Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-04-27
A SAMPLE SESSION.
Of the Celebrated Tribunal De
Hidden.
The Bitter.sweet Repast Set Out
I'm the Police Court.

traits OF bis supreme dlghmlghu-
ness, Judge Hadden, who was on hand
bright and early after his horseback
matinee, despite the fact that he was
late going home from the opera, TO
show the versatility Of his powers as q
turist, Joker and 6nancier. You can
open court now, officer Hedrick," he
said as heascendod to the bench, where
he sat with his hands on his knees,
scanning the docket while the turnkey
warbled his morning carol. Pretty
fair list" said he at last, you can just
whistle up them officers now and well
git through. I've got business up at
the other shed. Them fellers are
fundin' right along. Are you ready
for me to begin Squirrel All right.
now call in the first case. John
Witherspoon, Bartee, peddling with
out license !. Walk up here Spoony.
Whatever been sellin ?"
A man on the outside of the railing,
who didn't know enough English to
remove his hat in the Supreme Court,
was at this moment seen gesticulating
with a paper in his hand. Let that
man in and mash his hat over his
eyes. He's in this ere case, I'll bet.
What's that paperf License to peddle
chalk images, ehP But it don't give
this boy the right to peddle, mean
dered the Judge.
II make EN-, he sell EN-" explained
the man.
Then the license must be in his
name. Ten dollars" and then aside
to the clerk, lust make that two doll
lars instead of ten"
John Gibbons, Officer Brown,
drunk Clear case of perpendicular,
Gibby. Plead guilty do your That's
right; two dollars, eight days, don't
bother with lawyers. Take him back
and bring out the next case"
Memphis Water Company, doing
business without license. 'Spose you
plead chartered rights and don't want
to pay the $3.50 license?"
"Yes, sir, answered the company's
representative.
"All right, I'll fine you $50 aud yon
can appeal the case. So much the
worse for you. Wen git $500 now.
Supreme Court is in full sympathy
with me, responded his honor.
Il suppose Your Honor wouldn't
hear an argument in this crse?"
"Oh, yes, but I'll be honest with
you; my minds already made up and
you couldn't change it. No shenani-
gan about this ere court, you
know. Give a good bond for the costs
and 60 ahead with your rat KILN.
Say, Brandy, while l think of it, |
wantcher to notify them fellers down
on Main street to haul them shavin's
and ole bricks away. Don't forget it,
now. Yes, and | notice a heap OF
stuff that ought to be moved, when
I'm ridin' round. Keep your eyes
peeled. Don't be skeered, but bring
'em up here to mel I'll fix 'em. Hot
weather's coming now--who's this?
JEFF Gray, suspicious character. Now
I'll tell you what's the matter with
you, JEFF. You shuttle the kyerds too
mueh-an' dice an craps too. Oh,
you needn't say you don't; l know
you'll Now you git, an don't you look |
at gamblin' ag'in, or I'll just raise you
for all you're worth"
Here's Jim LAME, now. He was
drunk, you say, Mr.. Officer? Very |
drunk?-S3."
but won't Your Honor hear his
statement" asked the attorney.
Wasn't he drunk"
But he wants a trial.
Didn't the officer see him drunk?
Oh, what're yer talkin' about? He's
a man that was drunk, plain as day,
an you want to fool away two or three
hours of this ere Courts time in
trial. Take him back"
"Davie Osmpedemonico, why don't
you keep your premises clean2 I'll
let you go this time, but you must
clean up and keep clean. Bow is the
gang, MIR. Jewell. Got them women
at work? Keep 'em at it"
A lumber merchant was brought up
for having nuisance on his premises,
and it was proven. You're in for it.
Five dollars. Pay up. And here's
the meanest man, a sneak and Prov
Ter, you say? Sawyer, that won't do.
Twenty days"
Pleas Small and Lizzie Clark were
up for a general hair pulling and
scratching match. Nov here's a
case" said the Superior Judge in
summing up and laying off each point
with his fingers, now here's case
where there was too much whisky.
Pleas gets drunk and wants to fight. |
Lizzie, she don't want to be made
pulp out of and she hits Pleas in the
head with a spade, contrary to law
and the uses Of this here court. Now
ten dollars apiece, and stop this