River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1883-10-18
Paying for kissing His wife.

There have b en- many cases in which
kisses have been considered in courts of
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 for
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.. Roche rgin'' was tried in the district
court. Catharine Kochergin sued her
rouhles, due on two bills of exchange
given by him to her The plaintiff a
young anu pretty woman, and well
dressed, appeared in person.
Ivan Kocherginm cried the Court.
In answer to the call the defendant
appeared. He was a merchant of mid
die age, with the manners characteristic
of his class. He was in q jolly state.
''Here we are" he said coming up be-
fore the bench, anu then turning to his
VIE ne added sweety smiling: Cath
irine Stepanoyna, why should we quar-
rei?"
''You are in court" said the presidin
Jude severely "This Is not the place
for personal explanations"
Mrs Kochergin then presented two
bills ofexchange to the Court"
SIS this your signature on these
bils2" the defe dent 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. | will tell you
how | came to give them. Catha-
riRe Stepanovna my wife, sew
eral tines left my house and went to
her father, Mr.. Shutstoff. But love
her so fond that l could not stay long
without her; so went to see her. DO
YOU want your wife2' asked Shustoff; 'ifso
sign this BILL And l did sign it; l
signed two Of them. l gave the bills.
not in exchange for money, but on At
count of my love, for kisses from my
wife. Oh, how ! am fond of herl If
vour honor orders me to paw these bills
it will be highway robbery" roared the
defendant.
Behave yourself" admonished the
court
"Ah, my dear soul, l understand"
81 am not your soul at all" roared
the court, and 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 Stepanovnal how dearly I
love youp
Roars of laughter shook the court
room For moment even the judges
could not control their features. The plan
till bushed, and the defendant continued
arde atty to profess his love for his wife
When order had been restored the
Court announced the verdict. The de-
PENDANT was ordered to pay one thousand
rubles to his wife, and in case he did
not pay his house was to be attached
ut is downright robbery" shouted
the defendant.
The court ordered Mr.. Kochergin to
leave the room at once. Meanwhile
Mrs. Kochergin started out with her
father, but the defendant rushed after
crying; Catherine Stepanovna! Kate,
NY darling! love yon!'
The auditors rushed after them laugh
ing stamping and applauding. The pretty
little plaintiff took a droshki and hurried
away, and poor Ivan kochergin ran af-
ter her with his arms outstretched aud
'houting:
sob, Kate, how love you'll"