The evening times., 1899-05-10
PASSED THE HAT FOR
An AGED PRISONER
Judge Scott Helps to Pay the
Fine He Imposed.
Venerable Co!ored Man Charged
With Assault.
Amusing Testimony in the Police
COurt-Dcfendant Makes Gocd
ResOIutiOn ns He Departs.

Two old and feeble colored men were in
and the other as a witness. Assault was
the charge against Ralph Thomas. and
Kenny Brown told the court of how he had
been maltreated by the accused.
''Yo' homer said the old man, me
and Ralph pointing to the detected pris-
Oner. had er little fracas las mite, and in
de truble pistol dun 'sploded. an dat
all l knows about de case"
But what caused the trouble?" enIuired
Judge Scott.
well, sah," tremblingly replied the wit
ness, Ralph he dun went to de house
whah l lives an tole me l mus git out.
Las mite he dun come up de steps an try
to throw me outen de do Course / re
jected. an den cum de mix-up, and dat s
all / knows, 'ceptin' de officer cum an
tuck Ralph up.
The most adroit questioning could elicit
nothing more from the old man, and he
was told to stand aside. AS he marched
down from the witness stand, he was
observed to reach down and pick up a
pillow case, which on investigation was
found to contain his wardrobe.
Ralph, he too rowdy for me. Use
gwine to lib wild nah neece," said Brown.
as he passed the prisoners dock. "louse
got to CO. said the prisoner, cause you
Iebber did pay no rent
Thomas was defended by Attorney
Frisbee, who stated to the court that
there were no witnesses to the fight, and
that he was compelled to place the pris-
oner on the stand. DE facs in de case
am pretty well thenticated, said the aged
and thoroughly scared prisoner. Ken
ney jes' about tol de truf. De pistol went
often without any prorocashun.
But what were you doing with the
weapon" enquired the judge.
Use a mite wa Gilman, sab, and uses 1t
for nah own perteckshun, was the reply;
The judge waved the prisoner aside and
asked if there was any more evidence in
the case Attorney Frisbee placed the
Rev. Mr.. Howard on the stand to testify
TO the good character Of the accused The
preacher stated that he had known the
prisoner for over twenty years, and that
he had always borne the best reputation
Judge Scott decided that Thomas was
guilty and in passing sentence, ldmln-
istered severe lecture to both OF the
cuiprts.
1T is a shame" said the judge that
two old men. both over eighty years OF age,
cannot live in peace with each other. and
| am compelled to find the prisoner
guilty" At this juncture Attorney Frisbee
said that the prisoner was unable 10 pay
fine as he only made enough money 10 pay
his actual expenses. Il will have 10 i'm
pose fine in the case, said the judge,
and would suggest that the spectators
raise the money. fine OF So or ten days
In, Jail.
Some hesitation on the part of those
present followed and the aged prisoner de-
jectedIy returned to the prisoners dock.
Judge Scott suggested that the hat be pass
ed around and Attorney Frisbie immedi-
ately contributed 81 Il Will give 81. said
Judge Scott, and handed the clerk crisp
new bill His example was quickly follow
ed by Agent Douglas, of the Board of Chill
dren's Guardians. the Rev. Mr.. Howard,
and Attorney Titus. The full amount was
then handed to the bailiff who liberated the
now smiling prisoner.
As the old man left the court room in
company with his pastor he was heard to
say. Dis am de las time Use comm to
court"