Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 November 1883 — A Sam in Cancellation. [ARTICLE]

A Sam in Cancellation.

A liavd-looking tramp was recently driven up before un Austin Recorder's court, and the presiding officer thus addressed him: “I shall fine you $5 for drunkenness, and $5 for fighting on the street.” “Judge,” said the tramp, “I think you should throw off the £5 for drunkenness.” “Why,” inquired tlio Recorder, “should I throw off the fine for drunkenness ?” “Be -atise, Judge, I have the instincts of a gentleman, and, before I enter into a fight, it always becomes necessary for me to get drunk in order to reduce my self to the level of my opponent. Anti that I maintain, Judge, is sufficient punishment. To* get drunk enough to fight, is, indeed, a terrible thing. Judge, did you ever get dfunk and wallow around all night in a gutter V” “No, sir,” answered the Judge, severely, “I never did.” “Then, sir, it will be utterly impossiMe to ffcaltefe the horrible retribution \fhich follows a *spree—« fighting drunk. I think, JiMge, that you hao better let the punishment df the drunk cancel the fight. If throw off the fine for. drunkenness, I’ll throw off the one for fighting. ” * But stern, relentless justice had its sway, and the tramp supped on bean Boup and salt-vising bread.— Texan Siftings. Marriage is a lottery in which men stake their happiness.— Mme. DeStael.