Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-03

there has been no alteration in the interior
of the building since it was used for legis-
lation. There are three grades of cotrts-
the high court of justice, the courts OF the
lords ordinary or inner house and the
courts of the lords extraordinary or the
outer house, each of which has its juris-
diction, and there is a right of appeal from
one to another. Three judges always sit
appeals, and all Of the thirteen law lords
occupy the bench in white satin robes.
decorated with red crosses, when causes
Of international Importance are heard:
There are two great Libraries containing
many rare and curious manuscripts and
books and the most complete collection
of legal lore in Scotland. In case in
the center of the principal reading room
are the original manuscripts OF "Xaver-
ley" and ''Marmion." and the original
VI, in 1890. in which he proclaims him.
self a Protestant-but he changed his
mind shortly after.
Looking for Jobs.
Passing up and down High street a
stranger is always struck with the large
number of loafers hanging about st. Giles
Cathedral, and the surrounding build
ings. When l asked one of them what
so many men were waiting for. he told
me that they were looking for jobs, and
proceeded to explain that people who
wanted to hire hands always came there
to look for them: that the streets around
ST. Giles were a sort of public employ
ment bureau, and, of course | believed
him. The explanation was plausible and
told in a straightforward. unhesitating
way. But when l accosted a policeman
a little farther on, / received an entirely
very few of the loafers lingering there
were honest working men. and as he
threw his glance up and down the street
like a searchlight, he remarked. Il don't
think you could get many of them to
work for any wages" Then he proceed
ed to explain that most of them were
friends of criminals who were under in
dictment and were likely to be called up
for trial at any moment In the court
house opposite. Possibly some of them
might be witnesses for the defense. Others
We're attracted by curiosity. having more
or less knowledge of the criminals and
their crimes.
There may be an honest man in the
lot the constable said. but If so. he is
there under compulsion.
When a case comes on and witnesses
are required, the lawyer for the defense
sends out messenger into the streets
to call them, because the courtrooms
are so small and so crowded that they
cannot accommodate half the people con-
nected With a case on trial, and the VIII
nesses for the prosecution always have
! the preference.
It is a peculiar and ancient Custom. ana,
so far as l know, unique in Edinburgh.
for clients to seek their counsei ana couh-
sci to seek clients in the loboles OF the
courthouse An Edinburgh lawyer. IN
stead of going to his office, goes TO the
courthouse the first thing in the morning
and takes his place in a long, narrow cor
ridor. where a man In need OF iegal al
vice will look for the barrlSter ne wants.
The hall is usually well filled by young
and hriefess barristers waiting for a
case Some are well dressed and prosper
Gus looking, but the majority of them, 1
am compelled to say, are very Seedy In
annearance and rather detected in man.
ner. When client has picked dis coun-
sci and has briefly stated the nature of
the case it is customary for them to
leave the courthouse and go to the law
where the rest of the business is con-
Quoted in privacy.
Scotch Court Customs.
Robert Louis Stevenson was called to
the bar after a course Of lectures at the
University of Edinbugh and tells us that
he walked the hail. for three months
without getting a client. but I presume
even more discouraging
When criminal case is concluded
somebody from the courtroom always
announce the verdict, which Is received
by the loafers in waiting with JOY or de-
rision as they happen to be friendly or
unfriendly to the defendant.
St. Giles Cathedral stands In the centeI
Of High street, as I have already toto