The San Francisco call., 1905-04-21
ATT ORNEY USES
FISTS IN COURT
William A. Schooler Lands
Swing on the Nose of Mari
ner Samuel A. Kidston
BOTH ORDERED TO JAIL
Judge Sloss Takes Belliger-
ents to Task and Vindicates
the Dignity of the Bench

Samuel A Kidston, chief officer of
the transport Sherman, is in Jail for
contempt of court and Attorney Will
liam A. Schooler will be assigned an
adjoining apartment in the county bas-
tile to-day for the same offense Kid
ston's term will expire shortly after
Schooler's begins and with the re-
lease of the last named tomorrow the
dignity Of the Superior bench of San
Francisco will be vindicated.
Schooler was engaged in oratorically
fiaying Kidston in Judge Sloss court
yesterday morning when the army
transport man called him a liar. An
instant later SchooleE landed a right
swing on the mariners nose and the
courtroom was in an uproar. II can
wipe the floor with him. shouted Kid
ston, leaping to his feet and starting
tow9Id the attorney, but Bailiff Con-
nelly and Attorney Barry grappled
with him and forced him into a seat
I'm guilty. was all Schooler had
to say when brought before the bar
of the court. This man called me a
liar and resented it," The attorney,
contrary to the usual rule, had no apol-
ogy to offer to the court and Kidston
was too astonished at the assault to
make a protest or offer a word in miti-
cation of his act. The result was that
Judge Sloss decided the case was one
for Imprisonment, not fine, and ordered
both belligerents into custody for
twenty-four hours.
SCHOOLER SECURES STAY.
Schooler said that if the sentence
were Immediately carried into eXecu-
ton his business would suffer, but
promised the court that If a stay of
one day was granted he would not ap-
ply for a writ of habeas corpus, but
would appear this morning to serve his
sentence. Judge Sloss granted him the
stay.
The fight was the outcome Of the suit
instituted by Kidstons wife for main
tenance. Kldston was to appear in
court yesterday morning to show
cause why he should not pay his wife
$50 forthwith, but prior TO the opening
of court he met Mrs. Kidston, paid her
the money and, it is claimed, she in
formed Schooler of the fact and direct
ed him to dismiss the suit.
When the case was called Kidston
was in court. with his attorney, but
Mrs. Kidston did not appear. AS soon
as the case was called Schooler said
nothing about dismissal, but lit into
Kidston, saying: This man owes his
wife $50 for maintenance and he has
stated that he intends leaving the
country, never to return, to avoid pay
ing this small sum-"
It's lie," said Kidston loud
enough for Schooler to hear
Did you mean that?" said Schooler,
walking over to the mariner.
Yes, l did," answered kidston.
Then Schooler landed on the chief Of
ficers nose and both were ordered to
pay the penalty.
MRS. KIDSTON ARRIVES.
About an hour after the, scene in
court Mrs. Kidston rushed to Judge
Sloss' chambers and pleaded with the
court to order the release of her hus-
band. attorney Schooler," she said
had no right to attack him, as | told
Mr.. Schocler TO dismiss the suit"
But Judge Sloss refused to set aside
his order and Mrs. Kidston hunted up
her husband, who was in the Sheriffs
office in custody of the bailiff. Mrs
Kidston was overcome when she saw
her husband a prisoner and broke into
tears. For a couple engaged in litiga-
ton they were unusually affectionate
toward each other.
They don't act like a couple that's
fighting" said the deputy, and then he
walked over and told Kidston that it
was time they were on their way to
Jail Mrs Kidston was still in tears
when the prisoner was placed for safe
keeping for a day in the hands of the
county turnkey.
lrra O<5 H.