Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-07-15
LOCAL AND PENINSULAR
YoUEG WORTH AGAIN
IN TROUBLE.
StiII after tho HfRtians-NIi the Vsn
dcrs Arraigned aud Fined-An
Amusing Court Scene.

Every Italian man or woman in the city
proprietor of street stand or booth for
the sale Of fruit, nuts, 40, was before the
municipal court Friday morning on war
rant sworn out by David Lemon, oharg-
ing them with violating the city ordi-
nances. There was large audience at
the hearing aud the proceedings took
numerous spirited and humorous turns
which afforded a deal of amusement.
The prosecuting witness, MIR. Lemon.
was the central and most oonspicuous
figure in the group, and II required the
constant efforts Of the court and threats
of fine with the remonstrance of the city
solicitor and counsel for the defendants,
Austin Harrington, Esq 10 suppress the
enthusiastic outburst and legal opinions
which the prosecutor brought into his
case Mr.. Lemon was called to the stand
as the first witness. He took with him
three large sheep-bound volumes
which presumably coyeiod the law
points involved. In addition he
carried newspapers and clippings
and Rt the outset showed he was prepared
to give the whole performance alone. He
subscribed fervently to the affirmation,
but his testimony soon got away from
statements OF fact and lead him 10 ques-
tions of law. He grew quite obstreperous
until the judge was obliged to interfere,
but the court ruling did not keep him
within the desired confines. He prepared
himself TO give legal statement, when
Mr.. Harrington objected, and Mr.. Lemon
appealed to the court to quiet the defend
ants counsel as he did not want to be
interrupted. The court to quiet the wit
ness had stated that if IL was necessary he
would fine him, whereupon Mr.. Lemon
said he would abandon the case and go
home. Judge Oummins, however, ad-
monished him to remain as he proposed
to try the case and would insist upon the
prosecuting witness being heard in the
other cases. GAN the other witnesses have
gone home," continued the court, and
you know as much as dozen" 81 ought
to, paid enough for it," retorted Mr..
Lemon.
In oss-examination Mr.. Harrington
asked il the witness had not been very
active in his crusade against the Italians.
Mr.. Lemon refused to answer until Or
dered TO do so by the court, ''as it had
nothingto do with the case.''
Witness said he could write much
better than he could talk, a remark which
was received with incredulous laughter,
and Mr.. Harrington gave expression to
the belief that he must be q remarkably
good writer. When further checked from
reading from one of his volumes he stated
~ will tell you all l know" Mr.. Har-
rington remarking 'that it wouldn't take
long to do it,"
Another question was put which the
witness refused to answer and began
another harangue when the court again
threatened to impose fine unless the
witness behaved himself. Mr.. Lemon
again offered to abandon the case and go
home, adding that he chad been before
the superior court and was never talked
to like that" The testimony continued
with frequent interruptions like the fore
going, the court refusing TO allow the
witness to read from his books or news
paper extracts.
The testimony of other witnesses |
was heard, and the measurements of the |
stands given. The court then adjudged |
all the defendants, eight in number, as
guilty, and fined each $5 and costs.
MIR. Harrington took an appeal and will |
take tine case 10 the superior court on a |
writ Of certiorari. The defendants en- |
tered bond for trinl and will be permitted |
to conduct their business as usual while |
the cases are pending.
An application was made for another |
warrant charging the Italians with main
tanning nuisance, but the court de-
clined to enter further into the prosecu-
tion OF the cases at present.