546
THE GREEN BAG
lives on the west side of Dry Jim DCreek in a West Tennessee county. It is strictly a fanning community and most of the farmers live on east side of Dry Creek Valley. A heavy rain fell in the valley on July 15, 1904. Jim's young friends decided to hold a "surprise party" at his house that night. They gathered at the creek bank at "early candle-lighting" and found the old "gum-log" completely submerged in muddy, raging waters. A hasty conference on ways and means resulted, largely in favor of employ ing the use of the first "hoss" to be found as a means of crossing the turbid waters. Lots were cast and the duty of procuring the "hosses" fell upon Bud S and "Sis" Me. Without further delay these two enthusiasts proceeded to the nearby barn of Mr. Isaac N and appropriated two of his best and gentlest "critters" for the aforesaid purpose. There was much hilarity and genuine rejoicing when, a few minutes later, the entire party was on the west side of the creek. The horses were turned loose after having transported the party-goers across the creek and were soon back at the lot gate where they were welcomed by their anxious owner, who had suspected something wrong at the barn by the sound of hoofs, and was in waiting with shot-gun in hand when the animals returned. Circumstances led to the arrest of Bud and Sis early the next morning. At i P.M. of the same day they were arraigned before his honor, Squire William Me., Justice of the Peace for the whole valley. After a brief trial Squire William made the following startling announcement of his find ings in the case: "Stand up here, Bud, you and Sis." The command being obeyed with fear and much trembling, his honor proceeded, "You'n* has ben guilty of a mighty bad crime, and you'ns both orter know that I could send you to the penitentiary ef I want to. I'll find you, Bud, $2.75; $2. for the Court, 50 cents damage for Mr. N and 25 cents for the officer. Sis, you can go this time, but ef you'ns is guilty of sich agin, I'll put it to you'ns as long as the law will lay it on. You'ns can both go now, Close the court, Mr. Officer." Both Judges. — James C. Crawford, a reporter on one of the San Francisco dailies, related the
following incident as having actually occurred before Judge Mogan. Andrew Judge, a former pugilist, charged with begging on Kearney street by Patrolman Teutenberg, smiled propitiatingly as he faced His Honor Mogan, who coldly inquired: "What's your plea, Judge?" "I'll tell you how it was, Judge" "Are you guilty or not guilty, Judge?" "If you'll let me explain. Judge " "Thirty days for you, Judge." "Thank you, Judge." "Don't mention it, Judge." Legal Limitations. — Upon the trial of a per sonal injury case wherein a young man sought to recover damages for a crushed and stiffened ankle, the result of being run over by the wheel of a freight car, which he was trying to couple to another car, in making a flying switch, one Dr. H was called by plaintiff to prove the extent of the injury. On his direct examination, the doctor had given strong testimony showing that the injury was permanent, and that it would permanently in capacitate the young man for manual labor. The attorney for the railroad company under took to break down the force of this testi mony, and on the cross examination the fol lowing took place. ' "You say, doctor, this injury is permanent and will incapacitate the young man for man ual labor. Is it not true that he could studylaw or become a doctor, and this injury not materially affect his success?" The doctor sat for a few seconds, which seemed, to the crowded court-room minutes, and then, with a genial glow suffusing his face, he looked at the attorney and said: "Well, I don't know, Mr. J . He may have brains enough to make a lawyer, but I don't think he has got enough to make a doctor." Verdict and judgment for plaintiff for $8.poo. And the funny part of it is, that the young man afterwards studied law and was admitted to the bar. He had great confidence in his doctor's judgment on his limitations. Though by no means a wit even of the ju dicial order, Sir Richard must be credited with an apposite pleasantry which, though well enough known among lawyers, may be nar
