Democratic Sentinel, Volume 3, Number 7, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 March 1879 — A Question of Damages. [ARTICLE]

A Question of Damages.

Some lawyers take very practical views of cases in which they are retained. In a certain town in Missouri ’Squire G—- was defending a charge of malpractice. A colored man was suing for damages, his wife having died shortly after an operation for the removal of cancer. When it came ’Squire G ’s turn to cross-examine the plaintiff, he asked : “ Mr. Wilson, how old was your wife when she died?” “ About 45, sir.” “ Been in feeble health a long time, had she not, Mr. Wilson, and cost you a great deal for medicine and help?” “ Zes, sir.” “ You have married again, have you not?” “ Yes, sir.” “ How old is your present wife?” “ About 35, sir.” “Is she stout and healthy, Mr. Wilson?” “ Yes, sir.” “ Then, Mr. Wilson, will you please state to this jury how you aye damaged in the case? ” Mr. Wilson had evidently never taken this view of tne matter, and could make no answer. The good and true men thought he had made rather a good thing by his bereavement, and brought in a verdict for the defendant.—Harper's Magazine for April. Mrs. Myra Clark Gaines, notwithstanding her 71 years, has long, dark, and abundant hair, falling below her waist. She says that an aunt lived to the age of 115, and she proposes to imitate her example.