Los Angeles herald., 1909-08-25
JUDGE ROUTED
IN MAD MELEE
ARMENIAN COLONY CHIEF IS
TAKEN TO JAIL
FIVE OTHERS DRAGGED IN BY
OFFICERS OF THE LAW
Police Say That Adverse Decision
About Stories Told in Court Was
Cause of Chase from
Knife

Because he became angered when one
of his decisions was questioned, Samp-
son Katanfi. self-elected judge of the
Armenian colony, descended on a group
OF his countrymen who were discussing
him in no friendly manner and put
them to Tout by waving a long bladed
| knife. He chased them to a rooming
house at Fifth and Clarence streets,
where during a battle royal all were
arrested by Patrolmen Tasker, Steiner
and Williams.
The men-who gave their names as
John Nazan, r. Campan {. Amience.
Misek OganneZ, William Permenean
and Sampson katanti--Were booked at
the central police station and later ar
raigned in Police Justice Williams
court on a charge of disturbing the
peace. They pleaded not guilty and
their trial was set for August 80.
Was seH-styIed Judge
The arrest of the men revealed a
condition in the Armenian colony not
known to the general public, according
to the police. katanf, by means of his
superior intellect and muscular Prov
ess, appointed himself judge and tried
all cases wherein the Armenian popu-
lation OF Los Angeles was concerned.
He did not officiate for pleasure or
pastime, but Is said to have collected
Il substantial fee from both sides.
Vegetable vendors who infringed on
each others territory were forced to
appear before the tribunal of Judge"
Sampson. Some of his decisions are
said to have been more costly than the
amount at stake. But the men did not
rebel, for Sampson Katanfi was a pow
erful man in the community and his
vengeance was swift and sure.
Bootblacks who had grievances took
their troubles to Judge" Sampson as
he was known to the members of the
Armenian colony. The judge settled
all differences and exacted a.heavy toll
for his services, The court fees al
ways were forthcoming, because any
hesitancy might cause physical discom-
fort
Rebels Rout Court
The undoing of Judge" Sampson re-
suited because of an unwise decision
that is what those concerned termed it
and his fall is due to not having ap-
peased at least one of the disputants.
That is what the police say. and here
are the details they made public after
investigation.
The principals and their friends saw
fit to discuss the decision, and unfor-
tunately chose a corner near which
friend of Sampson was standing. They
L
manner, and said things that were any
thing but complimentary to the judge
While the discussion was at its height
Sampson appeared. and with a long
knife in his hand demanded to know
who in the crowd questioned his decis-
ion.
The men at once became meek as
lambs and declared they were telling
stories.
I'm the Judgment of this court it is
not an offense to tell stories, but when
the judge is the subject of your raw
ings the talk must stop" Sampson is
alleged to have said.
General Run for Shelter
One of the men. Misek Ogannez, is
said to have made an uncomplimentary
remark, and was slightly stabbed in
the arm by the enraged judge.
This act frightened the crowd and
they ran for their homes. with Sampson
in pursuit. One of the men, ii is al
legged. fired two shots at the pursuer,
and later they disappeared in room
ing house.
The disturbance attracted the atten-
ton of the patrolmen, and they ar
rived in time to prevent a battle royal
and TO capture the participants. One
of the men was caught on the roof and
another was grabbed by the legs while
! trying to scale a high fnce.
Judge" Sampson regrets the affair,
as 1t is said he fears his powers as q
! fudge advocate is at an end
/