People's Pilot, Volume 4, Number 26, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 December 1894 — Mr. Coffey and His Grounds. [ARTICLE]

Mr. Coffey and His Grounds.

Perhaps the best specimen of wit that has enlivened a Hamilton county court in many a day was that emitted like a flash from John Coffey, the attorney, who had been guilty of a good many things that had disturbed the serenity of bench and bar. Mr. Coffey was counsel in a case which had already been postponed some two or three times at his request. It was before Judge Outcalt. Again Mr. Coffey asked for postponement. The court reminded him that it had already been postponed several times at his request. “Have you good grounds for wishing another postponement?” asked the oours. “Yes, sir; I have,” replied Coffey. “What are they?” asked the court. “Coffey grounds, your honor.” “Coffee grounds?” repeated the judge. “Yes sir,” said John. Then the judge got on his dignity, and reminded the lawyer that he was trifling with the court. “Your honor,” said Mr. Coffey, “there was a small addition to my family last night, and I submit, your honor, that this is good grounds for asking for a postponement. ” Did John get it? Well, rather.—Cincinnati Times-Star.