Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1888-07-11
THE JUSTICES BLACK EYE.
A Lively scrimMage Follows the Trial
OF a Case Before Squire MilEs.

Justice or the Peace Samuel c. Mills held court
this afternoon with skinned nose and pun un-
der his left eye, that had blush tint indicating
echymOsis This was due to a contention between
the bench and bar OF more than usual warmth.
IL took place this morning IN Justice Mills ONCE,
on Louisiana avenue, near 6th street. Mr.. John
Amber Smith, an ex-Congressman. and well
known in the local courts as a lawyer, Disregard
ing the old saying about a lawyer who has
himself for client, appeared before the Justice as
an attorney In a case In which he was DEFENDANT.
Reese p. sawyer sued Mr.. Smith on account of a
contract Win Mr.. Smith 10 negotiate Tor him the
safe OF piece OF property. Mr.. saver claimed
that Mr.. Smith promised him $50 In case he
had performed his part OF the conUr and brought
suit 10 obtain the money he claimeu was due him
from Smith. The case WAS tried before Justice Mills
at 10 o'clock this morning, and Justice Mills gave
Judgment for $50 against smith. Mr.. Smith and the
others Interested In the case then let the court
room. A few minutes later Mr.. Smith returned
and the proceedings began. which LETT "A record on
the Justices lace. As described 10 a STAR reporter
by eye-witnesses, the order OF proceedings was
Us loloMs: justice MILLS was "iiuhs at hIs
desk, which Is In corner OF the room by
one Of the front windows, the chair occupying q
small space between the desk and a bookcase
with glass doors. Mr.. Smith entered the door and
walking over to the Justices desk stood beside
his chair IN such way that the justice was
penned in. lie said something with swear words In
H. and the justice started TO rise, when Mr. smith
struck him blow under the left eye. The justice,
however, struggled TO his feet and grappled with
LIS aoodliAul, AldSS Dut OF tnt upDf
OF the bookcase as he AID so. In the struggle
that followed Mr.Smith tripped backward over the
stove, near the desk. The stove was knocked some
distance from IT. usual location and justice and
lawyer both "hunted grass, II the f1oor OF jus
Uce's Office can be nkened TO greensward. In
the iall accident seemed 20 favor the justice, for
he landed on top. Approaching the strategical
advantage OF this position, the justice admits that
he struck one blow, WHICH Landed somewhere
near the lawyers mouth, as that organ was found
afterward TO be bleeding. Meanwhile Mr..
Mclaughlin, the constable, had attempted 10
separate the two, but without result. The Justice
then started 10 rise, and The lawyer undertook
nankmovement by raising has leg and foot n
10 kick upwards. The Justice siezed the uplifted
leg and as he held IL In the air called out 20 Mr.
Mclaughlin, 'Sall policeman! Call a police
man."
'No. you need not, )" said Mr. Smith Don't call
policeman; III go out"
Thereupon the justice released the leg. and Mr..
Smith, scrambing 10 his feet lett the ONCE. The
room, with the broken glass and the displaced
stove, gave evidence OF the energy and life OF the
proceedings Justice Mills said he had suspicion
when Mr. Smith approached his desk that he came
with unfriendly motive and he was taken entirely
OF his guard The justice said TO a STAR reporter
that as a magistrate he could summon Smith be-
fore him and commit him for contempt. but as
there was 50 much machinery about such a pro-
ceeding that he would take the ordinary course Of
sault
AwARRASr FOR SMITH.
Justice Mills appeared Ia the clerks ofice OF the
Police Court this afternoon and swore out a war.
rant for Mr.. Smith, charging him with assault and
battery. The witnesses named IN the warrant are
Julius Lansburgh and Daniel Mclaughlin.