The Northern Pacific farmer., 1883-10-18
Paving for kissing His Wife

There have b en- many cases in which
kisses have been considered in courts o1
Justice, and not only considered, but
valued in money and paid for. But we
lave never heard until now that hus
bands could be sentenced to pay TO,
kissing their wives. The district court
of this city by recent de cision, now
warns all husbands that it is not always
safe for them to kiss even the lawful
wives.
On Aug. 9th the .case of "Kochergin
vs.. Koche rgin" was tried in the district
court. Catharine Kochergin sued her
husband. Ivan Kochergin for 1000
roubles, due on two bills of exchange
given by him to her. The plaintiff q
young anu pretty woman, and well
dressed, appeared in person.
"Ivan Kochergin" cried the Court.
In answer to the call the defendant
appeared. He was q merchant OF mid
die age. with the manners characteristic
of his class. He was in jolly state.
;'Here we are," he said coming up be-
fore the bench, anu then turning to his
vie ne added sweetly smiling: Gath
arine Stepanoyna, why should we quar-"
rel?"
"You are in COURT said the presidin
Judge severely. 'This is not the place
for personal explanations"
Mrs Kochergin then presented two
bills ofexchange to the Court"
"Is this your signature on these
bills?" the delendent was asked.
Eyes. it is mine," was the answer;
there is no use of denying that. But l
am not going to pay them, for they are
worthless and invalid. I will tell you
how l came to give them. Catha-
rine Stepanovna my wife, sew
eral times left my house and went to
her father, Mr.. Shutstoff. But I love
her so fond y that could not stay long
without her; so went to see her. DO
you want your wife2' asked Shustoff; ifso
sign this bill.' And I did sign it.; l
signed two of them. I gave the bills,
not in exchange for money, but on ac-
count of nv love, for kisses from my
wife. Oh, how / am fond of her! 1t
your honor orders me to pay these bills
it will be highway robbery" roared the
defendant.
"Behave yourself" admonished the
court.
"Ah, my dear soul, I understand"
'I am not your soul at ALL" roared
the court. " and l will punish you if
you do not come to your senses.
But the defendent would not listen to
the court. He turned his smiling face
to his wife, flung her kisses with his
hand. and said:
Catherine stepanovna! how dearly I
love you!'
Roars of laughter shook the court
room For moment even the Judges
could not control their features. The plan.
tiff btushed, and the defendant continued
ardently to profess his love for his wife.
When order had been restored the
Court announced the verdict. The de-
fendant was ordered to pay one thousand
rubles to his wife, and in case be did
not pay his house was to be attached.
ut is a downright robbery" shouted
the defendant.
The court ordered Mr.. Kochergin to
leave the room at once. Meanwhile
Mrs. Kochergin started out with he1
father, but the defendant rushed after
crying; "Catherine Stepanovna! Kate,
My darling! love you'll!
The auditors rushed after them laugh.
ing stamping and applaudine. The pretty
little plaintiff took droshki and hurriet
away, and poor Ivan Kochergin ran af.
ter her with his arms outstretched aud
houting:
"Oh, Kate, how love your