The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1896-09-28
.IHE DILEMMA OF A JUSTICE
He Was Dured by a Shrewd and Tricky
Pole.
A STRAW" PROSECUTOR WAS USED
The Trick Discovered by tine Appearance
Of the Real complainant-Th Justice
Now Has His Inning and Holds
the Triokster for Trial

Justice Cardin found himself in a prcdica-
ment Saturday night and for an hour or two
he was so hot under the collar that 10 was
not safe for anyone to stand before his desk
and misbehave The cause of discomflrture
was the preparation Of a fraud by man
who had been arrested and go. the case
settled by presenting "a STRAW prosecutor
before the Justice. The trick was such a
good one that it affords considerable amusc-
ment at the expense of the Justice, yet it
also furnishes a warning for other dispensers
of justice
1t appears that one day last week one Of
the prominent Polish citizens of town was
arrested ON a charge of assault and battery
and put under bail by Justice Cardiu for
trial 4 night or two after the man appeared
before Justice Cardin and offered to pay the
costs and settle the suit. lie was told that
no settlement could he made without the
consent of the prosecutor. "All right, | 20
ietchin him. said the man, who left tho
office without further urging the matter
About half an hour later the man returned
with a companion who said he was willing to
withdraw the suit and he signed the Justcc's
docket to clinch the bargain after the costs
were paid. The men left the Office and the
| Justice thought no more of the case until
Saturday night, when a third man entered
/ the office and asked, Mr.. Squire, when dat
case comm up in COURT" few intcrroga-
tions and replies followed and then the
Justice exclaimed rather pettishly, "Why,
man, didn't you agree to settle that case the
other night upon payment Of the costs-and
| didn't you sign the docket to that etlccty
The impatence of the Justice changed tC
| staggering astOnishment when the caller
presented proof that he was the real prose
cutor in the case and that he had not signed
anything of the kind. In fact, he protested
he had not seen the prosecutor since the night
the case was instituted.
For a time Justice Cardin hung between
doubt and despair but after some reelection
he saw a way out of the dilemma. Another
warrant was issued and the man who had
paid the costs was taken into custody ON q
charge of subordinating forgery. When tho
accused appeared he admitted that he got q
friend to impersonate the real prosecutor in
the case but he laughingly added "Ncvel
mind, Mr. Squire, me payin' more costs now
and settlein.' Not this time, said the Justice
and the trickster was put under 5000 bail tt
appear for trial at court on the second and
more serious charge.
Justice Cardm says that he has so many
Polish and Lithuaniaus before him in case,
and, as a rule, these people resemble cacl
other so much to ole who is too busy to make
a close inspection that it was quite easy foi
him to be deceived, but in the future he will
be more particular as to Identification o
people in such affairs.
Apropos with this case the Justice has in
hands claim for collection of wages from
the p. * X. c. 4 l. Co. On a recent pay day
la I.1t Il.