The San Francisco call., 1908-03-08

1 opened the door Of the courtroom
A judicial hum fell upon my ears Judge
Graham was busy pouring the oil OF his
persuasive powers upon a sea of matri-
moniai trouble. / retreated hastily and
quietly to the long corridor lined with
labeled doors. and sought Judge Mu-
Tasky in his chambers. Being in charge
Of the Juvenile court, he has almost
daily evidences OF women, who. to
shield their children from what they
fear may be too severe a punishment
are tempted to give false testimony.
One may abuse ones own children. but
when an outsider wishes to lend s hand
that is. netaphorically speaking-it
is an entirely different matter.
But Judge Murasky's reputation
OF Colonel Lewis utterances about
women wac uncompromising.
A woman Is Just as truthful a wit
ness as a man." he said, decidedly. .'if
not more so, for her conscience ia
keener and her usually finer mechanism
makes it easier to appeal to her. A
woman's sympathies are more easily
enlisted, and IL for that reason she
colors fact a little highly it will not
be with the slightest intention of di-
verging the least bit from the truth.
She is conscious OF nothing but trying
TO the best Of her ability to testify TO
what she thinks is right. I've seen her
carry this out often tearfuily. to the
discontinue OF her own children. I
certainly don't agree with Colonel
Lewis about women witnesses. I'd tust
as soon have a woman testifying be-
fore me as a man. She's no more vol,ible
than he Is upon the stand, and her an
swers are as intelligent and as much
to the point as his
Such vigorous espou<al OF woman's
veracity (suffra gettes should find Judge
Murasky's vote easy to obtain) coming
right after Colonel Lewis sweeping
statements on the untruthfulncss of the
sex, had somewhat the effect upon me
OF a soothing potion. But one dose was
not sufficient TO calm ne entirely
knocked on the door of Judge Troutt.s
chambers to see IL he would give me
some more. He did, although not so
generous a helping
I've never given the matter any
thought but I've 10 preference be-
tween a man and woman witness II
all depends upon the individual said
Judge Trout eonservatirely GER
tafnly do not agree with Colonel Lewis.
I've always found women on the stand
as truthful as men, and quite as satis-
factory witnesses"
l thanked his honor, withdrew. and
then sought Judge Graham again. He
was still in his courtroom. trying to
persuade couple that it would be
much better to relinqufsh the divorce
idea and go to Il musical show that
night than to make discord at home.
They were just on the point OF pron1is
ing him to face the music at the the
alter as I closed the door softly and
made my way to Judge Coffey's court
room.
Crafty Judge Coffey
The courtroom was empty save for
the clerk and Judge Coffey, who sat at
his desk writing. | stated my errand
Judge Coffey smiled and answered nv
question with another one
Can ] talk to you and write letter
to a priest at the same time ?" and he
rested his pen and looked down at the
note paper before him on his desk.
Certainly. 1t may improve your
letter.
We'll. he's a very good priest"
"Ali the better for our conversation.
Now tell me (and I refused to hedge
any longer) what do you think of the
truthfulness OF women?"
The smile broadened. AS Judge. I
never did believe the story of that
apple"
We'll, true or not true, do you think
that women on the witness stand
You know that apple story"
But please, Judge
Yes. when Eve gave Adam that
apple"