Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 17.pdf/711

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THE GREEN BAG

ter seems to illustrate the doctrine of res ipsa loquitur." Trading Stamps in the Court. — About three years ago, the late Judge Erastus M. Reed of Mansfield, then presiding at the second session of the first district court of Bristol, at Attleboro, on taking his seat one morning, was con fronted by a prisoner of the Russian Hebrew type, charged with peddling without a license. "Are you guilty or not guilty?" asked the judge. "I didn't do it," moaned the frightened prisoner. After listening to the evidence, which was conclusive, Judge Reed railed out: "Slipperygaski, or whatever your name is, stand up. On the complaint against you for peddling without a license, the court finds you guilty, and orders you to pay a fine of $20." "Oh, my goodness gracious! My goodness gracious! I shouldn't do it. I shouldn't do it," cried the distracted prisoner. "I should pay you $5."

"Sit down," yelled the judge. "The next thing I know you'll be asking for trading stamps." — Boston Herald. Putting It Away. — Admiral Schley told in Philadelphia, a story about a judge. "This judge," he said, "was sitting on the case of a man charged with putting off fire works illegally. He was a dignified, reserved sort of judge. He laid a good deal of stress on ceremony, pomp and display, and in his court there was always an abundance of rev erence, as in a church. "Well, as the judge was trying this case in his usual stately way the prisoner in the dock put his hand in his pocket, drew out a large ham sandwich and began to eat calmly. "Horror stricken, the judge shouted: "'Put that away.' "The prisoner wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "'I am putting it away as fast as I can,1 he said." — Pittsburg Dispatch.