The San Francisco call., 1896-02-21
LAWYERS WHO FLEE FROM FATE
Efforts of the Special Sessions Bar to
Avoid Cases With No Money in Them.

Efforts of the Special Sessions Bar to
Avoid Cases With No Money in Them.
One OF the amusing episodes 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 en-
orcing the rule that any lawyer in the
courtroom may be pressed into the serv-
ice of an undefended prisoner, upon the
declaration of the latter that he has no
means to pay for counsel, the legal lights
have been somewhat overworked. 1t is
necessary for them to be there if they have
any cases 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
unremuneratlve defense of some Italian
ragplcker 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.
sible is the object of the lawyers exist
ence. No sooner does lawyer finish the
last OF his regular cases for the day than
he seizes 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 sneaking,
wistful sort of progress that wakes chord
OF sympathy in the breast of every man
who has ever tried to 'thook OUT of the
schoolhouse while the teacher was busy at
the blackboard. First the lawyer catches
up his hat and coat and with noiseless
steps 1lides through the first gate as if he
aYnepta6 II n b1if him in n,,+. e
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 ewes are
on him. Ii they are he straightens up
assuming dignifed and stately walk; if
not he speeds forward and is at the very
door when
"Mr. Blankl One moment, if you
plea>e."
The unfortunate fugitive gives one in
voluntary convulslve movement like man
struck with bullet.
Eyes, your Honor" he says meekly,
turning around.
''You will kindly defend the prisoner at
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 representative be-
longs the honor of having escaped a call
An old hand had just concluded case
and was doing his prettiest to reach the
door, with the young lawyer 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.
.Mr. Jones, will you" he began
"Yes, your Honor, l will," interrupted
young Jones. "I'll call him back; he's
just outside" and before the court could
interfere 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.
'iDid you send for me, your Honor2" he
asked Justice Jerome, and court, lawyers
and spectators caught on to the joke, and
there was great laugh.
81 did not, Mr.. Smith, said the Justice,
"but now that you're here, will you kindly
act as substitute in this case for our de-
parted colleague, Mr.. Jones?'
Young Jones kept out OF Special Sessions
for the remainder of the week.-New York
Sun.