Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-02
WHO FLEE FROM FATE.
Efforts to Avoid Cases with No Money
I'm Them.

From the New York Sum-
One of the amusing incidents to be seen
In the courts of law is the race against
time and fate run every day by the law
yers who practice in the court of special
sessions. Since the justices began enforc-
ing the rule that any lawyer in the court
room may be pressed into the service of
an undefended prisoner upon the declara-
ton Of the latter that he has no means
to pay for counsel, the legal lights have
been somewhat oveTworked. 1t is neces-
sary for them to be there If they have
any case on the calendar, lest their cases
should be called and they be found miss
ing; and as long as they remain they are
likely at any moment to be called TO the
unremunerative defense of some Italian
ragpicker charged with violation of the
corporation ordinances, or a bedraggled
woman up for larceny from the person, or
any other of the many prisoners charged
with petty crimes.
To escape as much of this work as pos
sible is the object of the lawyers eXis-
tencc- No sooner does a lawyer finish the
last of his regular cases for the day than
he sezes his hat and coat and makes for
the door. Regard for the dignity of the
court deters him from too hurried a pace,
while, on the other hand, eagerness TO
get on the further side Of the big door.
where safety lies, impels him to make
what haste he may. The result is a sneak
ing, Wistful sort of progress that wakes a
chord of sympathy in the breast of any
man who has ever tried to hook OUT of
the school house while the teacher was
busy at the blackboard.
First the lawyer catches up his hat and
coat, and with noiseless steps gl.des
through the first gate as if expecting it TO
shut him in. Outside of that he increases
his speed materially. Commonly he can't
resist the temptation when half way to
the door to look around and see if the
presiding Justices eyes are on him. If
her ba Strai rht
dignified and stately walk: If not, he
speeds forward and is at the very door
when
Mr.. Blank! One moment if you please"
The unfortunate fugitive gives one in
voluntary convulsive movement like man
struck with bullet
Yes. your honor" he says meekly, turn
ing around.
You will kindly defend the prisoner at
the bar, who is without counsel"
And The lawyer does it with what grace
he can command. To one of the young
SterS among the legal representatives be-
longs the honor of having escaped a call.
An old hand had just concluded a case
and vas doing his prettiest to reach the
door. with the young lawyer a yard or two
behind making for the same goal Just as
the older man disappeared Justice Jerome
called his name but of course got no an
swer. The other had his hand on the door
knob. when the justice called to him, in
tending that he should take the case.
MIR. Jones, will you he began.
Yes. your honor. L WILL" interrupted
young Jones. TN call him back; he's just
outside and before the court could inter
fcre he darted out the door
Joe, the judge wants you there in
| court" he said. catching up to his fellow
lawyer. who, with a wry face, retraced his
steps.
Did you send for me, your honor" he
asked Justice Jerome, and court, lawyers
and spectators caught on TO the joke, and
there was a great laugh.
Il did not, Mr.. Smith," said the justice,
but now that you're here, Will you kindly
act as substitute in this case for your de-
parted colleague. Mr.. Jones"
Young Jones kept out of special sessions
for the remainder Of the week.