The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-09-17

The heathen Chinee immortalizeo by Brete Harte, had nothing on the average slick" negro, when 1t comes to ways that are dark and soforth especially when some unsophlsticated negro from the country falls into their hands. A case in point occurred the other day in the Jefferson coun- ty court of misdemeanors. that far famed tribunal presided over by Judge H. B. Abernethy.
 As Sheriff Jack entered the court room driving before him toward the "bull pen" quite 8 number of black birds" Judge Alb remarked:
 Sheriff Jack, see you have a large number of delegates in court this morning. I also notice that you have an expression of gloom upon your countenance, the roses have disappeared from your cheek, the merry winkle fom your eye, there is evidently something on your mind what's the idea? Are you contem- plating launching your bark on the sea of matrimony, or Is 1t merely the effects of an overdose of spinach and cheese?"
 Nothing of that kind, Judge, :" WCli any Wayt thCio suCiAAo tO iA~ that an air of melancholy prevades the entire court room this morning. I haven't noticed anyone smile. and I always like smiles in court, that Is if they are not too loud. Look over the cases docketed for today and pick out one that will liven things up bit"
 Sheriff Jack looked over the pris- oners at the bar, and selected a ne- gro attired in purple and fine linen so to speak and presented him be- fore Judge Alb.
 What is the charge against this defendant"
 "FIeecing a country nigger out Of a 10 case note."
 Are all the witnesses present in this case?"
 We is," came in unison from a crowd at the rear of the court room.
 Let all the witnesses stand up.' said Judge Alb, and now altogether brethren, do each of you solemnly swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, as near as you cani''
 Again the reply came In unison, I've does"
 "Let > the prosecutor. one Jake Stewart, take the stand"
 A middle aged negro, whose dress and demeanor clearly indicated that Ais life had been passed amid rural surroundings, ambled to the witness stand and took his seat.
 Jake, what part of this giortus union do you hail from7"
 Don't belong to no union. as l ain.t got no trade"
 "where do you reside when you arc at homer"
 "'Bout six miles below Selma, an I come to Burnin'ham lookin' for work"
 "You have charged the defendant with im-flamming you out of slo. Relate the circumstances under which you were separated from your money"
 Hit war disaway Jedge. I was standin' on de street corner with an- other colored gentleman, when dat nigger, what got nah money, comes I wus shc' dat had nevah seed him befo', but he made me believe dat he knowed me an all nah folks.
 .'He had all sorts of badges on his coat, de biggest one. dat of the K. of c. I. belongs to the K. of G. mahself and when he peels out his han an gives me de grip an calls me brother. I almos' fur sho' believed dat he knowed me.
 Den he ups an says you all looks like yo' got the tremlin' blues. lowed I don't know nothin' bout no blues 'cept de Memphis blues. Den he say what I Is taikin' bout Is does yo' and too ride de train free, an git paid for it to- I says I sho' do. He says is lookin' fur CT portah for our train, an if yo' wants 1t l will give hit toe yo' at ss5 CT month. ar yo' retions, but yo' has toe buy three white jackets at $a,50 each. but if yo' has got as much as BIO, kin git yo' the jackets and the job as we'll
 50 I gives him de s10 an he tole me toe follow him. an when we had