Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 39, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 January 1904 — HAD A FIXED INCOME. [ARTICLE]

HAD A FIXED INCOME.

Am Cafortnnmte Question id • P«ffectly Fraak Ra»lfA lawyer who formerly .practiced his profession in Georgia tells in the New York Telegram this amusing case which he once tried in that state. He was then a student in tbe office of bis uncle, Colonel Culver, who figured in local politics. A “trifling” negro, Ben Sutton, had been arrested at the instance of his wife, who was tired of supporting him and insisted that the court make him work: i I defended Ben at the Instance of my uncle, who was, I am sorry to say, Inclined to curry favor with the colored voter. Ben was on the stand, and I was examining him. “Now, Ben,” I said, “Amanda declares In her complaint that you don’t give her any money, aad”— ‘ “Dat ole woman’s al’aya complainin’,” Interrupted my client “Yes, T know, but what I want to ask you is: Are you able to support her? Have you any Income—that is, any fixed Income?” Ben looked puzzled. I tried to explain and told him that a fixed income was an income on which a person could rely absolutely, not one contingent on odd jobs—in other words, a certainty. My ancle waa sitting at my elbow coaching me, add I thought I was doing right well. “Now, tell the court.” I concluded, “have you a fixed income?” “Teaser,” answered the black scamp. The answer almost took my breath away, for I bad not counted on it “What!" I thundered. “Tou mean to say that you, Ben Sutton, have a steady, reliable and fixed income on which you can absolutely depend?” “Tessar.” “What is it?” I gasped in desperation. “Well, sar, you see.” returned Ben, “Colonel Culver, thar, al’ays guvs me fo’ bits an’ a sack uv floor on ever* ’lection day.”