Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 15 June 1883 — Turning State’s Evidence, [ARTICLE]

Turning State’s Evidence,

“Hole on heah,” exclaimed a negro on trial for stealing a saddle. ’’Hole on heah, Jedge, for I’se gwine ter turn State’s evidence right heah.” “How can you turn State’s evidence when you are the only one concerned?” asked the Judge. “Don’t make no diff’rence I’se a gwine to turn State’s evidence right heah, an’ doan yersef commence ter forgit it. Es I turn dat evidence an’ show yer zackly who stole de saddle, yer’ll ’low me to go about my business, won’t yer, Jedge?” “Certainly, sir, if you can turn State’s evidence, and tell us exactly who committed the theft, the law will grant yob liberation.” “All right; heah’s fur de State’s evidence. I stole de saddle myself, an’ er good day, gen’lemen,” and he walked out of the court-room before the officers could sufficiently recover from their surprise to detain him. —Arkanstaw Traveler. 1