The Houma courier. (Houma, La.) 1878-1939, 1896-07-25
LAWYERS WHO FLEE From FATE.
Enors. to Avoid cases with No Money IN

SNN ERS 49,
Efforts to Avoid Cases with No Money in
Them.
One of the amusing incidents to be
seen i'm the courts of law is the race
against time and fate run every day by
the lawyers who practice in the court
of special sessions. Since the justices
began enforcing the rule that any law
yer in the courtroom may be pressed
into the service of an u~ndefended pris-
oner 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 cas- on the
calendar, lest their cases should be
called and they be found missing; aud
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 b~edraggled woman up for larceny
from the person, or any other of the
many prisoners charged with petty
crimes.
aO0NdRC do AluCA VI lAAo WOAA 60
possible is the object of the lawyers
existence. No sooner does a 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 a sneaking, wistful sortof
progress that wakes a chord of SYM
pathy in the breast of any man who has
ever tried TO shook 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 glides
through the first gate as if expecting it
to shut him in. Outside of that he in
creases his speed materially. Common
ly 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 they are he straightens up, as
Stunning a dignifed 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
involuntary c~onvulsive movement like
a man struck with a bullet.
eyes, your HONOR" he says meekly,
turning 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
youngsters among the legalre GeSenh
tiveS belongs the honor of ha7fnR
capped a call. An old hand had Just
concluded a case and was doing his pref
test 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 answer.
The other had his hand on the door
knob, when, the justice called to him,
intending that he should take the case.
MI. Jones, will you" he began.
"Yes, your honor, I will" interrupted
young Jones. "Tll 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 fell
low lawyer, who, with a wry face, re-
traced 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, MI. Smith," said the jus
tice, "but now that you're here, will you
kindly act as substitute in this case for
your departed colleague, Nj. JONES'"
Young Jones kept out of special ses-
sions for the remainder of the week
N. Y. Sun.