The Washington herald., 1907-03-27
Delinquent Husband Prays
for Trial by Jury.
THEN CASE IS COMPROMISED
Mrs. A. johnson and Hest Of Wif-
nAsses FeiIed Ia EHort to Testify
Against MIR. a. Johnson-CoIOred
Counsel for Defense Gives Judge
De Lacy Slight surprise.

TRENDS reaoY 10 60 on lNc sldiiu anu
swear to almost any old thing in order to
back her up In her story OF domestic grief,
Mrs. Andrew Johnson. or It may have
been jackson, stormed into the Juvenile
Court yesterday. Mr.. Johnson, meek
looking oolored person, wearing much
Scared and scanned face. fortunately
had secured legal counsel. or 1t is likely
that in the face of such an array OF
feminine vituperation he would have
found himself making little rocks out OF
big ones.
Mr.. johnson was charged with nonsup-
port of his wife and little girl, a charge
that the Juvenile Court is particularly
deslrous Of making obsolete by breaking
up conditions that cause this sad state
of AFFAIRS When poor johnson stood up
to be arraigned before that background OF
cleaning eyed. apparently, bloodthirsty,
colered ladies of all ages. shades, and
present conditions OF servitude, II looked
a one best bet thae his finish was near.
But legal lore foiled the enemy
Suddenly, just before the clerk began to
read the arraignment. in rushed the col
ored attorney that Mr.. Johnson had tele-
phoned for, aud he asked the permission
of the court 10 hold a moments confab
with his client. After whispering earnest
" with Mr.. Johnson, Attorney Scott
turned TO the court and made the motion
that the case be dismissed on the grounds
that it was out of that courts turisdic-
ton. The motion was overruled, and Mr..
Scott noted his exception.
Lawyer Springs Surprise.
I'VE want a jury trial. he said
This being an almost unheard-0f thing
IN the Juvenile Court everybody sat up
and began to take notice. Judge De Lacy
looked grieved that such a request should
be made. and asked for a reason.
I'VE don't have TO give any reason,
your honor" explained the attorney;
that is a matter between myself and
client"
We'll" said the court, dubiously' I
don't see why you should want TO put
the District to all the expense of a jury
trial. But it is your privilege, and you
may have It,"
Then followed some discussion between
the court and clerk as 10 the best date
foIsa jury trial The Juvenile Court being
an institution for correction rather than
punishment, it has not been the custom
to have any jury cases. the judge usually
being the sole interrogation and always
the arbiter of the fates Of the accused.
The proposition as put by Attorney Scott
was a disturbing one. It opened up possi-
bilities that were decidedly unpleasant,
Were ali these men charged with non
support going to ask for juries2
Counsel Addresses Court.
While the court was conferring. Mr,
Scott was busy with his client. Then he
stepped forward and addressed the court.
Your honor. I suggest that without
waving our rights TO a jury trial. we en-
deavor at this point to come TO an
amicable agreement, Ny client says he is
willing 10 give $3.50 out of his weekly
wages Of 81 toward the support Of his
wife and child. who have not been living
with him for some time"
This suggestion offered welcome relief
from a jury trial
Is that satisfactory to you, Mrs. John
SOM" asked the court
'Yassuh, All guess so, ef All gets de
money But dat niger never done sup
poht me"
He treats her cruel"
Hes de Hleanes' nigger-"
The Interruptions came from Mrs. john
sons various witnesses, who saw the
pleasant prospect of getting on the stand
and telling what they pleased dwindIing
away through the persuasiveness Of Mr.. /
Scott
Silence" commanded the court: but
sort Of underground rumble stiIl pre-
vailed.
~ Yonner." interpOsed Mr. Johnson.
despite his cOUnseis orders to keep quiet,
"Ah've suppohted DAT woman all de time
an All hes de witnesses ter prove il.
See dat iii girl? All paid for cherry ting
she got on"