The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-10-03
An INNOCENT MAN.
He Plays . Little Trick and Is Caua

AN INNOCENT MAN.
He Plays . Little Trick and Is Caught
by the Wrong Policeman.
In Chicago, one night last week,
nicely dressed man was caught in the
act of attempting to pass counterfeit
money, and was taken to the police sta
ton. When drawn up before court the
next morning, he seemed instantly to
awaken an interest in the Judge, for he
was indeed fine-looking fellow with
well-bred air and face of striking ex-
pressiveness.
what is your name?" the Judge
asked.
Il am Leroy Wallraven," he replied
When the officers that had made the
arrest were examined, the Judge turned
to Leroy Wallraven and said: 81 am sor-
ry for you. 1t does not require much Of
an effort to sit in judgment upon the
misdeeds of man whose appearance
bespeaks hard life, but it requires an
uncomfortable exercise of nerve to pass
sentence upon mere youth that bears
the aspect of gentle training"
Judge" the prisoner spoke up,
please do not exercise your nerve to
an uncomfortable extent on my account.
l am perfectly willing to relieve you of
all responsibility in this matter-in
short, you may discharge me.''
"Ah, suppose So" the Judge replied,
''but you see have duty to peform.
You are charged with attempting to
pass counterfeit money, and as the
proof against you is direct, there can be
no doubt of your guilt"
II don't think that am guilty,
Judge"
Don't think that you are?"
''No sir, do not"
''Why, don't you know whether or not
you are guilty?"
"Wel1 can not positively say. The
truth is, was very much intoxicated
last night and hardly knew what 1 did.
l am sure, however, that l never carried
any counterfeit money about me, and if
attempted to pass worthless note,
can not understand how came by it.
"But you did come by it in some way,
and of all the counterfeit money ever
saw think the bill you tried to pass
was the worst"
"Will you please let me see it?'
The judge handed him a piece of
green paper. The young fellow looked
at it for moment and then roared with
laughter.
"You needn't laugh, young man.
What you now perceive to be q rank
counterfeit might, last evening, have
seemed to you clever enough to pass"
II am not laughing at the rankness
OF the counterfeit; l am laughing at the
manner in which the bill came into my
possession. l am an actor and played
last night. My position in the drama
was not very high one-in fact, 1 &C
accept a bride of ten dollars from a
fellow that is attempting to run away
with girl. Well, took the green pa
per and put it into the pocket of my
vest had been drinking during the
performance and did not change my
clothes after the show, but went into q
saloon to get drink. Then, after TAX
ing drink, must have rendered this
stage money in payment"
"Your explanation is perfectly salts
factory" said the Judge. 81 am pleased
to see"
Hold on moment!' exclaimed DO
liceman.
"What do you want?' the Judge asked.
81 want to say word in regard to
this case. want to say word about
strange coincidence. Some time ago.
while was on the police force of Gin
cinnati, fellow that looked good deal
like this man was arrested for passing
a counterfeit bill, and at the trial next
day he gave us the theater racket, just
as his nibs has done. and the Judge let
him off. How do you explain that?''
The young fellow began to "hem and
haw," and the judge, who by this time
had opened his eyes pretty wide, asked:
"Were you ever in Cincinnati?''
Eyes, sir, but-but not at the time
that other fellow innocently attempted
to"
''That's enough. Pass him back"
AS the young fellow turned to go, he
remarked: This is the worst police
ridden town ever saw. The day when
an innocent man had chance has for.
ever passed. "-ArkansawT Traveller.