Lewiston teller. [volume] (Lewiston, North Idaho) 1878-1900, 1895-10-10
A Kangaroo Episode.

The inmates of the county Jail re
Gently organized II "Kangaroo Court
for the purpose of enforcing discipline
in the Jail and providing sufficient
funds to furnish themselves with to.
bacco and other necessaries: The first
rule Of the court is as follows:
"AH persons entering this Jail with.
out permission of Its inmates shall be
subject to fine of not less THAI one
nor more than five dollars, said money
to be used in purchasing tobacco and
other supplies for the common benefit
of the inmates"
Last week, a newspaper man, In his
diligent search for news, wandered up
to the court house and was informed
by Sheriff Lydon that new court
had been established. He immedi.
ately sought further particulars and
was informed that they could only be
obtained by application to headquar-
ters. He accordingly braced up his
courage and requesting Sheriff Lydon
to accompany HIM, wandered into the
presence of the Kangaroos. Informing
the inmates that he was reporter, he
proceeded to obtain all the information
possible concerning its laws and meth
ods Of procedure, and was becoming
highly elated at his success, when he
was abruptly tapped on the shoulder
by the sheriff of the court and informed
that he was a prisoner.
"Oh; but | am not amenable to your
laws, you know" he exclaimed; "I
am merely here in repor,orial capacity
to write you up for my newspaper and
intended giving you very tiattering
notice, indeed, and also send you II
copy of the paper, but now don't
think l will do either"
This dire threat failed to make an
impression on the court and the re-
porter was requested to plead to the
charge of entering the Jail without the
consent of its inmates
'Oh, but wont plead, you know: l
am not amenable to your laws, l am
an American citizen and editor of "a
newspaper, and do not propose to be
arraigned In this summary manner"
at is doubtless true" said the judge
of the court. that being II newspaper
man, our chances of getlin. dollar
out of you are somewhat limited, but
1 will be compelled to fine you one
dollar, and in default Of payment you
will be sentenced to undergo n penalty
of $50 c0bs. well laid on. This cob
bing," continued the judge, "means
that you will be taken in charge by
the sheriff Of the court and placed over
a chair. The cob master will then 'ap.
ply board 6 feet long, inches wide |
and inch III thickness, in such
as to cause Il strong desire on
vour part to stand up while eating your
meals, for some time to comc.'
"Yes, hut I strenuous|y object to
such summary proceedings said the
victim. 81 have not plead to your
charge, and deny your right to ad-
Judge me guilty without trial"
1.-THE only knowledge have of law"
replied the judge, Twas obtained in the
lower court, and what is considered
good law there, should also be consid- |
cred good law here, and will hold you
to the penalty, and place you III charge |
Of the sheriff"
AS the quill man saw the sheriff APP !
with small size scsntling,
with which 10 carry into execution the
decree Of the court, his regards for his !
feelings got the better of his ideas of
thrift, and he slowly and reluctantly |
drew forth from his pocket two bright,
new, four-bit piece, of the vintage of
1895, and, with the remark, ~ will
show you whether newspaper man
has money or not" handed them to
the treasurer of the court. He was
then allowed to go, with a laughing
request on the part of the inmates to
call again, but it is safe to say that in
the future his persistent desire for news
Will never bring him into contact with
the Kangaroo when it is loaded.
The Lewiston ditch is nuisance, at
least that part of (which extends from