Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 36, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 September 1892 — A Practical Judge. [ARTICLE]

A Practical Judge.

When Senator Sanders of Montand first settlod in the wilds of the then half-civilized West, the following la related of him: He was about the only well-eduoated man In that State. The miners \and cowboys recognized that fact, and elected him Judge. In that capacity he soon Tjecame a terror to evil-doers, as he invariably imposed the heaviest sentence prescribed bylaw. i ‘

On one occasion a border ruffian was brought before him on a charge ol assault and battery, entered a plea of guilty, and was fined #2O. The fellow had a daugerous gleam in his bye as he shambled forward, pulled 9 bag from his pocket, took from it two double eagles, and laid them on the bar before Judge Sanders. The Judge shoved one of the ooins across the counter, remarking: “You’ve made a mistake. Your flno is $20." “I know what my fine is," growled tho thug; “and I understand what I’m doing. See? If It costs #2O to whip a man in this court It's cheap enough, and I’m willing to pay for the fun. Just keep the other twenty, Judge; I’m going to thrash another man." “Very well, sir," quietly said Sartders, putting the coins Into a drawer and turning tho key. “And you’re the man I’m going to lick," continued the pugilistic prisoner, addressing the Court. “As you please, sir,” wus the calm response, as Sanders stepped from the bench. The fellow made a most savage onslaught upon the Judge, but Sanders ducked, and before his antagonist could recover his equilibrium ho received a blow on the jugular which sent him spinning half way across the room, where ho fell as limp as a rag. Two minutes later the erstwhile terror scrambled to his feet, looked about the room In a dazed manner, and slowly staggered toward the door. “Here, sir!”thundered Sanders, who had resumed his place upon the bench. “Come here!” The thug obeyed.' Sanders slowly counted out SIO.OO, and shoved It across the bar. “There’s your change,” he remarked, gravely. “You dld’nt commit assault and battery. Under the circumstances I do not feel Justified In asking you to pay anything for your part of this performance. Of course, I am compelled to charge you for the actual time I have lost. Good-afternoon. Call the next case.”