Jasper County Democrat, Volume 4, Number 47, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 March 1902 — Best Lawyer in Town, [ARTICLE]

Best Lawyer in Town,

Jim Webster was being tried for bribing a colored witness, Sam Johnsing, to testify falsely. "You say the defendant offered yon SSO to testify In his behalf?" asked the lawyer of Sam. "Yes, sah.” "Now, repeat what he said, using his exact words.” “He said he would give me SSO if I—” “He didn’t speak la the third person, did he?” “No, aah; he tuck good care dat dav were no third pusson ’round; dar wae only two—us two.” “I know that, bnt he apok* to you in the first person, didn't he?” “I was the fust pusson myself, sah.” “You don’t understand me. When he was talking to you did he say: “I will pay you $50?” “No, sah; he didn’t say nothin’ ’bout you payin’ me SSO. Your name wasn't mentioned, ’ceptia’ he told me es eber I got into a scrape you was the best lawyer in San Antone to fool the jedge and de jury—in fac’, you was de best in town to cover up reskelity.” For a brief, breathless moment the trial was suspended.—Detroit Free Press.