Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1886-04-01
A Lawyers Smart Clerk

Lawyers clerks are usually taken from the
bt tier class of boys, as they must be more
than the average intelligence to be of service
to an attorney. This is especially true in
this city. When the LAWYER is out on bust
ness or at court, the small boy owns the
office. He must know the condition of his
employers principal cases, and must answer
questions on sll subjects-that is, if the boy
has been well trained. Sometimes. however,
they are of that undesirable kind who have
been set apart for that profession because
their parents consider them bright and smart.
| These boys are apt to become embued with
| the idea that the only function of lawyer
is to be sharp aud to be always on the look
out for money. A lawyer tells story of
recent occurrence in his Office by which his
boy made $500, but came near getting two
people into very unpleasant predicament
| plain looking man and woman walked
into the office one day in the absence of the
attorney. His boy greeted the callers cor
daily and asked what they desired, adding
| that Mr.. - was ont but that he attended
| to matters in his absence. The man explained
that he and his wife did not get along very
will and both wanted to be released from
their married relations.
"Oh, that can easily be arranged re-
marked the whilom attorney, and looking
wise he ostentatiousy examined lot of law
books, and after few minutes proceeded to
draw up an agreement between the man and
his wife to disagree. He framed it in the
language of law, putting in the "sads, ="
greetings and ''atoresaids," as well as an
alarming array of references to parties of
the first part" and parties of the second
part ard even to ga utncuid matrimonial -
the latter being intended to properly impress
his clients. Large seals were added to the
documents. which the boy Endorsed with a
flourish and gills of red ink then the agree
ment was duly signed, the boy adding his
| name as a witness. The man was very CRATE
full, and asked what the fee was. The small
boy said 500, and TO the plea that this was a
good deal to pay for so little work, answered
But see what have done for you, and any,
how, we never scratch pen here for less
than 500 The man had only S25. but paid
that and promised that he would return in a
| few days and pay the remainder. The follow
ing week he put in an appearance, and the
boy being out he saw the attorney himself
and remarked cheerfully that he had come to
pay S25 on account
"On account of what p asked the attor-
ney.
Why, the agreement I had drawn up here
last week." replied the client
| what agreement" asked the attorney.
The man produced the paper and handed
it 10 the lawyer, and as the latter read it, his
eyes grew like an owls at night. know ali
men by these presents, that John-and
Mary, having agreed before me as wit
ness. they are free to marry again in this
State, the cold perspiration started to the
lawyers brow as he hurried out: "For
heavens sake don't tell me you are married.
No" answered the man, II am going to
be married next week and Mary will be mar
ried tomorrow.
The lawyer quickly explained the case to
the man and two trials for bieamv were
saved from our already over-crowded courts.
-Nep York Commercial Gazette