Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 310, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 31 December 1912 — MERCY OF THE COURTS [ARTICLE]

MERCY OF THE COURTS

The justice of the peace was in the south and a marked state of Ignorance. He was approached by a man desiring a divorce, and be did not know what to do. Calling a friend to his side, he whispered: "What’s the law on this p’int?” "You can’t do it,’’ was the reply. ‘lt’s out of your Jurisdiction.” The husband, observing the consultation, and feeling fceenly his desire

to escape from his matrimonial woe, explained: "I’m willin’ to pay well; goithe money right here in this sock.” At this the Justice assumed his gravest judicial air. Obviously he was deeply pained. Never before in all his life had he been so bowed down by grief. “You knew before you came here,” he said sadly, “that It wasn’t for me

to separate husband and wife, and yet you not only take up the valuable time of this court by talking, but you actually propose to bribe me with money. Now, how much have you got in that sock?” “AlJout six dollars and a half, your honor.” “Is that so? Then I fine you five dollars for bribery and a dollar and a half for taking up my time with a case out of my jurisdiction; and may the lord have mercy* on your soulj”— The Populal- Magazine.