Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1883-10-04
PAYING FOR KISSING HIS WIFE.
\ Remarkable and LaughabIe Scene in a
st. Petersburg Court.
Kosc0sr Nelra.


There have been 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
have never heard until now that husbands
could be sentenced to pay for kissing their
wives. The District Court of this city, by
a recent decision, now warns all husbands
that it is not always safe for them to kiss
even their own lawful wives.
On Aug. the case of "kOchergin agt.
KOchergin'' was tried in the District
Court Catharine kochergin sued her
husband. Ivan KOchergin, for 1000 rou-
bles. due on two bills of exchange given
bv him to her. The plaintiff, young and
nrettv woman. and well dressed, appeared
in person.
In answer to the call the defendant APP
peared. He was merchant of middle
age. with the manners characteristic OF
his class. He was in a Jolly state.
Here we are he said. coming up be
fore the bench; and then turning to his
wife he added, sweetly smiling; Gather
inc Stepanovna. why should we quarrel"
You are in court" said the presiding
Judge severely. This is not the place
for personal explanations
Mrs. kochergin then presented two
bills of exchange to the Court"
is this your signature on these bills:
the defendant was asked.
Yes. it is mine," was the answer:
there is no use Of denying that. But |
am not going 20 pay them, for they are
worthless and invalid. | will tell you
how | came to give them. Catherine
SCepanOya. nv wife. several times left my
house and went to her father. Mr.. >hurs-
tOff. But | love her so tondly that could
not STAY long without her; 50 ! went to
x-frHr 70 u. -lI
ShurstOf: If so sign this bill And did
sign it: | signed two of them. | gave the
bills not in exchange for money. but on
account of my love, for kisses from my
wife. Oh. how | am fond Of her, If your
Honor orders me o pay these bills 1t will
be highway robbery roared the de-
tendant.
Court.
..Ah. my dear soul. l understand"
Il am not your soul at all" r0ared the
Court. land llpunish you ifyou do not
not come to your senses
But the defendant would not listen to
the Court. He turned his smiling tace To
his wife, flung her kisses with his hand.
and sald
catherine Stepanoyna how dearly ]
love YOU
Roars of laughter shook the court room.
! For a moment even the Judges could not
control their features. The plaintiff
\ blushed. and the defendant continued ar
IDENTIFY to profess his love for his wife.
When order had been restored the Court
announced the verdict. The defendant
was ordered to pay one thousand roubles
to his wife. and in case he did not pay his
/ house was TO be attached.
1t is a downright robbery shouted
the defendant,
The Court ordered Mr.. kOchergin tC
leave the room at once. Meanwhile Mrs
Kochergin started out with her father, but
the defendant rushed after, crying
Catherine Stepanoyna. Kate! My darl
ing, | love YOU
The auditors rushed after them. laugh
ing. stamping. and applauding. Tho
pretty plaintiff took droshki and hurried
away. and poor Ivan kochergin ran aftel
her with his arms outstretched and shout
ing.
.Oh. Kate. how | love you"