The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1893-01-19
DIDN'T GIVE A. FOR THE JUDGE.
An Opinion That Got the Custom
house Janitor in jail.

NOAoo S0hAkOh Al JUL
Capt. John c. Simmons, a well-known
colored politician, formerly commander OF
the defuuct Georgia artillery, is taking q
rest at the county jail.
Capt. Simmons IL the janitor Of the Gus
tom house, his hours being from O'Clock
in the afternoon to 10 O'Clock at night He
was appointed to the position especially for
the convenience of the officers Of the United
States court, who frequently find it
necessary to enter the building
at night in search OF legal papers or to
finish up work they have on hand.
Simmons has not proved q very salts
factory official to the court officers. He ap-
peared TO be one Of the sort of politicians
who regard public Office as a private snap.
It was certainly a snap to Simmons, as he
adopted the convenient custom shortly
after his appointment OF spending an hour
or two at nighB at the building, and then
locking it up and going OFF with the keys,
presumably to attend to matters of more
Importance. in his estimation. in local poll
tics.
The present term of the United States
court with its long night sessions has proved
very annoying TO Simmons. It has in
terfered greatly with his established habits.
Tuesday night the court was occupied
with the trial of young Sarvis for
the robbery OF the Jesup postoffice.
The case was very tedious, and there was
a quantity Of evidence that Judge Speer
wished TO dispose OF at the night session. At
IL o'clock the judge announced a recess OF
five minutes to give the jury and the officers
OF the court chance TO stretch themselves
and get breath of air outside Of the court
room.
As Judge Speer walked out Of the court
room into the corridor he met Simmons at
the door, who reminded hun that he had
already been on duty an hour over time
and intimated that he thought the court
should adjourn This reminder of Simmons
that he thought the United States court
should adjourn for his convenience did not
affect Judge Speer very pleasantly, but he
said nothing. Some Of the jurors who strolled
down 70 the first floor of the custom house
we're met by Simmons who informed them
I'm language more profans than polite that
they had no business there The jurors
said they were there by Judge Speer's per-
mission, when Simmons replied that Judge
Speer was judge of the United States court,
but he was custodian of the custom house
aud he didn't care - what Judge Speer
said.
The jurors reported Simmons language
to Judge Speer, who ordered one OF the
bailiffs to 60 in search of Simmons and
arrest him on the charge Of contempt.
Simmons was found in the base nent bv the
bailiff, but declined to recognize Judge
Speer's authority and the bailiff was COM
PEELED to lay violent hold upon him and
bring him in By bodily force.
Judge Speer explained to Simmons in a
very careful manner the difference
In the authority of United
States district Judge and an
assistant janitor Of public building. At
the conclusion Of Judge Speer's remarks be
ordered Simmons to jail for ten days.
This will probably give MIN sufficient
time to realize the infinitesisnal smallness of
the position he occupies under the United
States government