The Lambertville record. [volume] (Lambertville, N.J.) 1872-1968, 1884-03-05
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IN THE JuRY-ROOM.
Jnror Tells About an Experience That
IN Probably Common.


Yesterday morning at 10 o'clock the jury
were in their box and Judge Rogers read
them their instructions. Overcoats and
rubbers were then gathered up and the
jurors followed the Bailif to their room.
Mr. Bensley's numerous books were brought
in to them, the Bailif Withdrew, the key
was turned in the lock on the outside, and
the twelve good and true men found them
selves prisoners. Pipes, cigars, and cigar
cites were lighted and the twelve armchairs
were soon occupied. Then the talk began,
and 1t took but few moments TO see that
the great majority Of the jurors we're Of one
mind. The firm of Bensleys Il Wagner,
ahe defendants, acknowledged that they
owed the firm Of Van Meter & Pratt, the
plaintiffs, balance of $206.25, and the
jury had been instructed by the court that
they must find for the plaintiffs at least in
this sum. 1t was apparent that this sum
was the most popular.
A foreman was unanimously elected, q
teller was appointed, and o vote was taken.
A count Of the ballots revealed eleven for
the $206. rs and one for $5, 500 and interest
the full amount asked. All was still for
moment as the visions of speedy agree.
ment faded, and then there was a laugh.
Let the other man speak," said one
juror, In q sepulchral voice.
i voted for the large amount" said the
other man." arising, and half dozen
jurors went OF him with books, papers,
kilograms, and instructions to convince him
that he was wrong.
Which are the Judges own instruc-
tons :" asked the other man.
" Those are the Ones" said a juror, pick.
ing out portion Of the defendants in
structions.
"rn bet they amt"
!" Betcher dollar they are"
I'm take you up"
Let's find out" suggested juror, and
the Bailin was called. He said that they
were all the Judges instructions that they
were submitted by both sides and approved
by the court But this would not do; so
the Bailif was sent out for information.
He soon returned and said:
They are all the Judges instructions,
and you must regard them as snchr
This settled 1t, and the "other man.
began to peruse them carefully. Every
once in while juror would go to the
window and gil himself up with inspiration
by gazing at the Board Of Trade Building,
then come back and 60 ut the odd juror.
Half dozen sat down and left the task Of
reformation to the foreman. One of these
said he wished he had his cornet there 60
he could practice. The rest borrowed TO-
bacco from one another and filed the room
with blue haze. About an hour was
spent in this way, the "other man ex-
amining the books and kilograms all the
time. AT last he heayed sigh and said:
"Well, gentlemen, cave AT this there
was glad shout from eleven threats and
o wild scramble for rubbers, hats, and
overcoats. The jury put their names TO
the verdict the foreman filed out, the
Bailif was summoned, and they were led
back into court. TIE verdict was read by
tbs Clerk, and upon hearing the verdict Of
e206.25 the face Of Charles T. Pratt fell.
The Judge said
Gentlemen, you are discharged until 10
O'Clock Monday morning." and the tired
jury 6lsd out Of court happy in having
eouplstsd ons-haf Of their annual duty to
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