The Lakeland evening telegram. (Lakeland, Fla.) 1911-1922, 1912-12-06

asks time to secure counsel. The
genial old municipal Judge is ill,
SO the chairman of the City Council;
presides. We have always heard
that the judge is supposed to be on
the prisoners side until he is proven
guilty, but in this case the high
toned gentleman" was anything but
gentle. OF all the abuses We ever
heard a judge heap upon burglars,
rapers or wife heaters, We never
heard anything worse than was
blated forth at this aged minister of
the Gospel. Different spectators
said it was clear to be seen that the
verdict and sentence were passed be-
fore the trial began. Had there been
any disposition to show mercy the
court would have given minimum
Instead of a maximum sentence for
the first offence.
But this mock trial was tame In
comparison to the one that followed.
viz That of E. o. jolly. who Is
not a preacher. but cripple. who
cannot work. but canvasses for q liv-
ing. He likewise was singing and
in his zeal Il lift and help .al!oa
men he pri"ed mi s:,c a VOID
testimony. Ills was qui. ki.' inc :
lreted as "rr, 4, hing" ~ tie q. ,er
marshall. and, ci t'n.a. r. jolly
must go to Jail. the bond for his
appearance at court being positively
refused.
The hour OF trial arrives and but
one witness 1.-THE marshalD testifies
against the defendant. The acting
Judge Immediately proceeds to pro-
nOunce sentence. when he is in
formed that the prisoner wishes to
tie represented by his counsel. in the
person of Rev. Shellhamer. That
seemed to be the wrong name to in
tloducc at this time. for the Judge
ordered us to cross-eNaminc the wit
ness but be short.
Your honor. please, how much
time have we?"
Five minutes. and four of those
are more than want to give you"
:; We'll. your honor. you know we
cannot say all we have to say in that
length of time"
II am Disguised with this whole
affair and you are to blame; you are
back of II all" etc, etc.
Your honor, please. am not on
trial. I am here representing another
man."
II know II, but | want to tell you
what think of you. I near you
have been telling around that this
ordinance is unconstitutional" etc,
etc.
your honor. please, you are not
trying me, am no criminal. l am
here for the defense"
"You sit down; will stop this
trial now and fine the defendant"
Your honor, please, We have
some witnesses here we wish to pro-
sent"
II do not care to hear them; they
will harangue the same thing you
have. will fine the defendant $40
or thirty days in Jail. Court is now
adjourned.
THAT is what call a false trial
and give notice Of an appeal"
Then "as a citizen" this actin !,
judge poured forth volley of cpl
thcts such rs one scarcely ever hears
Now, Mr.. Editor, this verified on,
fears from the beginning, viz: That
the dominating spirit of our Cits
Council is opposed to the Gospel be-
ing preached on the streets. Did he
not say publicly, 1--WE do not wan,
preaching on our street? If You
want to do that 60 to Tampa 81
Plant City" Was it not this feelina
expressed or unexpressed that gayy
birth to the ordinance; that framed
IL SO as to permit parades, politica
speeches. etc., free; that will let "
drayman drive and cut up the street.
, for s. per year, or a grOcerymal
. litter and often Obstruct the side
walk for SIS per year, but viii
charge nOn-salaried preacher fo'
q trying to bless and save mems souls
! though he get on side street, a;
the rate of $1,S25 per year. Now il
that is not "class legislation 9TH
J very thing that our fathers protested
against and finally fought, bled ant
died to give US freedom from re