Democratic Sentinel, Volume 7, Number 50, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 January 1884 — It Was Contempt. [ARTICLE]

It Was Contempt.

In the days gone by of Detroit who has been gathered to his fathers was a Justice of the Peace for one of the townsh ps of this county. One day as he sat in his office with nothing to do a friend came along with a young horse. The Squar’ -was somewhat conceited on the horse question, and when informed that the equine before him would let no man ride him he at once determined to accomplish the feat. A crowd gathered, a saddle was brought, and his Honor presently found himself astride of the beast. The next thing he knew he was lying in a muddy ditch, and a doze© men were laughing to kill, “I declare this court in session!” yelled his Hohor, as he struggled up. At this there was a fresh burst of laughter, and he continued: “And each and every one of you is fined $3 for contempt of court!” They laughed harder than ever, but the fines were recorded and collected, and for years after it was understood that court was in session except when the Squar’ -was in bed and asleep.— Free Press.