The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-03-02

court from the disgrace of corrupt preaching and malpractice. When bug zards are seen flying aroundt a certain spot, it is safe to conclude that there is earrion there. When law office is constantly crowded with thieves, robbers, bootleggers and all classes of vicious lawbreakers, it is pretty safe to conclude that they hope to secure in that office by some trick or nal practice the defeat of justice and es- cape just punishment. The courts of our country should not only demand that the lawyers keep the law, that the lawyers keep their oath to maintain a. pure character and uphold and pro tect the constitution of the United States but he should be required by his confreres to practice honorably be- fore the bar.
 I have little book given me some time ago entitled, "Foibles of the Bar," by MT. Will Cox, of the Chicago Bar not a great book in many ways, but he is barking up the right tree. It gives this case: A woman had been charged with selling liquor illictly, evidence got ten by temporary organization. She is brought before the court on specific c0dTktS. Duc HIS OHs d UluIIlEu udL, u sealskin coat and jewels sparkling from her ears and from her fingers and her bosom. The witnesses are examined, the case is clear and the justice finds a conviction. The lawyer having prop erly conducted the Use, asks to be released and she seeks another lawyer. He looks into the situation. He ad- vises her to give up her apartments 1; take off her finery; lock them up and conceal their whereabouts; to go out to the suburbs; go into n. little shanty ]; to write over the door 'washing taken in" and on the day of her, trial to dress herself and her children according to his directions and at certain times for the children to clutch their mothers eress and all of them break into tears. He brings her into court, the evidence is heard and the case is clear. His speech to the jury is short. He stands up before the jury and says : dientle- men of the jury, I don't think It will advance materially the cause of tenn. perance for us to throw. into prison tlIis widow md to tear from her neck the arms of her little ones and to throw them out into the clutches of a cold world. But if, gentlemen of the jury, you find her guilty, I beg that the prosecuting attorney and you. gentle men join me in making up little purse to take care of these poor little orphans who are torn from her to be thrust upon a cruel world."' They go out and bring in a verdict of mot guilty" She resumes furs and diamonds and pro- ceeds to business. Is he a lawyer? Should he be permitted to practice in the courts of our country? When such a shyster is found degrading the courts and corrupting society, what an oc- casion for a high-toned judge to arise in his seat and stop the proceedings and demand that the. so-called attorney shall appear before the court in case of disbarment.
 A court cannot be clean with un- faithful and unworthy judges and at torneys no more than church can maintain it's purity with corrupt preach CTS and officials. The perperuity of our civilization depends upon the mainte- nance of worthy legal bar and a pure and unquestionable pulpit. May we not pledge together as lawyer and min ister our cooperation in an earnest effort to maintain the, high standards of our lofty profession and sacred call- ing for the good of civilization and the uplift of our race. ... -.