The Brownsville daily herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1897-1910, 1897-08-11

20 the community.
So much by way Of introduction. One
summer British sailing vessel came to
Darien and took on cargo Of naval
stores. Before getting ready to sail the
captain settled everything due from him
and his crew-that is, everything n the
Way cf a just account. He secured his
papers, when several negro traders Of
she lowest class unexpectedly put in
claims fer goods that had never been
purchased.
These cormorsnts alleged that the
captain and his sailors were indebted to
them fer meals, merchandise, lodging
and other things.
It was evident that these claims were
fraudulent. and the captain continued
his preparations for his departure.
The afternoon he was to weigh anchor
Justice Campbell held a consultation
with a shyster lawyer.
Il want to hold that - foreigner
here. said Campbell, until he settles
these billsp'
I'm England, - replied the lawyer,
when you SAINT to prevent people from
leaving the country, you issue a writ Of
ne exeat regnum. %
Justice Campbell came near falling to
the floor.
Just say that again. be said ex-
"a writ Of ne exeat regnun- y
81 see-I see, (" said Campbell "Well,
want you to draw uplane and keep
that fellow here. -
The shyster's resources were limited,
and he explained to his friend that reg
mum meant kingdom, and as this coun-
try was a republic there would have TO
be a change in the verbiage.
''Change it, 4" commanded the black
justice.
The lawyer then admitted that he
knew very little Latin, and for that req
son was somewhat embarrassed.
''This is a republic, % he said.
"All right, - was the prompt reply Of
Campbell tDrawup writ Of ne exeat
republican,.
"I an afraid it is bad Latin, Z" object
cd the lawyer.
IN make it stick, " answered the
justice. ''T'll sign the paper and swear
IN six special constables TO enforce it %
This was enough, and the lawyer pro-
ceeded to draw up the most remarkable
document ever seen IN America
The writ covered 90 pages Of foolscap
and ordered the Englishnan, under the
severest pains and penalties, TO remain
with his ship at Darien Until he settled
all claims.
twas a sultry August afternoon, and
the vessel was about ready to depart,
when it was boarded by Justice Camp
hell and six negro constables armed with
guns.
The justice read the writ TO the cap
tain, and after informing him that the
ecnstaAles would remain until the mat
ter was adjusted the Judicial tyrant
went ashore again.
The captain retired 10 the cabin with
the mate and talked it over.
Finally plan Of action was agreed
upon, and when the ships officers reap
peared they were apparently IN a good
humor. They told the constables that
they were welcome as tie representa-
tiyes Of the law and requested them to
enjoy the freedom Of the vessel.
The constables were overwhelmed
with tobacco and cigars and an occa-
sional dram until their suspicious van
ishedL
Then the captain and his crew dis
played still more hospitality, and the
bottle was freely passed around.
Atmidni6ht six negro constables were
in drunken slumber, the effect of their
drugged liquor, and the captain and his
men were wide awake and perfectly
sober.
The blacks were carefully deposited in
a boat and set adrift IN the harbor, aDd
then the British sloop quietly weighed
anchor and left the port at an hour
when Justice Campbell was dreaming Of
his new and wonderful writ Of ne exeat
republieum.
The constabIes were picked up next
day and sent TO Jail for neglect Of duty,
bat the vessel was then beyond reach.
The British captain went straight to
Savannah, where he laid his case before
his consul and demanded an apology and
an Indemnity from the United States
governments
The consul found it difficult to keep
his face straight when he heard the
story.
1T is en- outrage, y he said to the cap
tain, but it is peculiar one and of q
iudierous nature. If fWere you, would
not held a friendly government respon-
sibIe for the conduct Of few ignorant
persons, who have not been free long
enough to know their Own rights and
respect the rights Of others.
& required a good deal of talk to ap-
eease the Englishman, but after he had
been wined and dined by the merchants
and had told his story score OF times,
amid roars OF laughter, he began TO re
gard the affair as good joke and agreed
to LEI 1t drop
And thus ended what threatened Il
s serious international complication.
--Chieago EmesHerald