Bluefield evening leader. [volume] (Bluefield, W. Va.) 1906-1911, 1910-06-04
The Lawyers Didn't Seem to See the
Ridiculous Phase of the Inquiry. but
IL loomed Large to the Man With an
Idea That the Law Is Solemn.

What is your occupations"
Il am swtchman."
"On a railroad?"
The obvious answer which tho In
/ rors awe of his surroundings prevents
him from making would be. OF course.
NO. In an ice cream pnrlor."
Judge" said Juror. II would like
Ia be excused from service. When
summoned l was making arrange
mcnts for my brothcr-in-law's fu-
neral"
us your brother-in-law depdT" in.
/ quired the court
Ii developed that he was.
Now. Mr. Juror" came another
: question. what Is your ageT'
"Forty-four"
"Forty-four years oldY"
Ihat Is exactly what the Juror
meant. The lawyer guessed right the
very first time.
Here is another flash that came TO
one of the attorneys. Where do you
| liver' he asked
AT 4I1G Blank street"
You reside there, do you?"
once In awhile there is Il funny an
/
considering the power OF suggestion.
Are you marriedf"
Yes"
ANY famty?"
1.-TWO"
But the balance is we'll on the law
/ yers' side. Witness this: The dues-
toner had asked II juror was relat-
ed In any way TO any OF the prnci-
/ pals or witnesses I'm the case.
II am brother-in-law OF Mr. Blank
one of the witnesses" was the reply.
you married his sister, then?"
He had
have you formed any opinion about
the guilt or innocence Of this defend
antT
81 have"
rs It fixed opinion or is 1t one that
could be changed by evidence?"
ut could be changed II the evidence
were strong enough"
'"Then you would not call 1t def
mite opinion"
! mo"
at is vague opinion, then?"
Eyes"
Now, Mr.. Juror, follow me closely,
II you please. You say your opinion
| is n vague one and not definitely fixed
! Now, then, II that is the case and you
went into that jury box and listened
TO the evidence adduced from that wit
ness stand and heard the law expound-
| ed by the Judge from that bench.
would it not be possible for you TO lay
! aside that opinion and concur I'm YER
dict warranted by the evidence and
the instructions OF the courtT
eyes"
| The attorney, having received the
same answer to his long question as
to his short one. is perfectly satisfied
and throws n triumphant look at his
colleague, which says, II knew ] could
get 1t out OF him If I kept at him long
enough"
Here IS another astonishing deduc-
| ton a Juror took the stand dressed
In blue uniform with brass buttons
! Around his belt was strapped money
changer. The examining attorney look
ed at him long and searchingly and
then said In tone which admitted Of
no triding:
You are a street car CONDUCTOR
II was the same attorney who forced
this confession from another juror.
what Is your occupauonT
I'm bOokkccpcr Tor Blank & Co"
you keep books in the office"
Unmasked the bOokkecper broke
down and made clean breast OF It.
"Now. Mr. Juror, be good enough 10
state how old you are"
"Fifty-six years"
How long have you resided IN this
/ sthteT
Fifteen years
Then You were not born heref"
The trapped man admitted the truth
Here is another
Were you born in Missouri
mo. SIR"
'Oh, ] sec Then you moved here
from some other state" And then
In come come.don' t.delay. tbe-court
tone Of voice. Where did you come
from
Chicago
Chicago, llT'-Kansas city Times
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