Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-07-22
DISPENSING JUSTICE
Judge SCOTS First Appearance on the
Police Court Bench.
A Large Number Of Prisoners In the
PrOcesslOn-How the Cases
Were Treated.

There were sixty-three prisoners in the
cells this morning, and the Black Maria
had to make several trips between the
police stations and the court. Soon after
the arrival of the prisoners they were
given coffee and sandwiches. which
strengthened them after a sleepless night
in the station. but while waiting to be tried
they were put through the sweating pro-
cess in the cells, and many Of the victims
had to sit on the wet floor. in order to keep
from suffocating. Justice Scott held the
District end of the court today, and his
procession was long one. including most
of the women, more than so per cent of the
men and boys and one Chinaman. Judge
Scott was on the bench at $780,, and he used
large palm-leaf fan to reduce the tenn
perature and keep away the files, Whine
the prisoners used their hats as fans and
wiped Of the perspiration with their coat
sleeves.
Judge scotts First Appearance.
1t was Judge scotts first attempt at dis
persing justice. and court had been in ses-
| sion only few minutes when it was evil
dent that he was going to temper justice
with mercy in a way that so many of the
| trifing cases deserved. Soon after court
orened 1t developed that few of the blue
coats had done their best Saturday night
and yesterday to make records for them
selves, and some of their victims had been
arrested without any justification whatever.
There was class of hot-weather cases, in
which the police did not receive much en-
couragement, and some of them are now
aware of the fact that 1t is not every man
who sits on the sidewalk or curbstone that
deserves punishment. The mere fact that
liquor Is Noticeable on a mans breath does
not bring him within the category of vio-
lators of the law. unless he has committed
hold.
A sample case Of occupying the sidewalk
or curbstone was presented when a colored
man named John Thomas was tried.
II It's against the law to sit on the
curbstone," said John. then I'm guilty.
A policeman appeared On the witness
stand and told the court of the serious Of
tense for which he had arrested Thomas
He was on the sidewalk" he said. land
was asleep"
1t was late at night when the policeman
made the arrest, end the poor man was
there only because 1t was so warm in the
house that he could not sleep.
But l wasn't asleep" he told the judge
air. ~ e'' '''e i'esn
well. john" said the kind-hearted dis
penser OF justice, you may go this time,
and when you sit on the curbstone would
advise you to keep awake
Had No Lamp on His Wheel.
rides bicycle. was in the procession after
having been through the Sweating pro-
cess" and the charge against him was rid
ing his wheel without a lighted lamp at
tached thereto.
I'm guilty, judge" answered the little
boy, as drops of perspiration streamed
down his cheeks and gave him the appear
ance of shedding tears. p was riding the
wheel and didn't have no lamp"
Didn't you know it was against the
law" the court inquired.
Eyes, SIR"
'"Then why did you violate the law"
well. judge" the boy said. II works for
Policeman kopps. ard 1 had to work late.
l couldn't stay out there all night. and so
! rode home"
But why didn't you have a light on your
wheel?'
II amt got no lamp; that's the reason"
Five dollars and the little boy went
back to go to the work house.
Moses Berry, an old colored citizen who
was never known to harm anybody. was
in the procession because he had been
drinking and was a little boisterous.
Are you guilty?' he was asked.
mot that l know Of" was his answer
IF I said or did anything wrong 1 don't
know it,
What was the trouble. Moses?" Judge
mo trouble tall" he answered, eff you
'scuse couple Of drams.''
How many drinks had you taken?'
"Only two or three"
Does any one in court know you?"
Eyes, SIR"
II know him." volunteered Lawyer Mar
tin. I've known Moses for eight years,
and I know he has always been good,
peaceable man."
"And it's been several years since I was
arrested" the colored man added, land If
you let me go it will be several more
Take his personal bonds, said tho
judge, and Moses was once more happy
man.
Fined for Fast Driving.
Thomas McIntire appeared next on
charges of fast driving and disorderly con-
duct He wore no vest nor coat, and his
undershirt was in a condition that made
him look as If he had figured in fight
Bladensburg road was the scene of his
trouble Yesterday: "A, And" said Officer
was abusive"
There are two sides to every story"
said McIntire. Il was only protecting my
horse and wagon from intruders."
His conduct was the cause of the impo-
sition of $40 fine.
I'm guilty." answered co1ored girl
named Mary Sherman. but I would like
to excuse myself"
'I1l do the excusing IL there's any to be
DONE" said the court. What do you want
to say?"
We'll. Judge" answered Mary. eff you
let me off I'll be very thankful"
"Why should let you OFF,"
I'm poor this morning." was her plea
land amt got no money. I works, and If
you let me go I certainly will behave my
self"
well. Mary" said the Judge. its hot
weather and I don't want to send you
down. This time I'll give you trial"
John Keadle, who was an occupant of a
sidewalk, was not satisfied to sit on the
curbstone, but he stretched himself across
the foot pavement In a manner to cause an
obstruction.
"Tm guilty" answered the respectfully
dressed man, who stated no reason for his
conduct, and the usual fine was imposed
Policeman Boland and others appeared in
the case Of number of white and coiored
men and boys who were arrested on the
railroad near Benning Saturday, at
place that was frequented by tramps all
last winter.
This is the youngest crowd of tramps
I've ever seen in court" remarked Mr..
Pugh, but I no reason why the Dis
trict should feed them"
Neither do l." said the judge, and the
alleged tramps were released to leave the
District.
A Party of TrQmDs.