The Tucson citizen., 1902-05-08
A DROLL CHARACTER
"COUNSELOR" NOLAN WAS A WIT
OF THE NEW YORK BAR.

brought together the best of the anec-
dotes of Tom Nolan, who was known
popularity among members of the New
York bar as Counselor Nolan" For
many years the counselor kept Judges
and lawyers of New York laughing.
and at political conventions he was one
of the important, IL not serious, attrac-
tions. The counselor was himself sui
geners. His drollery was individual.
Some characteristic stories from MIR.
Stansbury's collection are here set
down:
At political convention friend
asked Nolan
Isn't it strange, counselor, that
your friend Croker, who Is puch n
mighty power down your way, does not
get nice political job for himsclf?'
The barrister drew himself up, look
ing his inquisitor over from the corner
of his eye and then replied, with Sc,
verify: "'Tis a peanut brain you have,
Clancy, to ask me that. Is there amy
Job he hasn't got?"
Judge Horace Russell told the follow
ing story: Nolan once had client
whose name was Mrs. Moriarity. After
her case had been placed upon the
calendar Mrs. Moriarity appeared ev-
cry day in Nolan's office with her elev-
en- witnesses. Finally the case reached
the top of the calendar. and Nolan was
on hand to try it. The opposing coun
sci asked for postponement. Nolan
fought the postponement with great
eloquence, laying much stress upon the
fact that Mrs Moriarity had been put
to enormous trdnble and expense Of
coming every day to his office with her
eleven witnesses. Judge Dugro, who
was sitting, was not convinced ap-
parently by NoIan's perfervid oratory
and granted the adjournment. Then
the barrister arose. -~-~
Your honor" said he, "has seen ft
to grant a postponement of the case,
and, while humbly submit to the rul-
ing Of the court, yet | would like to ask
your honor to do me personal favor"
Certainly, counselor, with pleasure"
replied Judge Dugro. What is tT
go you to my office" thundered the
barrister, ''and inform Mrs. MOriarity
that this case has been postponed"
Witty and keen as Nolan was. he
once in awhile got the worst OF an en-
counter with a witness, as the follow.
ing incident illustrates:
The plaintiff. Mr.. Foley, was suing
Mr.. W. for damages sustained by care
lessness OF defendant in allowing his
donkey to escape from his stable and
trespass upon plaintiffs lawn. Foley is
In the witness box.
Barrister Nolan (for defendant)-You
say that Mr.. WIS animal caused all
this injuryto your property?
Foley-Yes. sor.
Barrister-Where did you first see
this donkey?
Foley-Tied up in defendants stable
Barrister-Where did you next SEE
him?
Foley-On me premises.
Barrister-How do you know it was
the same donkey?
Foley (emphatically)-Tf l saw yez
tied up in the sthable. don't yez sup
pose I'd know yez whin yez got loose?
The barrister excused Mr.. Foley.
1t was In the old superior court be-
fore Judge David McAdam and a jury
and the barrister was trying a case Oh
behalf Of the plaintiff in a negligence
suit against the Twenty-third street
crosstown railroad, which was con.
trolled by Jacob Sharp, who afterward
gave the name of doodle aldermen" to
the world. On rising to sum up on be-
half of his client Nolan launched forth
into an attack upon Sharp, who had in
no manner appeared in the case. Rails
Ing bis voice to pitch that could bs
heard by citizens In the City Hall park.
he concluded his peroration as follows:
"And who, gintlemen of the jury. is
Jacob Sharp? viii tell you, gints>
men. He is man so lost to all his
sinse of ethics and the rights Of man
that for the sake of palthry prospec-
tive dividends he would run a railroad
up your spine and make ties out of
your ribsp'
When the bar of the city Of New
York gave dinner at Demonico's in
honor of former Justice Abrah ham r..
Lawrence on bis retirement from the
bench, one Of the remarks Nolan made
was:
There's Recorder Smyth. He's
good judge. a foine judge. but he
thinks livery man ought to 90 to prison
at least vance"
Nolan on one occasion was candi-
date for municipal office, and in the
course of his canvass he asked a wo-
man Of bis acquaintance if she would
use her influence in obtaining for him
her husbands vote. Sure, | will
said the woman. Are we not ever.
lastingly grateful to you ever since YOU
got my husband off for stealing gum"
NO. no, my dear woman" cried the
barrister, mot for stealing a gun. bun
FOR the alleged stealing of a gun"
Alleged be bothered" replied the
woman. Come up stairs and I'll show
you the gun"
Once arguing a case in behalf OF
rhents who were sailors and while In
hn mt lot -