The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1904-12-10
HE'S JUST AS YOUNG
AS He USED TO Be
Judge CoIeman's IrrepressIbIe
YouthfuIness Asserts Itself
CASE IN CIRCUIT COURT
To Lead or Not to Lead Lady-That
Was the ouestIon-Judse Cole.
man Settles It In
q JIffy.
CASE IN CIRCUIT COURT

Judge Coleman of the circuit court made
1t clear yesterday afternoon that he can't
easily be hit on the blind side when the
question at issue is one that affects the
attitude OF a young man. or an old one,
either for that matter, toward a young
woman.
Few persons know exactly how many
years young the gentleman who presides
over the circuit court of Jefferson county
really is, but everyone who has ever met
him understands that he is. In the words
of the song. lust as young as he used
to be-"
Legend has 1t that the Judge was writ
Ing irreversible opinions in the circuit
court when the grim men in gray were
stepping like bridegrooms at a wedding
feast up the stone steps of Cemetery
Ridge. Indeed, the Alabama reports" are
conclusive on that point. There are good
democrats all over Alabama who insist
that, if recent precedent is to be fol-
lowed, there is no reason why the next
democratic national convention should
not come to Jefferson county for its vice
/ presidential candidate. Certain 1t is that
! few men here or anywhere else have con-
served the spirit of youth into their later
years so effectively as has the presiding
genius of the circuit court Capt. Frank
| S. White may have doubted that fact
when he woke up yesterday morning. If
he did doubt It, he went to bed last night
thoroughly disillusionized
| The misunderstanding incident sprang up
yesterday afternoon in the circuit court
Mary Bennett accompanied by her coun-
sell Captain White, had come into court
with a damage suit. She wanted the
Birmingham Railway Light and Power
company to pay her $4,000 for injuries
she says she received because of the
railways negligence. DIR. Talley had testi-
fled that her back had been sprained
wnen he examined her and Captain White
had put on Miss Matte Hart. the second
witness.
Miss Hart was not over prompt in her
answers. Her responses came somewhat
dlffidently. Captain Whites sense of
chivalry was evidently touched to the
quick. He went promptly (as what gem
tleman would notO to the young lady 3
assistance. Mr.. Grub, counsel for the
defendant was alert to recognize the
Captains promptitude. 1t seemed to Mr..
Grub that the captain was a trifle toe
gracious-too helpful to the lady on the
stand
Now, If 1t please the court" said Mr..
Grub, protesting gently, Il hope coun-
sci for the plaintiff will not lead the
witness. I must object If he attempts
to do So
A look of establishment came over Cap
tain Whites face.
Lead the witness, your honorl' said
lady"
II don't know about that" said Judge
Coleman. I'm not at all sure of It,"
"Why. your honor! l wouldn't lead a
lady. I'm too old for that sort of thing. "
''oh, you're not so old" said the judge
I'm not sure of that at ALL"
why, II the court please. I am too old
to lead young lady leave that sort
of thing to my young, unmarried friend
here" pointing to Mr.. Grubb.
well, I'm unmarried, all right" said
Mr.. Grubb, but I'm no spring chicken.
Get along with the case" said Judge
Coleman. addressing Captain White.
The captain took the hint
A little later Miss Hattie, the captain.
witness. was being cross-examined by Mr.
Grub.
That is what you told me when
talked with you outside, isn't IT," asked
Mr. Grub, referring to remark made b!
the witness.
Captain White sat up at once and tool
notice.
Grubb passed his hand over his face
looked over at the captain and smiled.
You don't mind my doing that, cap
tain, do your" asked Grub. mo objec
ton to my talking to a young lady, i
thereT'
The skin under Captain Whites eye
wrinkled IN a puzzled way. Before h
could answer the court broke in.
mo, no." said Judge Coleman, Can
be any objection to that. A young mai
has a perfect right to talk to a youni
lady. Can't be any objection. Go 'lonl
with the case"
And the lawyers, gathering the threa'
of the witness testimony. resumed thu
examination.
| The case will continue today.