Omaha daily bee., 1895-12-29
TOLD OUT OF COURT.

my first case" said a we'll known attor-
ney to the San Francisco Call, was the de-
fenso OF "a negro preacher in Missouri who
had been arrested for stealing wood from q
railroad company. A great deal of fuel had
been lost from time to time so when the
culprit was arrested the company was SC
anxious to make an example of him that II
employed special counsel and prosecuted the
case vigorously. The evidence against the
old man was convincing. He had besn seen
sneaking around the Toodpile and was ar
rested while carrying off load.
Il had subpoenaed about twenty well known
business men to testify to the previous good
character Of the defendant. When the prose
cution's case was closed / put one on the
stand and asked:
DO you know the defendant'e reputation
for honesty and integrity?'
Yes, was the answer.
What is it-good or bad"
Bad. He will steal anything he can get
his hands on.
"a litter ran through the court room It
wasn't the answer had expected but 1t was
too late, so put on a bold front and called
another. He testified as the other witness
had and the prosecuting attorney rubbed his
hands with satisfaction. Before got through
with my witnesses l proved that my client
was most notorious thief, who was never
known to neglect an opportunity to steal
something, no matter how trihing 1t might
be. Then / called couple of physicians,
proved the existence of a mental disorder
known as kleptomania, read some authorities
TO show that 1t was good defense If proved
and submitted my case. The old preacher
was acquitted, and thereafter stole with i'm
punlty, for he considered his acqulttal in the
face of facts equivalent to license to steal"
She was the daughter of a Judge and she
listened win languid interest to his plea, re-
lates this Chicago Post.
Il love you devotedly," he cried, passion
ately. II am prepared to devote my life to
you"
'Re specific in your pleading" she eau
toned. DO not stray too far from the point
at issue"
He hesltatei and then asked earnestly:
VIII you be my wife?"
"Ah," she said, now | see the point you
wish to make"
II am not rich" he urged, ''but I have
enough to give you comfortable home, and
my prospects are bright offer you the love
cf an honest man, who will do all In his
power to make you happy I"
She stopped him by gesture.
1t Is useless to continue at present" she
SAID, hrmly but kindly There are several
eases ahead OF yours on the docket"
But he protested 81 want"
She stopped him again.
must Insist that these matters be taken
up IN their regular order" she said, sharply.
Put your proposition in writing and file it
with my maid, and it will receive due atten-
ton when 1t is reached in the regular course
ot business i haven't time to listen to oral
arguments in casa that can be as well pre-
sented in briefs"
With sigh he left and put in his time
until late that night preparing a petition for
q rehearing.
On one occasion a magistrate asked a
Whatever you choose. sir" answered the
lady. you may put down As years then"
said the magistrate TO the clerk What is
your occupation, madam" Sir" said the
witness, you have made a mistake OF ten
years In my age" Put down 55 years then, +"
saa the magistrate. Your residence"
sir" exclaimed the lady, my age is 35
years not 55l'' "At last we have your state
ment," said the magistrate; and he proes eded
with the examination.