Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-04-13
A SCENE IN COURT.
| Judse Haddeo Upholos ,he Dignity of
Bis Court aud Sits DOwh On
| Justice Hitler.


Yesterday morning, was the scene OF a serlo-
comic Incident considerably at variSnce with
amusing comedies in one act, winch usually
characterizes its sttiugs Judge Hidden,
presiding, was listening 10 the testimony In
an alleged rape case, 10 which Mr. Taos. A.
Ryan was sttorney for the defendant. The
last witness, Ned Adams, the coi0red barber,
was tesifying as TO the character OF the
plaintiff for virtue and morality, and partieu
lsrly as 10 what the neighbor had to say
about her. Mr.. Ryan asked:
"Whom did you ever hear speak of the
woman's character"
"My wife, Tor ons," answered the witness,
displaying some temper OF the sultry per
suasion.
"You heard your wife say she WIS of good
moral character, did you? How came, the
subisc, up for discussion between yourself
ana your wife?"
"Jest like your neighbor's character would
come up for discussion between You aud
your wife, sir" said the witness, showing q
more torrid temper.
"Nevrr mind my vile, sir; che is not in
any manner connected with this csse-answer
my questions. DID you hear any one else
speak of the character OF the plaintiff"
"Yes, cir; l hesrd ny neigbbors speak oil
Der in the bsst of tefms," and the witness en-
IArged upon the manner 10 which the plain
tiff's charac had been the subj sct OF talk
| in the neighborhood.
Mr.. Ryan wanted 10 know why the neigh
1 borhood should be eaByassing a character
upon which, sccording 10 witnesses testimony
there was no blemish.
Witness-Jest az I told you before-liks
| you ard your wife and ueig bors will discuss
| the character of another peighbor.
"Look here" said Ryan, heatedly, Il don't
4 tn Hsfsr tn my wife in this
case"
"Well, you referred TO my wife, cir"
81 did not until after you had brought in
| her name -"
Jadse Hadden cut the sentence short by a
sharp rap of bis gavel, saying: "Now,
want this quarreling stopped; amt agoin
to have it in my court. II it amt stopped
1 will fne both of you"
The attorney and witness went at it again
| in about the same vein, when Ju ge II sd-
! den ordered a foe of $40 to be recorded
| against each. Mr.. Ryan tsied to explain
| that he could not see wherein he had OF
| Tended the Court, but his honor refused TO be
| thus persuaded, aud ordered the attorney 10
| take bis seat. At this juncture Justice Il
| B. Miller rose and started 10 address the
Court on the law governing Contempt Of
court.
81 don't want to hear any discussion on
| the subject. have fined these men $40 each.
| and want the money"
1 "But, your honor, j -"
: "Sst down, 'tquirep
! SHAY ii please your -"
I 'Set down, Millerw
sam l 10 understand that an attorney
/ can't -"
SET down, 'squirep
"Thep, your honor, We will take an APP
l peal"
Il don't care il you do. You may appeal
as much as you want to. This ere Court will
stand by its decision. l see no wsy out OF il
] unless the parties purge themselves of con
temnt or pay the fines"
| "WelI, cir, we appeal"
"Set down, Miller! Mr.. Oficsr"-and hit
| honor grabbed the gavel ia his right hand Il
| if to hurl it at something, but suddenly
| brought it down on the table with whack
that resounded like the report OF pistol
| continuing: 81 have fned these two fellows
for contempt, and intend 10 have The money
| or an apology TO The Court. Now, if they
! will get up here and publicly apologize ths
| they meant no contempt to this Court vii
chesrfulIy remit their fines and cali i
square"
The witness approached the judgment sea
snd in a low tone began talking, but tn
| Court raped his willow on the table sgaip
saying:
"Git right out there by that table, and il
a loud voice, so everybody can hear you
make your apology"
The witness did go, and his fine vas re
mitted.
Mr. Ryan's apology was made in the sam
manner, though hs commended that he coulC
not see wherein he bad committed any OF
tense against the dignity Of the Court; bu
his 6ne was remittsd, all tina same.
Justice Miller wanted also TO apologize
but the court adjourned, and he was In
worst sstdown-on Individual engaged IN tn
melee.
The po.tponement OF the case becsm
niece ssary on account of tho high state o
excitement into which the Court had beel
wrought in his efforts 10 held Justice Mile
down to his seat.