Rensselaer Republican, Volume 22, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 9 January 1890 — The Judge Was With Him. [ARTICLE]

The Judge Was With Him.

A young lawyer was making his maiden effort before a jury in defense of a criminal, relates Judge Ditten. hoefer. The evidence was all in and he arose to utter the brilliant thoughts that had been surging through his brain. He was primed for a fine dispLiy of oratorical pyrotechnics, but somehow or other he could not get a start. His mind became a blank and ‘he stood trembling for a moment. Then waving his arms he began: “May it please the court and gentlemen of the jury. My—ahem! My—- — Officer, kindly get me a drink of water.” He waited for the attendant to return and tried to gather his faculties. After taking a sip of water, he began again: “May it please the court and gentleman of the jury. lam happy—no—yes.” After a pause, he again extended his arm and exclaimed: “May it please the court and gentlemen of the jury. My unfortunate client ” This impressed him as a particularly bad opening, sp he again hesitated “Go on counselor” said the judge encouragingly, “so far lam with you.”— New York Herald.