don't feel very
well, general, and | believe Ia rather no /
90" The general turned away a good deal
disappointed. But the Judge suddenly ex-
claimed. as 4 bright thought had struck
him "By the way, general. | understand
there's gong 10 BE- i good crcu, in town to-
morrow night. think If you would invite
me . that Ia ike % 60"
Judge DAVIS used to tell some admirable
stories Of an old Illinois Judge. ole Of
which We chance particularly To remember.
One Of the Judges was rather remarkable
for conveying 10 Jurors IN his charges 10