The Birmingham age-herald., 1907-02-04
KANGAROO COURT IS
 FIXED INSTITUTION Every Prisoner Has Second
 Trial in County Jail FULL CORPS OF OFFICERS Most Common Charge Against PrIs- oners Is "Breaking Into Jail"
 Story of How the Trials
 Are Conducted.
FULL CORPS OF OFFICERS
BY BURR BLACKBURN.

You are charged, sir, with unlawfully, maliciously and with malice afore- thought, entering into the Jefferson coun- ty bastile, against the peace, dignity and authority of the kangaroo court or sald bastile What have you to say? Are you guilty or not guilty?" Thus spoke his honor. Judge Glenn Tutherow, the great high tribunal of one of the most inpor- tant courts in Birmingham, which has long been ignored, but which always metes out justice, and is supplied with some of the most faithful officers in the county. The seat upon which his honor presided was placed in one corner or section No. 1 of the county Jail. He looked out solemnly over the gold rims of his dignified specks. To his right stood the prosecuting attorney, Richard Wray pi epared to look after the states inter ests, while on the left, sitting upon an iron cot, was the great high sheriff, Jud- son Harless. At his side sat R. L. Grif- fill clerk and treasurer, with his books open before him.
 While all the prisoners were grouped in the corridor the defendant stood with bcwed head before the august tribunal 'I reckon I'm guilty"
 go you maliciously trespassed upon the
 
 your" said the judge. You have a very good face. It Is unfortunate that you should have been so misled. Why, son, 1 have known you for fifty years, and your father has been a personal friend or mine for more than l45 years, but tho people have intrusted me with this im- pcrtant office and l must fulfill my duty. Thou criminal, 1 do hereby fine you 10 cents.
 stand aside; call the next case"
 The sheriff brought forward Hud- gins, charged with breaking into the jail yesterday afternoon. He entered with his hat on.
 Have off your hat in court, sirg' ex- claimed the judge. Have you no respect for the great kangaroo court?' After the preliminaries the defendant pleaded not guilty and awarded his defense to Att torney Burney Kitrell All the witnesses were then brought forward, and this most unusual oath administered 'I most sell emnly swear that my testimony shall not be the truth. nothing like the truth, and everything but the truth, so help me God"
 Lynn was the first witness called and he gave a most graphic account of the crime q was standing at the door of the bastile when I saw this gentleman come up with a stick of cord wood In his hand He proceeded to frail the warden over the head with It. bust down the Iron gate and break right into Jail. All the time he was hollering Let me get in here 1 see in the papers where the grand fury says that Sherin Higdon is feeding the prisoners on good grub, and got to git some of It.
 "When he broke down the inside door ! he slung the stick of wood at me- and made big hole in my head. which is there now, if the court please" Colonel Robinson. the next witness stated that he was a resident of the com munlty and had been for a number of years law abiding citizen. He said: l went on the outside to get me cigar, and coming back I ran across this fellow, approaching the jail. He was bringing a deputy sheriff along with him. had the poor fellow by the nap of the neck. and was dragging him along. When he got in front of the jail he grabbed up q brick bat and knocked the deputy In the head. He said that he heard of the good grub and left the jail at Anniston to come over here"
 What Is his occupation?'' asked Pros ecrtor Wray.
 Stone polishing. your honor. He keeps the sidewalks smooth. but was never known to do actual work His pastime is rot'.,--- rN~ ~a ssa nds"
 Why didn't he get certificate and go to hospital?" Because he thought this would be b<t- ter than a hospital He had heard of our feather beds and Perfection mattresses.