The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-04-13
GOOD OUT OF NAZARETH.

That was an odd, but none the less a
most commendable new departure that
was reported of Georgia Judge in dis
patch from Rome, in that state, on the sth
instant. 1t arose in the course of the trial
Of Mrs. Ora Mckee, who was arraigned on
charge of having murdered by poisoning
her friend, Mrs. Wimper. Mrs. Dietz, who
is respectfully connected and whose hus-
band is prominent citizen, was the prin-
cipal witness against the accused.
Colonel Frey, principal counsel for the
defense, took occasion. unrestrained by
the court, to make bitterly uncompli-
mentary reference to this witness. To
these remarks the husband of the witness
took exception, and was reported to have
made threats. after a style too familiar in
that section, that he would make the at
torney apologize or wreak dire vengeance
on his person. A rumor gained currency
that he designed entering the court armed
with the purpose of carrying these threats
into execution.
These rumors reached the ears CT the
judge, and when the case was called the
aspersed lady's husband and two brothers
were present, looking .'stern and index
ible" enough TO give color of truth to the
rumors. Wherefore, just as Colonel FRY
resumed his argument, Judge Maddox, be-
fore whom the case was being tried, and
who had permitted the counsel to make
the remarks to which exception had been
taken by the lady's irate spouse, ordered a
suspension OF all other speech-making un-
al he should take his turn.
This speech. while not particularly Or
nate, was strictly TO the point, was pro-
foundly sensible, deserves to be crystallized
into rule for the government of all courts.
and is worthy of preservation as one of the
best specimens of contemporary judicial
oratory. "if. said Judge Maddox, 81 can
find that anyone in this court has a yea-
pom upon him, whether concealed or NOT.
shall assess fine of SloO and twelve
months in the chain-gang, with six months
IN the penitentiary as his desert, and l
shall stop this case right here to attend to
him. Or, if anyone viii make affidavit,
that anyone else here is armed, 1 shall
treat the armed man likewise, and shall
pause now to give an opportunity for such
step"
This was excellent in its way, but the
best remains 10 be told. This model mag
istrate recounted the rumors that had
reached him, of intent TO demand apollo
gies for remarks made by his permission
in his court, and threats of violence If
such apologies were refused, and he gave
notice that if any attorney of his court
should apologize for speeches or remarks
he tthe jadge) had allowed, such attorney
would do so at his peril Meaning. of
cours, that such action by an ATTORNEY
would be held as being in contempt of the
court.
Taken as whole this may be regarded
as sample of Georgia justice of which the
state may well DC proud. 1t places the
Georgia attorneys in the same unenviable
position that recently quoted Massachu-
sets decision placed railroad conductor;
liable 10 lose his situation If he disobeyed
orders; responsible for the consequences
for obeying an order that he knew 10 be
dangerous TO life or property in his charge.
And 81 with the attorneys praeticing be-
fore this stern and clesr-headesi Georgia
judge: they are liable 10 be shot if they do
not apologize, or adequately-prohahly By