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A NINETEENTH CENTURY SATIRE
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And some too, I will undertake to state,
Like Mr Speaker during a debate,
Sick of somebody's dry and tiresome prate.
It is recorded of Chief Justice Holt,
NOTES
- ↑ It is recorded of Chief Justice Holt,] While writing of Justice Holt, I am reminded of a circumstance which occurred elsewhere in connection with that distinguished man, (who, I find, was appointed Chief Justice of the King's Bench by King William III) to which I desire to call the particular attention of the so-called friends of law and order; the 'police heroes' of Mitchelstown, and coercionists on both sides of St George's Channel. A mob having assembled in London (in Holborn, I believe) a body of the Foot Guards were requested to disperse the people. The commanding officer sent to Justice Holt to beg him to direct some constables to accompany the soldiers, and give their proceedings the countenance of legal authority. 'And pray, sir,' said Justice Holt to the officer who brought the message, 'what will you do if the people refuse to disperse at your coming?' 'Why, in that case, my lord,' replied the officer, 'we have only to fire upon them.' 'Have you so, sir,' rejoined the Judge, 'then take notice, if you do so, and one person be killed, and you are tried before me, I will take care you and every soldier in your party is hanged. Go back, sir, and tell those who sent you here, that the laws of this kingdom are not to be executed by the sword.' The Judge then went to the scene of riot and succeeded in quelling the disturbance simply by his firmness and tact. I trust Mr Balfour and Colonel Saundersott will read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest this interesting footnote; to which I desire to add some lines by a much more able rhymer than myself—
'Of Holt! than whom none better knew the laws,
Or ever better served his country's cause,
