Title : Mr. Punch in Wig and Gown: The Lighter Side of Bench and Bar
Editor : J. A. Hammerton
Illustrator : Henry Stacy Marks
Release date : February 22, 2015 [eBook #48339]
Language : English
Credits
: Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed
Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
produced from images generously made available by The
Internet Archive)
PUNCH LIBRARY OF HUMOUR
Edited by J. A. Hammerton
Designed to provide in a series of volumes, each complete in itself, the cream of our national humour, contributed by the masters of comic draughtsmanship and the leading wits of the age to “Punch,” from its beginning in 1841 to the present day.
“UP BEFORE THE BEAK”
MR. PUNCH
IN WIG
AND GOWN
THE LIGHTER SIDE OF BENCH
AND BAR
WITH 120
ILLUSTRATIONS
BY
H. STACY MARKS, SIR JOHN
TENNIEL, GEORGE DU
MAURIER, CHARLES KEENE,
PHIL MAY, E. T. REED,
L. RAVEN-HILL, J. BERNARD
PARTRIDGE, A. S. BOYD,
TOM BROWNE, G. D.
ARMOUR, W. F. THOMAS,
AND OTHERS.
PUBLISHED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH
THE PROPRIETORS OF “PUNCH”
THE EDUCATIONAL BOOK CO. LTD.
Punch Library of Humour
Twenty-five volumes, crown 8vo, 192 pages
fully illustrated
LIFE IN LONDON
COUNTRY LIFE
IN THE HIGHLANDS
SCOTTISH HUMOUR
IRISH HUMOUR
COCKNEY HUMOUR
IN SOCIETY
AFTER DINNER STORIES
IN BOHEMIA
AT THE PLAY
MR. PUNCH AT HOME
ON THE CONTINONG
RAILWAY BOOK
AT THE SEASIDE
MR. PUNCH AFLOAT
IN THE HUNTING FIELD
MR. PUNCH ON TOUR
WITH ROD AND GUN
MR. PUNCH AWHEEL
BOOK OF SPORTS
GOLF STORIES
IN WIG AND GOWN
ON THE WARPATH
BOOK OF LOVE
WITH THE CHILDREN
Mr. Punch has done his share towards bringing about various law reforms. We find him hammering away continually for many years at the Law’s delays, its costliness, its inconsistencies, and the evils he has satirised, the inconveniences he has laughed at have largely been remedied. He makes fun of the jesting judge and the bullying barrister, while he is genially amusing at the expense of the timid and blundering witness, and the youthful vanity or elderly pomposity of members of the bench and bar. He is rightly bitter now and then when he touches on the comparatively light sentences inflicted on audacious, but wealthy, swindlers, and the comparatively heavy penalties exacted from lesser, poorer, and more ignorant burglars and pickpockets; but in the main he devotes himself to the lighter side of law and justice and the professions that are concerned in its administration.
Here and there you come across echoes of famous law suits—of the Tichborne trial, the Parnell Commission; here and there you have reminders of Bradlaugh’s fight to get into Parliament without taking the oath; of the days when London was agitated by the Fenian scare and valorous householders were sworn in as special constables, and again when everybody passing into the law courts had to open his bag that the policeman on duty might be assured that he was not carrying a bomb inside it.
The reading matter is particularly apt and good; not a little of it was written by barristers in the intervals of waiting for briefs, and the writers were thus intimately acquainted with the grievances they ventilated, and were often suffering the hardships of the briefless themselves when they sat down to make fun of them.
Novice. —( a ) Don’t, unless you want penal servitude for life. ( b ) Any respectable burglar. ( c ) We do not answer questions on chiropody in this column.
Hard Up. — Brougham on Conveyances will explain whether your contract to purchase the motor-car is binding or not.
Farmer. —It is either an “escrow” or a scarecrow; impossible to state definitely without further information.
B. and S. —There is no reduction (of the fine) in taking a quantity—generally the reverse.
Traveller. —By travelling in the manner you describe, viz., under the seat, you render yourself liable to “stoppage in transitu ,” and to completing the rest of your journey on foot “ in custodia legis .” The authorities on this point are very clear. See Constable’s Reports , P.C. X. Y. Z., Vol. XIV., pages 72-85.
Justice. —If the defendant lost, you, being plaintiff would win, and vice versâ . Consult a solicitor.
Student. —Can only spare space for half your questions. “Aggravated assault” explains itself, an assault which aggravates or annoys you. “Damage fesant,” a badly shot pheasant. “Simple larceny,” taking an empty purse out of a pocket in which a sovereign is lying loose. “Misdemeanour” is of course the demeanour of an unmarried woman, or in plainer language, the airs she gives herself.
“Gentlemen, I am ready to admit that his career in the past has not been free from blemish——”
A Brief Existence. —A barrister’s.
The Letter of the Law. —The “letter of the law” must be x . It expresses a quantity that is unknown.
A Law Suit. —Wig, gown, and bands.
How to make use of “the Block in the Law Courts.” —Try wigs on it.
Good Legal Securities. —De-Benchers of Lincoln’s Inn.
“WHEN THE CAT’S AWAY”——
Mr. Blazer, K.C., returns unexpectedly to his chambers in the middle of vacation.
Legal Mem. —A barrister is only invited to sit on the Bench when he has had some considerable amount of standing at the Bar.
“ A Winding-up Case. ”—A watch’s.
PROBABLY THE NEXT ABSURDITY
In ladies’ winter costumes.
“Never miss a chance of ingratiating yourself with the jury, even at the expense of the judge.”
(An opportunity often occurs after lunch.)
“Always laugh at the judge’s jokes. It is not upon such an occasion that his lordship observes that he will not have the court turned into a theatre.”
“Show no mercy to the police; they have few friends.”
REAL PRESENCE OF MIND
Policeman X 24, drunk and almost incapable, is just able to blow his whistle for help!
The sons of lawyers, who are intended for their fathers’ profession, cannot too early become familiar with legal phrases and their meanings. Old nursery rhymes might easily be adapted for this purpose. For instance—
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
[1] Subaudi, Police Court.
( Left in the Hall of the Law Courts. )
The Trials of an Anxious “Junior.” —Prompting a deaf and testy “chief” in open court is not his idea of perfect bliss.
THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS
His Honour. “H’m! Will you kindly raise your veil. I find it extremely difficult to—h’m— hear anyone distinctly with those thick veils——”
WHAT THEY SEEM
“Er—er— thank you! Silence! I will not have this court turned into a place of amusement!”
“ The Meshes of the Law! ”— Rural Magistrate. “Prisoner, you are charged with—ah—loitering about in a suspicious manner, without any ostensible employment. How do you obtain a living?”
Prisoner. “Your wusship, I’m engaged in the manufacture of smoked glasses for observing eclipses—an ‘industry’”—( solemnly )—“an ‘industry,’ your wusship, which involves protracted periods of enforced leisu-are!!”
Discharged with a caution!
Pity the Poor Prisoners! —Scene— County Prison: Visiting Justices on Inspection.
Visiting Justice. “Any complaints?”
Prisoner . “Yes, your Honour. We’re guv on’y one bucket at shavin’ time, so we’ve all got to dip our razors in the same water, and who knows wot skin diseases a cove might ketch!”
The Barrister’s Favourite Hymn. —“ ‘Brief’ life is here our portion. ”
Legal Query. (From an Earnest Enquirer.) —“Sir, I have often heard of ‘The Will of the Wisp.’ Was this will ever proved? Who was ‘the Wisp’? Why so called? Because he was a man of straw? Wisper your answer to me, and oblige yours,
“ Colney Hatcher, E. I. ”
The Gas Companies’ Lawyer. —Coke.
Two Sorts of Police. —The Detective—and the Defective.
Criminal Query. —Can a prisoner who commits himself, also form his own conviction?
The Legal Fraternity. —Brothers-in-law.
Legal Question. —What are the “ Benchers ” of our Inns of Court?
Persons so called from their persistent adherence to legal forms .
Legal “Instruments.” —“Soft recorders.”
Solicitor . “Now, as a matter of fact, when expressing your opinion of your opponent, you did use a leetle strong language?”
Client . “Wull, I don’t know as I forgot anything!”
Old Saying ( By our own Detective ).—Professional thieves are notoriously dense, hence the proverbial expression, “ Thick as thieves.”
When a leading barrister gets someone to “devil” for him, may the latter’s occupation be correctly described as “devilry”?
The result of going out for a “lark” very generally is, that the last part of the lark you see is the beak.
Sittings in Error. —A pew in a Mormonite chapel.
Law and Time. —A “watching brief” must have much to do with second-hand information.
Cause Without Effect. —An action resulting in a farthing’s damages.
A “Counter-Case.” —Shop-lifting.
Diamonds of the Cape. —Intelligent policemen.
Information Wanted. —At what time in the morning are barristers called?
MR. PUNCH’S ILLUSTRATED LAW REPORTS
“Alleged contempt of court by an infant”
Compliments. — “The Court” (thinking aloud). “Hu—m—’markably fine young wom——.”
The Witness (overhearing). “Excellent judge!!”
Cantankerous. — Legal Adviser (drawing up the old gentleman’s will). “Um—seems a pity you should cut off your son with a shilling. But, if you’re determined—hem!—what about the pictures? You have a very valuable collection, sir?——”
Crusty Invalid. “Oh, drat the pictures! Leave ’em to the Blind Asylum!!”
THE REJECTED DESIGN FOR THE NEW LAW COURTS
“One anonymous architect has sent in a frantic design, which the commissioners have not chosen to exhibit.”— Times , Feb. 11, 1867.
Maritime Law. —The law of libel does not apply to a “running down” case. The parties are not in the same boat.
Question. —Can a process server legally be said to be a writualist?
Question every Magistrate ought to ask himself before going to Sleep. —“I wonder if I have committed myself in any way to-day?”
How to Prevent a Conspiracy from Leaking Out. —Let the plot thicken.
A Moral Phenomenon. —A barrister returning his fee.
Briefless Theory. —’Tis practice makes the barrister perfect.
“ After you ,” as the policeman ought to be allowed to say to the bubble-bank director.
Legal Quibble. —A barrister should cultivate a good temper, if he would succeed as a cross-examiner.
A CONTRAST
Mr. Bigwig, the eminent K.C., and his clerk.
In a County Court. — Judge (to Mr. Pettiphog, plaintiff’s solicitor). I really cannot see that you have proved the defendant’s means.
Mr. P. (excitedly, to defendant). No means! How did you get here, sir?
Defendant. I walked.
Mr. P. Where did you get the boots to walk in?
Defendant. I borrowed them.
Mr. P. (triumphantly). On what security, sir, on what security?
Defendant. On the fact that you had taken up the case against me.
[ General merriment. No order.
Brief “Bags.” —Short trousers.
Drink for Lawyers. —The Wool-sack.
The Policeman’s Lady-Love. — Ar (e) abella .
The Jury Starvation System. — Q. What foreign institution does starving a jury approach the nearest to?
A. The Diet of Hungary.
A Case of Self-sacrifice. — Mrs. Grimes. “No, sir, Mr. Smith ain’t a-bin in ’is chambers not for a week, sir.”
Mr. Brown. “Oh! You’re sure now you know the gentleman I mean—Mr. Meldon Smith?”
Mrs. Grimes. “ Hi knows ’im right enough. Wy, I does all ’is washin’ and mendin’ for ’im!”
AT THE SESSIONS
Counsel. “Do you know the nature of an oath, my good woman?”
Witness (with a black eye). “I did ought to, sir! Which my ’usban’ ’s a Covin’ Garden porter, sir!”
An Expensive Call to Pay. —A call to the Bar.
Legal Inquiry. —If I buy a pair of trousers warranted to wear well, and they turn out a failure, should I, on bringing an action for damages, be “ non-suited ,” or could I counterclaim damages for “ breeches of promise ”?
THE DELIGHTS OF TRIAL BY JURY
These gentlemen are expected to be in a judicial frame of mind after hanging about the precincts of the court for several days, under penalty of a heavy fine, while their private business in the city and elsewhere is going to the dogs. (Why should not half-pay officers do the work, and relieve busy men?)
Brief Authority. —A barrister’s.
The Division List. —Divorce Court causes.
Centre of Gravity. —A judge in court.
The Block of Legal Business. —The wig block.
(“The first lady barrister has just taken the oath at Paris.”— Daily paper ).
The Eye of the Law. —Policeman’s bull’s-eye.
More than a Miracle. —When a prisoner is “taken from the dock unmoved.”
Song for Magistrates. —“Let us speak of a man as we’ve fined him.”
THE FINE OLD SPIRIT
“But if you really think Jones has injured you, my dear fellow, why not consult some clever lawyer?”
“ Lawyer , indeed! With men of my stamp, the only possible reply to a man of Jones’s, is the horsewhip , since it can no longer be the sword !”
Where there’s a will there’s a law suit.
The successful lawyer is a man of actions.
Look before you leap into litigation.
The wise man keeps his own counsel, and the wise counsel keeps his own man.
Many a muddle makes a muckle for the lawyers.
No suit lasts longer than a suit in Chancery.
A conveyancer is never afraid of drafts.
A brief in the hand is worth two in a solicitor’s office.
’Tis better to have fought and lost than to have had no case at all.
Little plaintiffs have large fears.
The good solicitor is known by his good deeds.
Two heads, a leader and a junior, are better than one.
Law for Ladies. —Why ought every lady nowadays to learn the legal doctrine concerning “wrong to the person”?
Ans. They ought to learn it because it’s tort . (Ask any barrister!)
[“ A Policeman’s Conscience. —Police-Superintendent Roberts, of Torquay, has won a splendid reputation for impartiality. He even punishes himself for breaches of the law. The other night while cycling home from Brixham his lamp went out, and yesterday he appeared before the magistrate, in response to a summons issued by himself against himself. He said a clergyman spoke to him on the subject, and this brought the offence to his notice. He was fined 5s.”— Daily Telegraph. ]
Master Bob. “Please, ma, will you kindly chastise me? I’ve been at the jam again!”
Cabby (at police-station). “’Ere, I’ve just charged a fare sixpence too much, and I want a summons out aginst meself.”
Miss Candid. “Oh, Mr. De Tiring, I was at home yesterday when you called; but you are such an awful bore, you know, I was compelled to send you away.”
Learned Judge. “Before adjourning the court to-day, I wish to state that I have been guilty of betting, at a ‘place’ within the meaning of the Act. I therefore fine myself a sum of twenty pounds and costs, coupled with a severe reprimand.”
Of course, the “Automatic Conscience Clearer” for minor offences would soon be immensely popular. We beg to offer the above suggestion. N.B.—The inventor has been provisionally protected.
Conversation in Chancery Lane. — Dull Youth. I say, what’s a legal digest?
Bright Youth. Why, you fool, it forms part of the legal course—for instance, every barrister, after he has eaten his terms, has to go through his digest!
A Firm Conviction. —Transportation for life.
Bar Gold. —Fees to counsel.
It was rather too bad, you know, that Larkins serving poor Jones like this! And his first circuit, too!
LEGAL IMPROVEMENTS
In order to husband our judicial staff, in future a judge will be expected to hear two cases at the same time.
Portrait of a judge trying a theatrical cause célèbre , and a nice question as to a “remainder-man” and a “tenant in tail male.”
The Best Game for Junior Barristers to Play. —Follow my leader.
Waiting for an Answer. —What is the difference between eating your words and eating your terms.
“May it please your ludship, I ask that the witness be forced to produce the papers that were burnt!”
A Knowing Beggar. —A beggar posted himself at the door of the Chancery Court, and kept saying: “A penny please, sir! Only one penny, sir, before you go in!” “And why, my man?” inquired an old country gentleman. “Because, sir, the chances are, you will not have one when you come out,” was the beggar’s reply.
INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONS.
Q. Mention some of the principal law books which you have studied?— A. . Hoyle’s Laws of Whist, Cribbage, &c. The Rules of the Cricket Club; ditto of the Jockey Club.
Q. Have you attended any, and what, law lectures?— A. I have attended to many legal lectures, when I have been admonished by police magistrates for kicking up rows in the streets, pulling off knockers, &c.
COMMON LAW.
Q. What is a real action?— A. An action brought in earnest, and not by way of a joke.
Q. What are original writs?— A. Pothooks and hangers.
EQUITY AND CONVEYANCING.
Q. What are a bill and answer?— A. Ask my tailor.
Q. How would you file a bill?— A. I don’t know, but would lay a case before a blacksmith.
Q. What steps would you take to dissolve an injunction? A. I should put it into some very hot water, and let it remain there until it was melted.
Q. What are post-nuptial articles?— A. Children.
CRIMINAL LAW AND BANKRUPTCY.
Q. What is simple larceny?— A. Picking a pocket of a handkerchief, and leaving a purse of money behind.
Q. What is grand larceny.— A. The income-tax.
Odd-handed Justice. — First Ruffian. “Wot was I hup for, and wot ’ave I got? Well, I floor’d a woman and took ’er watch, and I’ve got two years and a floggin’.”
Second Ruffian. “Ha!—I flung a woman out o’ the top floor winder; an’ I’ve on’y got three months!”
First Ruffian. “Ah, but then she was yer wife !!”
A Testamentary Disposition. — Pater. “Now, my boy, I’ve been making my will, and I’ve left a very large property in trust for you. I merely wish to ask you if you’ve any suggestion to offer?”
Son. “Well, I don’t know that I have, sir—unless—hum”—( ponders )—“Quesh’n is—as things go nowadays, wouldn’t it be better to leave the property to the other f’llar, and—ah—’ppoint me the trustee?!!”
( Fragment from a Criminal Romance )
The burglar had so far been successful. He had broken open the safe and transferred its contents to his pocket without disturbing the household. He had come down the creaking stairs with less than the customary noise. He was in sight of the street door, which, once opened, passed, and closed, would lead to freedom.
It was a pleasant prospect.
“It will delight my wife and little ones,” he murmured. “With the proceeds of this night’s work I shall be able to take them a trip to the Continent.”
Then he walked forward and opened the street door. In a moment he was seized by mechanical hands, and found himself manacled.
“Confound it!” he cried; “I had forgotten that recently patented novelty—the automatic policeman!”
MANNERS OF THE BAR
A sketch in the law courts, showing the patient and respectful attention of the counsel for the plaintiff during the speech of counsel for defendant.
Her “Court” Dress. — Fair Defendant in Cause Célèbre (reading report of yesterday’s proceedings). “The idiots! There’s no trusting one’s reputation with these newspapers. They describe my heliotrope poplin as puce alpaca with a muslin frill!”
Dear Mr. Punch ,
A writer in the St. James’s Gazette , dealing with the subject of the Divorce Laws, calmly proposes that in any revision of the code, which he strongly advocates, “women should be placed on the same footing with men.” Such a pestilent heresy of course provoked correspondence, and, as I have made a careful study of the subject, I beg to submit to you, sir, a few reasonable grounds for divorce, which this reformer will, I hope, include in his precious revised code.
A man should be allowed to obtain a divorce from his wife on all or any of the following grounds:—
1. If he sees anyone he likes better than his wife.
2. If his mother-in-law comes too often.
3. If his wife’s brother borrows money of him.
4. If she objects to his going to Paris without her.
5. If, knowing that he prefers the tops of the muffins at breakfast, she eats any of them.
6. If she hears him come in at four in the morning, when he has considerately taken off his boots to do so quietly.
7. If she refers to it.
8. If she ever says, “My dear, I think we’ve heard that story before.”
9. If she does not laugh consumedly whenever he tells a comic story.
10. If she objects to smoking.
11. If she is not civil to all his male friends.
12. And female ones.
There, sir, you have a dozen suggestions which I would commend to the attention of this law-reformer. You will observe I have not included any trivial reasons for divorce, and the procedure, as the St. James’s Gazette says, “should be as expeditious and inexpensive as possible.”
Yours faithfully,
A Tender Husband .
Turtle-Dove Terrace.
“ Live and Learn. ”— Magistrate. “Do you know the nature of an oath, my boy?”
Witness (promptly) : “Yess, sir. Must take it, sir—’relse I can’t be ’memb’r o’ Parl’ment, sir!”
QUITE UNNECESSARY QUESTION
Newly-appointed Magistrate. “Any previous convictions against the prisoner?”
What our Articled Clerk said. —The chief lawyer of Turkey can never be a weak man, since every new law there is established by a firman.
[ We have transferred our A. C. to a provincial firm.
“ Pendente Lite. ”—A chandelier.
The Greatest of the “Great Unpaid.” —The National Debt.
Advice to Crown Lawyers. —Employ a hydropathic doctor, if you want to pack a jury.
Heirs-at-Law. —Barristers’ wigs.
Proper Decoration for a “Blocked” Law Court. —Bar-relief.
Sunday Observances. —See the Monday charges at the police courts.
“ A Bolt from the Blue. ”—Running away from a policeman.
Proof of the Integrity of the Law. —The return of the Lent Assizes.
MARTIAL ARDOUR
Little Spadgett never can resist his military instincts under these circumstances.
Lovesuit and Lawsuit. —Promise of marriage is like precious china—a man has so much to pay for its breakage.
Police! —What tune would a person whistle who had been stealing milk? “Robin Adair,” eh? ( Robin’ a dairy!!! )
The Force of Contradiction can no further go. —To make a will is the wont of every prudent man.
Definition of the Bar ( by an unlucky suitor ).—Silk, stuff, and nonsense.
Professional Caution. — Mr. Bluebag (out for a day’s shooting with his articled clerk). “Stop a minute—don’t fire!—let’s see if that bird’s in the schedule!!”
Legal Intelligence. —A smart young articled clerk, hearing it stated by a lecturer that “man is merely a machine,” remarked, “Then I suppose an attorney may be said to be a suing machine.”
A Case to which a Barrister objects. —A fee-nominal one.
“ A Bar Mess. ”—Recent difficulties about latitude of counsel in cross-examination.
The real Nine Points of the Law. —Costs.
Open to Conviction. —A prisoner at the bar.
Definition of “Stuff and Nonsense.” —A junior urging a ridiculous plea.
The Wheel of Misfortune. —The treadmill.
“ Contempt of Court. ”—Neglecting to attend a Levée.
A Safe Precaution. —No boating party should be without a lawyer. In case of accident, he is the man for ba(i)ling out the water.
Hilary Term commences January 11.
Playing at Draughts. —The ventilation of our Law Courts.
The most lasting Stuff for a Silk Gown. —A Chancery suit.
A Bar’s Rest. —The Long Vacation.
The only Profession where there isn’t “The ‘Devil’ to Pay.” —The legal.
Faculty of Advocates. —Speech.
A Legal Conveyance. —The police van.
A junior who will wear his gown straight, and not pretend that intense preoccupation over dummy briefs prevents him from knowing that it is off one shoulder.
A judge who can resist the temptation to utter feeble witticisms, and to fall asleep.
A witness who answers questions, and incidentally tells the truth.
A jury who do not look extremely silly, and ridiculously self-conscious, when directly addressed or appealed to by counsel; or one that really understands that the judge’s politeness is only another and subtle form of self-glorification.
A K.C. who is not “eminent,” who does not behave “nobly,” and who can avoid the formula “I suggest to you,” in cross-examination; or one that does not thunder from a lofty and inaccessible moral altitude so soon as a nervous witness blunders or contradicts himself.
An usher who does not try to induce the general public, especially the female portion thereof, to mistake him for the Lord Chancellor.
A solicitor who does not strive to appear coram populo on terms of quite unnecessarily familiar intercourse with his leading counsel.
An articled clerk who does not dress beyond his thirty shillings a-week, and think that the whole court is lost in speculation as to the identity of that distinguished-looking young man.
An associate who does not go into ecstasies of merriment over every joke or obiter dictum from the Bench.
Anybody who does not give loud expression to the opinion, at the nearest bar when the court rises, that he could have managed the case for either or both sides infinitely better than the counsel engaged.
A court-house whose atmosphere is pleasant and invigorating after the court has sat for fifteen minutes.
(Anyone concerned who, on reading these remarks in print, will think that the cap can, by any scintilla of possibility, fit himself.)
Wretched-looking Messenger. “Beg pardon, Mr. Brown, it’s come at larst! I’m entirely dependent on myself. My wife’s been and got a separation order!”
In order to deaden the sense of smell, second-hand clothes-pegs will be used by the bench and the bar.
Lords Justices Bowen and Fry prepared to break the windows of the court, and relieve the asphyxiated bar.
OLD LAW COURT MEMORIES
HUMAN NATURE REBELS
Poor Mr. Wiggles has just been described by a facetious witness of the lower orders as “that there h’old bloke wiv a choker, an’ a cauliflower on ’is ’ed”!!!
There seems to be at present a very considerable difference of opinion among the gentlemen of the Bar as to what may or may not be done by a barrister. We had some idea of publishing a small hand-book of etiquette for the exclusive use of the gentlemen of the long robe; but as what is etiquette to-day may not be etiquette to-morrow, we feared the work would not possess the permanent utility which alone would recompense us for the labour of writing it. We have, however, drawn up a few general rules founded on our own observation as to what a barrister may do, and what he may not do, consistently with his professional dignity:—
1st. A barrister may be employed in inducing Members of Parliament to vote in favour of railway bills; but he may not report for a newspaper.
2nd. A barrister may practise the “artful dodge” for the purpose of defeating the ends of justice; but he must not enter an assize town in an omnibus.
3rd. A barrister may tout for a small judgeship; but he will be very properly disbarred if he advertises his readiness to plead the cause of clients.
4th. A barrister may libel a rival candidate for an office in a “private and confidential” circular; but he must not degrade himself by asking an attorney to dine with him on the circuit.
5th. A barrister may take a fee when he knows he cannot attend to the cause; but he may not return the money, for his doing so would be very unprofessional.
6th, and lastly. A barrister may be a very honourable man; but many things which professional etiquette allows him to do, would be thought disgraceful and dishonest among ordinary people.
A Delicate Distinction. — Cross-examining Counsel (to fair witness). And is your name Aurelia Jessamine Jones?
Fair Witness (after a pause). No, sir; but it ought to have been, only my god-parents were so ill-chosen.
MORTMAIN
Important Suitors in Chancery. —Having occasion the other day to visit the Chancery Offices, we discovered an announcement which we are surprised has not been more generally noticed, and we take no little credit to ourselves for being the first to give extended publicity to the important public directions to the unhappy suitors, who may have been wandering in the Court so many years. The information is contained in the following short announcement—“ The Way Out ”—which we can assure our readers we have copied from an official notice stuck up in that Court.
An Immediate Landlord. —One who will not wait for his rent.
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF YE ENGLISH IN 1849
Westminster Hall. Showynge ye ceremonye of openynge terme.
Legal Nomenclature. —Occasionally we hear of “running down cases” being tried. The unlearned in the law naturally inquire if these are actions for slander.
Prison Thought. —“When’s a Christian,” said a poacher in gaol to himself, “sarved the same as a hare?—When he’s jugged like I be.”
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF YE ENGLISH IN 1849
Hyghest court of law in ye kyngdom. Ye Lords hearyng appeals.
An Under Tenant. —One who occupies a cellar.
Happy Release. —Paying off a mortgage.
In Two Words. —Our police system and the housebreaker’s system—Bunglery and burglary.
“ Letters of Request. ”—Begging epistles.
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF YE ENGLISH IN 1849
Appearance of ye crymynyal covrte dvryng an “interestyng” tryal for mvrder.
Outside the County Court. — Jenkins (to Jorkins, a debtor). What, only five bob a month! How did you manage it?
Jorkins. Why, always addressed the judge as “My Lord,” of course.
Pope asks: “Is there no bright reversion in the sky?” This is, clearly, a question which only a lawyer can answer.
GROSS INJUSTICE
We beg to solicit the attention of our innumerable readers to the state of the law respecting cruelty to animals.
Legal Pugilism. —The Chancery Bar has been lately occupied with a question relating to a patent for pins’ heads. The costs are estimated at £5,000. The lawyers are the best boxers, after all. Only let them get a head in chancery , even a pin’s , and see how they make the proprietor bleed .
“Let us speak of a man as we find him.”
Song for Detectives. —“ Let us speak of a man when we find him. ”
“ Linked Sweetness long Drawn out. ”— Country Lass (to policeman who takes them over the road at Oxford Street Circus). “I’m so much obliged to you for taking the trouble——”
Gallant Constable. “Lor’ bless yer, miss, I wish the crossin’ was twice as long!”
Legal Query. —Is there any precedent for a good practical farmer being styled one of the judges of the land?
Depreciative. — Defendant (on bail). “’Im my counsellor! Then blowed if I don’t conduct my own case in pusson!”
Q. What are first fruits?
A. Rhubarb and little green gooseberries.
Q. When is it necessary to commence a fresh suit?
A. When the other has become too ventilating or seedy.
Q. What is a release?
A. To exchange the society of your ugly aunt for that of your pretty cousin.
Q. What is a clerical error?
A. Preaching a three hours’ sermon.
Q. What is a settlement of a conveyance?
A. When an omnibus smashes a cab.
Q. What is the master’s general report?
A. That wages are too high.
Q. Is “What’s that to you,” deemed a sufficient answer?
A. It may be, or may not; but it is likely to be excepted to for impertinence.
Q. Describe the meaning of the term Nunc pro Tunc .
A. It is the general exclamation you make when you are run against by a clumsy person. It generally has the word “stupid” added— ex. gr. , “Now then, stupid!”
Q. Give an instance of a “similiter”?
A. You’re another!
Q. What is the meaning of “putting yourself upon the country?”
A. Going to the workhouse.
Q. Where is the Great Seal kept?
A. In the Arctic Ocean. A small specimen may be seen at the Zoological Gardens.
Q. What are “breaches of trust”?
A. Trousers procured on tick.
Offender (in the course of lengthy explanation). “So I ses to the inspector as I were, as you might say, ill, ’an demanded to be examined by Doctor Jones, an’ the inspector ’e ses as ’ow I must see Doctor Smith, the police doctor. ‘No,’ I ses, ‘you may run me in,’ I ses, ‘but you ain’t goin’ to make me change my medical adviser!’”
Happy Thought. — Nervous Rider. “Look here, policeman! I give this horse in charge!”
[ Puts rein in policeman’s hand, and bolts.
ON THE APPROACH OF SPRING
Life, we are told, is a trial, but the worst of it is there is no Court of Appeal we can go to in the event of our not being satisfied with the result of it. For myself, I should like uncommonly to move for a new trial.
Briefless Barrister.
Wit at a Disadvantage. —“Well, Jackson, you are always here for being drunk, so I shall fine you five shillings.”
“Not got a penny, your worshup.”
“Not a penny, sir!”
“I got only coppers,—‘hot coppers,’ your worshup.”
[ He was most promptly and most properly locked up.
The Rule of the Road. — Query (from a correspondent). —When a street runs into another street, what is the remedy at law?
The Answer. —Consult a solicitor.
Conscientious Lawyer’s Advice. —Do right; don’t write.
A Juryman of a Size. —A Welsh publican who weighs thirty stone has lately been informed that his bulk will not invalidate him from sitting on juries. “Squashing the verdict” is likely to become a popular feature of the Welsh Assizes.
Motto for the Opponents of Capital Punishment. No noose is good news!
Called to the “Ba.” —The shepherd’s dog.
The Ends of Justice. —A cat-o’-nine-tails.
More judges required. We don’t want to hear so much of Chancery Division as of Chancery multiplication.
Shows his Breeding. — Equestrian (to policeman on the look-out for a stolen horse). “‘How did I come by ’im?’ Why, bred ’im myself, to be sure—down at a little place o’ my own.”
I. The Fox who lost his Tail in the Gin.
The Fox stood seized of an estate in trap, and by a device duly executed he left his hairs a remainder in tail.
II. The Fox and Crow.
In this case the Crow was evidently seized of a piece of cheese, with contingent remainder to the Fox, in case she opened her mouth, which, on her doing so, instantly descended to the Fox, who became seized of it.
Prevention of Burglary. —Prospect of a dog and certainty of “the cat.”
Her First Visit to a Police-court. — Old Lady. “What a villainous-looking man the prisoner is!”
Friend. “Hush! That’s not the prisoner. That’s the magistrate!”
Burglar’s Ballad. Air —“ Those Evening Bells. ”
“ The Windy Side of the Law. ”—Which side is this? Go into a solicitor’s office: you’ll soon be able to answer the question when you get near a draught.
The only Company not Limited by Act of Parliament. —Bad company.
Note by our own Irrepressible One. —A solicitor who is struck off the rolls has generally been eating someone else’s bread.
THE TERRORS OF THE LAW
The New Act again. Different Points of View. — Magistrate. “You are charged with having been drunk when in charge of a child under the age of seven years.”
Prisoner. “Please, your worship, she was a-takin’ me ’ome.”
Scene — The Central Criminal Court. The usual company assembled, and the place wearing its customary aspect. “Standing room only” everywhere, except in the jury box, which is empty. Prisoner at the bar.
Judge. This is most annoying! Owing to the refusal of the jury to serve, the time of the Bar, the Bench, and I may even add, the prisoner, is wasted! I really don’t know what to do! Mr. Twentybob, I think you appear for the accused?
Counsel for the Defence. Yes, my Lord.
Judge (with some hesitation). Well, I do not for a moment presume to dictate to you, but it certainly would get us out of a serious difficulty if your client pleaded guilty. I suppose you have carefully considered his case, and think it advisable that he should not withdraw his plea?
Counsel for the Defence. No, my lord, I certainly cannot advise him to throw up his defence. It is a serious—a deeply serious—matter for him. I do not anticipate any difficulty in establishing his innocence before an intelligent jury.
Judge. But we can’t get a jury—intelligent or otherwise.
Counsel for the Defence. If no evidence is offered, my client should be discharged.
Counsel for the Prosecution. I beg pardon, but I must set my friend right. Evidence is offered in support of the charge, my lord.
Judge. Yes; but there is no properly constituted body to receive and decide upon its credibility. I am glad that the grand jury (to whom I had the privilege of addressing a few observations upon our unfortunate position) have ignored a larger number of bills than usual; still, the present case is before the court, and I must dispose of it. Can you assist us in any way, Mr. Perplebagge?
Counsel for the Prosecution (smiling). I am afraid not, my lord.
Judge. Well, I suppose I have no alternative but to order the prisoner to be taken back to——
Prisoner. To the place I was in last night? No thankee!—not me! Look here, gemmen all, we knows one another, don’t we? Well, just to oblige you—as Dartmoor ain’t ’arf bad in the summer, and as in course I did do it—I plead guilty!
Judge (with a sigh of relief). Prisoner at the bar; we are infinitely beholden to you!
[ Passes regulation sentence with grateful courtesy.
The Ruling Passion. — Prison Chaplain (charged to report on convict’s religious knowledge). “Do you know the Commandments?”
Prisoner. “Yes, Sir.”
Prison Chaplain. “Say the eighth.”
Prisoner (promptly). “Thou shalt do no manner of work; thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter.” &c.
Habes Confitentem Reum. —Suitors write to the papers to complain of the “block in Chancery.” Who but a block (we must ask) would be in Chancery?
The Thief’s Motto. —“Take things quietly.”
Spring Assizes. —Trying weather.
Query. —Would an ideal barrister be a counsel of perfection?
A Proverb Revised. —Too many cooks spoil the—police.
Saying of Solicitors. —November is at best a pettifogger.
An Equity Draftsman. —A lawyer who sketches.
Improved costume for the Metropolitan Police during the great heat of 1893.
THE LAWYER.
“A CLEAN BREAST OF IT”
The Magistrate. “Oh!—you admit making counterfeit money then?”
Prisoner (airily). “Well, the fact is, your washup, the supply o’ the genuine article is so extremely limited, and things generally are so very tight commercially, that a poor fellow must do something these times to turn an honest penny!”
“Brief let it be”—as the barrister said in his conference with the attorney.
Dignity under Difficulties. — Puffec’ Lidy (retiring from the public gaze for the 150th time). “Home, John!”
( Suggestions for alteration and adaptation to Modern Manners and Customs, after the Jackson decision by the Court of Appeal. )
Common Law. —“The tradition of ages shall prevail,” save when it runs counter to the opinions of a leader-writer of a daily-paper.
Equity. —(1.) “No right shall be without a remedy,” save when it is sentimentally suggested that somebody’s right may be somebody else’s wrong.
(2.) “Equity follows the law,” at such a distance that it never comes up with it.
(3.) “Equity is equality,” save when a man’s wife is literally his better half.
(4.) “Where there is equal equity the law must prevail,” in any view it pleases to take at the instance of the Lord Chancellor for the time being.
(5.) “Where the equities are equal the law prevails,” in any course it likes to pursue.
(6.) “Equity looks upon that as done which is agreed to be done,” especially when, after obtaining legal relief, the suitor ultimately finds himself sold.
Contracts. —(1.) “All contracts are construed according to the intentions of the parties,” save where one of them subsequently changes his mind.
(2.) “The construction should be liberal” enough to suit the fancy of the Judge who enforces it.
(3.) “It should be favourable” to a long and angry correspondence in all the principal newspapers.
(4.) “The contract should in general be construed according to the law of the country where made,” but certainly not in particular.
(5.) “That testimony cannot be given to vary, but may to explain a written contract,” save when someone suggests that this practice shall be reversed.
(6.) “He who employs an agent does it himself,” unless it is considered advisable to take an opposite view of the matter.
Parent and Child. —“A father shall have the custody of his children,” except when they get beyond his control and defy his authority.
Landlord and Tenant. —“A landlord has a right to receive his rent,” if the tenant does not spend the money on something else.
Husband and Wife. —“A man has a right to the society of his wife,” when she does not prefer to give her company elsewhere.
Birthright of an Englishman. ( Popular traditionally, but strictly speaking supplementary. )—“An Englishman’s house is his castle,” but only the pied à terre of the lawfully wedded sharer of his income.
Old Father Antic.
At the Head of the Profession. —Scene: Prisoners’ waiting room adjoining police-court. (Eminently respectable director awaiting examination.)
Artful Dodger (to Charley Bates). “You’ve been copped for a till—and me for a cly. But ’e’s been copped for a bank—shared somethin’ like six million swag among the lot!”
Charley Bates (in a tone of respectful admiration). “Lor!”
“On there! Pass along!” ( Exeunt. ) Antony and Cleopatra , Act III., Sc. 1.
We scoff at savages who bow down before strange idols, yet we invariably “worship” the bench.
“It is very odd,” said Serjeant Channell to Thessiger, “that Tindal should have decided against me on that point of law which, to me, seemed as plain as A B C.” “Yes,” replied Thessiger, “but of what use is it that it should have been A B C to you, if the judge was determined to be D E F to it?”
A Thought in the Divorce Court. —There is a wide difference between the judge ordinary and an ordinary judge.
Prospectus
( Private and Confidential )
“Doom’d for a certain term to walk the night.”— Hamlet , Act I., Sc. 5.
It being considered in accordance with the spirit of the age, the march of intellect, and the principles of progress, that those persons who are unfortunate enough to come under the unfavourable notice of tribunals established in unenlightened times, should be enabled to avail themselves of systematic arrangements for defeating the coarse and selfish tyranny of the many, an association is in course of formation with the following objects:—
To defend, in the best and most costly manner, all persons who, being assured in the projected society, shall be afflicted by prosecutions.
To supply, with the aid of practised writers, sensation articles to such newspapers as can be induced to accept them, such articles being framed in favour of convicted persons, and designed to produce a popular impression in their favour, by attacking the witnesses against them, vilifying hostile counsel, and ridiculing jurymen.
To procure other articles, in a graver tone, in which every mistake previously made by what is called justice shall be held up as an awful warning, and in which intimidation shall be freely directed against judges, Home Secretaries, and all who are charged with carrying the laws into effect.
To collect, after verdicts have been given, every kind of gossip, rumour, or invention that can discredit the case for the prosecution, and to circulate such things as largely as possible by means of the Press.
A salt and battery
To get up petitions in favour of the convicted persons, some of such petitions to be framed so as to command the approbation of those who object to the special form of punishment that may have been awarded, and without reference to the innocence or guilt of the convicted parties.
It is believed, and experience warrants the belief, that by the irregular use of these and similar means a criminal trial will speedily be deprived of its antiquated solemnity and terror, and that the odds in favour of the ultimate escape of the assured will be very heavy indeed.
To the objection of the prejudiced, that such a system is unconstitutional, and tends to the subversion of the rules by which society is now protected, the promoters would reply, that the march of intellect, the spirit of the age, and the principles of progress, render such a cavil futile in the extremest degree.
A more detailed prospectus will speedily be issued with assurance tables prepared for the information of those who, with a wise forethought, look forward to their probably coming into collision with conventional arrangements, but who, owing to the uncertainties of life, may not be aware whether such collision will be occasioned by murder, manslaughter, burglary, highway robbery, garrotting, embezzlement, theft, or any other departure from ordinary rules. The rates will be carefully calculated, and brought within the means of all.
Further information may be obtained either of Jonathan Wild, Esq., Solicitor, Field Lane; or of Messrs. Alibi, Dodge, & Crammer, Private Inquiry Office, Spy Corner, Dirtcheap.
THE AUTOMATIC POLICEMAN
Put a penny in the slot, and he stops the traffic.
CANDID
Counsel. “Why are you so very precise in your statement? Are you afraid of telling an untruth?”
Witness (promptly). “No, sir!”
The Lawyer’s Prayer. —The learned gentleman prayed a tales .
Truly Sweet. —“When I am in pecuniary difficulties,” said a pensive bankrupt, “my garden, my flowers, all fresh and sparkling in the morning, console my heart.” “Indeed!” asked his sympathising friend. “I should have thought they would remind you of your trouble, for, like your bills, they are all over dew.”
Unfair! —The overcrowded state of our law courts necessitates in almost every case a well packed jury.
Written agreements should be drawn up as shortly as possible; for parties are sure to agree best between whom there are the fewest words.
“I hear you had an action brought against you by a man who broke his collar-bone on your doorstep. How did the case go?”
“Met the same fate as he did.”
“How do you mean?”
“Slipped upon appeal!”
( A long way after “The Throstle” )
The Female Prerogative Court. —A woman’s will knows no codicil.
The best place for a Police-office. —Beak Street.
Criminal. —Why is a prisoner’s time like an abominable joke? Because it’s past in durance.
HOW THINGS WILL OUT
( The judge is not at home, and Brown, Q.C., asks permission to write him a note )
Mary Elizabeth Jane. “Would you like this book, sir? Master always uses it when he writes letters!”
[ Heavens! it’s an English dictionary!
“Mr. Pickwick envied the facility with which Mr. Peter Magnus’ friends were amused.”— Dickens.
Scene — Any Court . Time — Any Trial .
Q. C. What sort of a night was it?
Witness. It was dark. ( Laughter. )
Judge. My learned friend hardly expected the night to be light, I should think. ( Laughter. )
Junior. Perhaps m’lud, the learned counsel was thinking of a nightlight. ( Roars of laughter. )
Q. C. Well, we’ll take it that it was a dark night. You went out for a stroll?
Witness. No, I went for a walk.
Judge. At any rate the witness was walking about.
Witness. No, my lord, I wasn’t walking a “bout.” I was walking fast. ( Great Laughter. )
Q. C. You were walking fast. Now did you see anything?
Witness. I saw the prisoner.
Q. C. Well, tell us what he was doing.
Witness. He was doing nothing. ( Laughter. )
Judge. How did he do it? ( Renewed Laughter. )
Witness. Very busily, my lord. ( Laughter. )
Junior. Like a briefless barrister, m’lud. ( Roars of laughter. )
Q. C. Did he continue to do nothing long?
Witness. No; he soon seemed to get tired of it.
Q. C. What did he do then?
Witness. He went into a public-house.
Q. C. What for?
Judge. What does my learned friend go into a public-house for? ( Great Laughter. )
Q. C. Will you answer my question?
Witness. He went for some rum-shrub.
Q. C. (proud of his acquaintance with slang, and with a knowing look towards the Junior Bar). It was a very “rum plant” the prisoner was engaged on.
[ Shrieks of laughter, during which the Court rose, being too convulsed to transact any further business.
NOTHING LIKE LOGIC
(An echo of the Tichborne case)
Orton Demonstrator. “I don’ care whether he’s Orton or Tishbo’n or Cashtr’ or who he is, bu’ I don’ like t’ see a po’r man kep’ out of ’s prop’ty!!”
Second Orton Demonstrator. “Jesh sho!”
[ They retire to refresh.
No Costs. —If you want to enjoy the luxury of law for nothing, all you have to do is to prosecute an inquiry.
THE LAST SELL
“Oh sir, please sir, is this Chancery Lane!”
“It is.”
“Ah! I knowed it was!”
“Then why did you ask?”
“’Cos I wanted to have counsel’s opinion!”
When may a lawyer’s clerk be considered most captivating? When he’s engrossing.
RATHER INCONSIDERATE
Policeman (suddenly, to street performer). “Now, then! just you move on, will yer?”
( By one of the Briefless )
Member of the Upper Bar (perusing Assize List). Shall I go round this time? Hum. Let me see. “Muddeford”—can get a day’s hunting there, I think. “Wandsbury”—go over to the Chilstons for Sunday, and have a jolly afternoon with Lily. “Swanston”—wouldn’t do any harm to go and look up Uncle George. “Leamouth”—excellent quarters at hotel there; fair dinner, too. “Deddingham”—good murder case; shouldn’t like to miss it. Yes, I think I’ll go round as far as that, and get back to town in time for the boat-race.”
Reform of the Law. —Chancellors, ex-Chancellors, and King’s Counsel, are members of a society for the reform of the law. They meet and denounce the wickedness of costs, and then hie away to practice. This reminds us of a passage in Borrow’s Gipsies of Spain :—“And now, my dears,” says the head of the family to the younger branches—“now you have said your prayers, go out and steal.”
LONG VACATION
“Now then, Latitat, tuck in your six-and-eightpenny!”
( A report of the future )
The report that the Flashaway divorce suit is postponed is unfounded. It will commence on Tuesday as advertised. There are still a few gallery seats to be obtained at five guineas each.
At Bow Street yesterday, John Jones, a costermonger, was summoned for having obstructed the crowd waiting outside the pit of the Divorce Court. Lady Hightone having given evidence in support of the charge, the defendant explained that he was merely trying to get his barrow through the crowd on his way from Covent Garden.
The magistrate said that the pleasure-seeking public must be protected, and fined him five pounds and costs.
At the same court, the Earl of Blankley was charged with having driven a motor car to the public danger, and further with having run down a boy with fatal result.
His lordship explained that he was co-respondent in a divorce suit, and was on his way to the Law Courts when the accident occurred. The speed may have been a little excessive.
The magistrate said, that bearing in mind the public character of the business on which the defendant was engaged, he would discharge him on payment of half-a-crown and the funeral expenses.
The fine was at once paid.
THE MUZZLING REGULATIONS
Another culprit.
At the New Law Courts. —The cry of the solicitor who has to go to the top story to transact business is, “Please give us a lift.” The solicitor’s lift, if introduced, will be called a conveyancer.
A Very Bad Judge. —The man who tries his friends.
Motto for a Man Reprieved from the Gallows. —No noose is good news.
Strange Sort of Business. —Lawyers sometimes take a different view of things from other persons; so perhaps they may understand how a stationer can think it is to his advantage to give this public notice in his window,—“Deeds abstracted.”
“All in! all in! walk up, ladies!—just a going to begin! None of your shams here, but real bullet-headed murderers! All in! all in!”
Aged Criminal (who has just got a life sentence). “Oh, me lud, I shall never live to do it!”
Judge (sweetly). “Never mind. Do as much of it as you can!”
LEGAL EXAMINATION QUESTION.
Q. What is a feme sole ?
A. A lady’s boot that has lost its fellow .
From Scotland Yard. —Our police force, it has been observed, is deficient in height. The reason is plain. Tall policemen are discouraged, because they might look over things.
A Tight Fit. —A state of coma, which bobbies are too apt to confound with apoplexy.
A Special Plea. —A young thief who was charged the other day with picking pockets, demurred to the indictment, “for, that, whereas he had never picked pockets, but had always taken them just as they came.”
Drawing the Line. — Judge. “Remove those barristers. They’re drawing!”
Chorus of Juniors. “May it please your ludship, we’re only drawing—pleadings.”
[“Mr. Justice Denman said that he saw a thing going on in court that he could not sanction. He saw gentlemen of the bar making pictures of the witness. Let it be understood that he would turn out any gentleman of the bar who did so in future.”— Daily Paper. ]
Chamber Practice. — Messenger (from studious party in the floor below). “If you please, sir, master’s compliments, and he says he’d be much obliged if you’d let him know when the repairs will be finished, for the knocking do disturb him so!”
Reform your Lawyers’ Bills. —There is one consolidation of the statutes that would be very useful—to make them so solid that no lawyer could drive a coach-and-six through them.
First Litigant. “I’m bankruptcy. What are you?”
Second L. “I’m divorce.”
First L. “Then you stand lunch!”
( Fragment from a romance not entirely imaginary )
Scene. — A corridor in the Royal Courts. Eminent counsel in conversation with estimable solicitor and respected client.
Client. I am rather sorry, sir, that you could not conduct my case in person.
Coun. So am I. I took a deal of trouble in preparing the argument I proposed to advance, and it was a great disappointment to me that I was unable to deliver it in person.
Solic. But your junior, sir, represented you to perfection.
Coun. I am rejoiced to hear it. I give every credit to my young and learned friend, and am pleased to think that when we met in consultation I was able to choose the right line of policy.
Solic. Besides, if you were not with us, your retainer prevented you from being against us. And that was a distinct advantage.
Coun. You are most flattering, and too kind.
Solic. Not at all; and I am sure my client agrees with me?
Client. Well, of course I would rather have had the assistance of silk, although your junior no doubt did his best.
Coun. I am sure he did. And now, gentlemen, is there anything further I can do for you?
Solic. Thank you very much—I think not. You got up your case, consulted with your junior and if you were prevented from putting in an appearance in the Court itself, were there in spirit. Besides, I repeat it was a good thing for us that you did not join the Bar of the other side. Thank you very much indeed, sir. Good day.
Coun. Good day. ( He prepares to walk off, when, noticing a movement of the solicitor, he stops. ) You are sure I can do nothing more for you?
Solic. Oh, it’s scarcely worth mentioning. But perhaps you would not mind returning your fee.
Coun. With the greatest pleasure! ( Hands over a bag of gold and exit. )
Client. Well, really, that seems to me very generous! Isn’t it rather unusual?
Solic. Unusual! Oh dear no! Why, it’s the practice of the whole profession!
Curtain.
A Rising Junior. — Old Lady (at the Law Courts). “Could you kindly direct me, sir, to——”
Young Briefless. “My dear madam, I’m a perfect stranger myself—don’t think I’ve been in a court for the last twenty years!”
His First! — Constable (suspiciously). “That bag, sir—does it contain——?”
Little Barrister. “My brief!”
Sir ,—A “Barrister” who lately wrote to the Times , in order to draw public attention to the existing anomalies in the Law of Divorce, omitted all mention of one of its most glaring absurdities. Allow me to state a case in point. Mr. A. runs away with Mrs. B., very good, I mean, of course very bad; well, Mrs. A. sues for a divorce from Mr. A., and obtains an order for alimony pendente lite . Mr. A. objects to pay this amount for the support of his wife, whereupon the Judge “orders an attachment to issue.” Now, sir, if it be, as it certainly is, in the power of the Judge Ordinary to order Mr. A.’s attachment to Issue , why should he not be able judicially to order Mr. A.’s attachment to Wife ? I remain, sir, yours thoughtfully.
A Revising Barrister.
“COUNSEL’S OPINION”
Judge (testily, to persistent junior). “Sir, if you don’t know how to behave as a gentleman in court, I can’t teach you!”
Junior (pointedly). “Quite so, my lud, quite so!”
[ Proceeds.
Among the cheap furniture projects, is a tempting offer to supply everything necessary for a barrister’s chambers for five pounds. We have made a rough calculation in our minds of the meubles ; and the following, we should say, is about the estimate that the advertisers form of
EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR A BARRISTER’S CHAMBERS.
| £ | s. | d. | |
| A mahogany chair, stuffed with hay, for the learned barrister | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| A japan chair, for the learned barrister’s clerk | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| A table to hold a plate and a mug, for the learned barrister | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| A foot-and-a-half wide by five-feet-six long French bedstead | 0 | 13 | 0 |
| A hay mattress for ditto | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| A superior feather-bed, warranted best damaged quills | 1 | 5 | 0 |
| Two blankets in one | 0 | 7 | 0 |
| A superior brown quilt | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Six yards of calico, to fold into a pair of sheets | 0 | 5 | 0 |
| A yard of matting for the learned barrister’s sitting-room | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| A pint tea-kettle | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| A wig-box, the wig to be hired when wanted | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Two yards of black stuff, to hang up to look like a gown | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| A pair of endorsed dummies, as briefs | 0 | 1 | 6 |
| A blue bag and white stock | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| A fender and one fire-iron | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| A coal-scoop | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| A set of backs of old books, labelled “Reports” | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Sundries | 0 | 0 | 6 |
| —— | —— | —— | |
| £5 | 0 | 0 |
Motto for the Long Firm. —“Order is heaven’s first law.”
(IN TWO TONGUES)
The French Method, reported in a Paris Paper. Close of the Thirteenth Day.
The prisoner was admitted. He was self-possessed, grand, mysterious. He glanced round him with a air of disdain, and jeeringly bowed to the president, who regarded him with hatred. Then the president put questions to him.
The President. You are a thief, a scoundrel, an assassin! You know you committed the crime of which you are accused. You are a villain!
The Prisoner. And you—polite.
[ General assent.
The President (with indignation). I will not have you say so! I tell you that I know you entered the room with the pistol. I know that you fired at the deceased. You know you did! Tell me, did you not kill the deceased?
The Prisoner. Why should I tell you? Is not your head of wood, M’sieur le Président.
[ General laughter.
The President (with anger). You shall pay dearly for this! You have insulted me—you have insulted the son of my mother—and insulting her son, you have also insulted my mother!
[ A deep murmur.
The Prisoner (shuddering). Oh, no! I deny it! I am not so base!
The President. But I tell you you are! I tell you that there is no more wicked man in the world than yourself! You are a poltroon!
[ Murmurs.
The Prisoner. And you call the father of my innocent child a poltroon? It is an outrage!
[ General assent.
The President. Your appeal to your innocent babe will avail you nothing. Your innocent babe would be better without such a father! ( General Shuddering. ) Yes, I mean what I say—you are a craven!
The Prisoner. This is too much! I am no craven! I love my country as a mother loves her son.
[ General assent.
M. le Président. You insult France when you call yourself her son! You insult the Republic.
[ Loud murmurs.
The Prisoner. It is not for you to judge! I know you, M’sieur le Président. Forty years ago you were in the service of the King!
M. le Président (with a cry). You shall be gagged if you utter such calumnies! You are a knave, a vagabond, a cut-throat! And now it is for the jury to decide. Have you anything to say in your defence?
The Prisoner (to the Jury). I have nothing to say, save that I brand this man as a traitor! As for me I ask for liberty in the name of my infant—in the name of my child! I confess I am no saint, and if I have murdered, why in the name of my innocent babe I beg of you to stretch out your hands to me and save me from the scaffold. I wish to return to the world to watch by the side of a cradle!
The jury, who were deeply affected, then retired, and, after two hours’ absence, returned a verdict of Guilty.
The English Method, reported in a London Paper. End of the First Day.
The prisoner, who was ably represented by counsel, appeared to be deeply sensible of his position. He kept his eyes on the jury during the brief summing up.
His Lordship said that he trusted the jury would give the benefit of any doubt they might feel in the prisoner’s favour. In so serious a case they must not convict unless they were convinced of his guilt. The facts had been carefully laid before them, and he would not say a word to bias them one way or the other. He entreated them to remember that the life of a fellow creature was at stake, and to let that recollection make them desirous to record only what was proper and just. The jury then retired, and, after five minutes’ absence, returned a verdict of Guilty.
THE LETTER OF THE LAW
Nervous Old Lady. “O, policeman! policeman! there’s a strange dog that will stick to me, and won’t leave me, and I can’t get rid of him! Couldn’t you take him in charge or something?”
Policeman (who doesn’t like the job). “Very sorry, ma’am,—but we can’t interfere with any dog so long as he’s a follerin’ o’ somebody!”
“VICISSITUDES OF FAMILIES”
Ragged Party. “Ah! I should never a’ been redooced like this ’ere if it hadn’t been for the lawyers!”
Raggeder Ditto. “And look at me! All through my title-deeds bein’ made into banjos an’ such like! Why, I spent a small fortun’ advertisin’ for one tambourine as was supposed to a’ been made out o’ my grandmother’s marriage-settlement!!!”
Dreary Counsel (in the course of an hour’s oration). “Gentlemen, you cannot close your eyes—my lord cannot close his —to this important fact!”
A NARROW ESCAPE
Country Magistrate. “Prisoner, you’re discharged this time with a caution; but if we see you here again, you’ll get twice as much!!”
New Legal Definition. — A Copyholder. —A compositor.
Limited Liability. — Worthy Magistrate. “Prisoner, you hear what the policeman says, that you, and some ten or twelve other boys not yet in custody, were seen in the act of demolishing a street lamp; now what have you to say for yourself?”
Prisoner. “So please yer worshop, as there was more nor ten of us engaged in the transagtion, why I pleads limited liability.”
“TURNING HIS FLANK”
( See opposite page. )
Legal Distinction. — Q. What is the difference between attorney and counsel?
A. One is a lawyer, and the other a jawyer.
Mr. Brisket (the butcher). “Good morning, Mr. Chattles! You’re a lawyer, and I want your advice. What can I do with a man whose dog steals some meat from my shop?”
Mr. Chattles (the lawyer). “Demand the value, or summon the owner.”
Mr. Brisket (triumphantly). “Then I want six-and-sixpence from you, sir, or else I’ll summons yer! Your dog there ran away with a piece of mutton o’ that valley from these premises last night!”
Mr. Chattles. “Hum—ah—h’m! Then if you’ll hand me over twopence, we shall just be square, Mr. Brisket—as my fee for consultation is six-and-eightpence!!”
( Respectfully dedicated to the Incorporated Law Society and the Bar Committee )
Scene — Interior of the Duke of Ditchwater’s Study. Time — The near Future. Present —His Grace and Mr. Kosts, the Family Solicitor.
The Duke (finishing a long business talk). And I suppose we had better be represented by Mr. Silvertongue, the Queen’s Counsel?
Mr. Kosts (hesitating). Certainly, your Grace, if it is your express wish.
The Duke (surprised). Why, Mr. Kosts, you surely know of no better representative?
Mr. Kosts (hurriedly). Oh no, your Grace. Mr. Silvertongue is a most eloquent advocate, and has the law at his fingers’ ends; but——
The Duke. Well? Surely we may entrust ourselves in his hands with perfect confidence? Do you not think so?
Mr. Kosts. Oh, certainly, your Grace, certainly. ( Hesitating. ) But matters have changed a little lately. There has been an alteration in the law.
The Duke. Indeed!
Mr. Kosts. Yes, your Grace. The fact is, that the two branches of the legal profession have been amalgamated.
The Duke. I don’t quite understand.
Mr. Kosts. Why, your Grace, there is now no real distinction between solicitors and barristers, except in name. So I thought, your Grace, that as I could do the work as well, that perhaps I might replace Mr. Silvertongue, and—— You see, it is simply a matter of business.
The Duke (interrupting). Certainly, certainly, Mr. Kosts. No doubt you could represent me admirably. But you see I am afraid Mr. Silvertongue might be a little offended. You know he is a personal friend of mine, and——
Mr. Kosts (promptly, with a bow). I trust your Grace will not give the matter another thought—Mr. Silvertongue shall be instructed. ( Preparing to go. ) Of course, your Grace’s young relative, the Honourable Charles Needy, will act as junior?
The Duke. Certainly, Mr. Kosts. Give Charley as much of my work as possible. My wife’s cousin, I am afraid, is not overburdened with briefs.
Mr. Kosts. I am afraid not, your Grace. And yet Mr. Needy is a sharp and clever young gentleman. Good day, your Grace!
The Duke (after a moment’s thought, suddenly). One moment, Mr. Kosts. Did I understand you to say that the two branches of the legal profession were amalgamated?
Mr. Kosts. To all intents and purposes, your Grace. You see we can now do all the work of the Bar.
The Duke. And I suppose barristers can act as solicitors—I mean, undertake the same kind of business?
Mr. Kosts (laughing). There is nothing to prevent them, your Grace, save their incapacity.
The Duke (with dignity). No relative of the Duchess, Mr. Kosts, can be incapable!
Mr. Kosts (puzzled). I beg your Grace’s pardon. I do not quite understand——
The Duke. Then I will explain. You tell me that barristers can now act as solicitors. Well, you know the old adage, that “blood is thicker than water.” It is, Mr. Kosts; it is. You will pardon me, I am sure, if I suggest that the connection of your firm with my family has not been unlucrative.
Mr. Kosts. On the contrary, your Grace! I may fairly say that the connection is worth many hundreds a-year to us. We cannot be sufficiently grateful.
The Duke. Pray desist, Mr. Kosts. The matter is one of pure business. It really is not at all a question of gratitude. Well, as I understand you to say that Mr. Needy is quite qualified to undertake solicitor’s work——
Mr. Kosts (blankly). Theoretically, your Grace; theoretically.
The Duke (haughtily). Any relative of the Duchess can reduce theory to practice.
Mr. Kosts (bowing). No doubt, your Grace; no doubt.
The Duke. Well, as I now find that Charley can do the work I have hitherto given to you, Mr. Kosts, I feel that some alteration must be made. Charley is poor, and my relative. So I am sure you will not be offended when for the future I give him the whole of the legal work I used to give to you. You see, after all (as you explained to me just now) it is purely a matter of business!
[ Scene closes in upon Mr. Kosts’ discomfiture.
Police Tyranny. — Policeman (to obtrusive tramp). “Now then, what d’ye mean by shoving yourself in before these poor people out o’ your turn? You stand back or—( thinking deeply )—you shall have such a wash !!”
Impracticable. — Judge (to witness). “Repeat the prisoner’s statement to you, exactly in his own words. Now, what did he say?”
Witness. “My lord, he said he stole the pig——”
Judge. “Impossible! He couldn’t have used the third person.”
Witness. “My lord, there was no third person!”
Judge. “Nonsense! I suppose you mean that he said, ‘I stole the pig’!”
Witness (shocked). “Oh, my lord! he never mentioned your lordship’s name!”
[ Dismissed ignominiously.
The British Juryman Preparing for the Worst. — Wife of his Bussum. “There, my love, I think with what you have had, and this box of concentrated luncheon, you may hold out against any of ’em!”
New Legal Work. ( By the author of “In Silk Attire.” )—“The briefless junior; or, plenty of stuff to spare.”
Musical Law. —“Bar’s rest.” Long vacation.
A Laborious Occupation. —Shop-lifting.
A Lawsuit now pending in Tennessee between two families has run for such a length of time, that it takes six men of the strongest memories in the State to remember when it was begun.
( By A. Briefless, Junior )
“Here is something for you, sir,” said a sharp-looking youth, suddenly thrusting into my hand a document.
I quietly put the paper into my pocket without comment (I had no wish to bandy words with the process-server), and reflected that some half-forgotten tailor, or too-long-neglected hatter, was a person of no real delicacy of feeling.
“And will you see to the matter at once?” continued the sharp-looking youth, “as they can’t wait.”
“Certainly,” I replied, with a dignity which I intended should suggest that I had a perfectly fabulous account at Coutts’s. My account at the celebrated banking firm referred to is perfectly fabulous.
“All right, sir. I suppose we shall see you in the morning.”
The youth disappeared, and I journeyed home. As I walked along the Thames Embankment I pondered over the alterations made in our law by the Judicature Acts.
“When I was a younger man,” I murmured to myself, “a copy of a writ, when considered entirely without prejudice, was rather a handsome instrument than otherwise. The direct message from the Sovereign, for instance, used to be very far from ungratifying, although perhaps it would have been better had the greeting been joined to a matter a little less embarrassing, say, than an unsatisfied claim for the value of certain shirts. But nowadays the neat crisp document of the olden time seems to be abandoned for a far more bulky paper—for the packet I have in my pocket!”
However, I threw off my cares, and thought no more of the affair until the next morning, when, putting on my overcoat, I discovered, to my intense astonishment, to my overwhelming joy, that what I had believed to be a writ was actually a brief. I had to sit down on the hall-chair for five minutes to compose myself. My emotion was perfectly painful—it was my first, my maiden brief! The news spread like wildfire through the household, and the distant strains of “Rule, Britannia!” were heard coming from the nursery.
There was but one thing to be done, and I did it. I hurriedly collected all the law-books I possess (Shearwood’s “Abridgment of Real Property,” an odd volume of Stephen’s “Commentaries,” and an early edition of “The Comic Blackstone”), jumped into a hansom, and rattled down to Pump-Handle Court. Arrived there, I handed my brief to my clerk (the sharp-looking youth who had given me the paper turned out to be my clerk), and instructed him to put it in a prominent position in his own room, so that my client, when he arrived, might see it, and conclude that I had so many matters just then in hand that I had not had as yet time to look into his case, which was waiting its turn for consideration with numerous others. I was ashamed to give these instructions, but reflected that it was important, having regard to my professional prospects, that my expected visitor should be kept as long as possible in ignorance of the fact that he was my solitary employer.
“All right, sir,” said my clerk, with a facial gesture which I regret to say savoured of a wink. “He will be here by eleven.”
I now entered my own room. It was rather in disorder. I share my chambers with an intimate friend, and as I am very often away, he sometimes uses my sanctum (entirely with my consent) as a receptacle for empty packing-cases, old cigar-boxes, superfluous window-curtains, and worn-out boots. With the assistance of my clerk, who followed me in, I soon set things to rights, putting on the month-indicator from October to March, filling the inkstand with copying fluid, and removing somebody’s pot-hat from the brows of my bust of the late Lord Chancellor Brougham.
“There, sir, I think that will do now,” said my clerk, with a look of satisfaction, and he left me seated at my desk turning over some dusty brief paper which I had found knocking about in one of the drawers.
My room is a semi-subterranean apartment in a circular tower. I have two small casements looking out upon some gardens, but as I occupy the basement, I can only see the ankles of the passers-by, and am myself free from observation save when some more than usually unruly urchin brings his head level with mine, and makes faces at me through the window.
I repeat I was turning over the dusty brief-paper, and toying with Mr. Shearwood’s very excellent “Abridgment,” when the door was thrown open and my clerk announced, “Someone to see you, sir.”
“You will pardon me,” I said, without looking up, consulting in the meantime the hand-book before me with knitted brows, “but I am engaged for a few moments. I will attend to you directly.”
“Oh, certainly, sir,” replied the new-comer, in the most deferential tone possible; and he took a seat.
I jotted down the incidents of Borough English, frowned as if engaged in deep thought, and then smilingly turned to my visitor, and asked him how I could be of service to him.
“I want you to look into this case, sir,” he began, with a timidity that was as unexpected as it was gratifying—his nervousness gave me confidence.
“By all means,” I responded heartily, dipping a pen into the ink, and putting a fresh sheet of brief-paper over the page I had already used for the incidents of Borough English and a freehand sketch of a British Grenadier, “I shall be glad to hear all about it.”
“I must apologise for intruding upon you, knowing how busy you are, but I thought you would be interested in what I have to place before you.”
“Pray do not apologise,” I hastened to say; and then added, with a little laugh, “I certainly have taken you out of your turn, but then this is our first transaction. I hope it will not be the last.”
“I hope so, too,” replied my client, fervently. “If you will allow me, I will often place things like this before you. I should have come to you earlier only so many gentlemen object to seeing me.”
“Dear me!” I replied, a little surprised. “I suppose some men don’t care to jeopardise their professional reputation by failure. And now, with your permission, I will look into your case.”
“It is here, sir,” he answered, opening a rather large portfolio. “You will notice that these are very beautiful engravings.”
“Certainly,” I returned, making a note on the paper before me; “as you say, most beautiful. No doubt of very considerable value.”
“I am glad you like them, sir. They are forced to be got rid of at an enormous sacrifice.”
“Indeed!” I ejaculated, continuing my notes.
“Yes, sir. They are being sold at something less than cost-price.”
“Really!” And again I jotted down the particulars. Then I said, to show that I comprehended the affair at a glance, “I suppose there has been a dispute about the copyright?”
“No, sir, that’s all right.”
“Ah, to be sure—then there has been a breach of contract?” But finding that this also was not the case, I said, with hearty bonhomie , “Well, my dear sir, as I have made two bad guesses, perhaps you had better tell me what I can do for you.”
My client coughed deferentially, and then produced a paper.
“I beg your pardon, sir, but would you mind signing this?”
I read the document—it ran as follows:—
“To Messrs. Scamp and Vamp.— I hereby agree to purchase one copy of your ‘Pillars of the Law from the Earliest Ages,’ profusely illustrated, in one hundred and fifty-seven monthly parts, at seven shillings and sixpence a part. I further agree to pay for this work annually, at the rate of twelve parts in advance. ”
There was a solemn and awful pause. Then I drew myself up to my full height, and in a voice of thunder ordered him out ! I know not how he disappeared—in a moment he had vanished, portfolio and all!
Rather fatigued after my late exertions, I called to my clerk, and with weary haughtiness desired him to bring me my brief, as I wished to “glance through the papers.”
“Your brief, sir?” he returned. “Oh, I should have told you, sir, that, while you were talking to the man with the engravings, they called to see you. They said they were in a hurry, and as you were engaged, they would take it to some one else.”
“Take it to some one else!” My maiden brief!
At this point I must pause—for the moment, I can write no more!
A. Briefless, Junior.
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF. DICKENS UP TO DATE
[“Two burglars, charged with burglary, frankly admitted that the reason they wore gloves was because they didn’t want to leave their finger impressions for identification purposes.”— Daily Paper. ]
First Cultured Safe-Breaker. “Harris.”
Second C. S.-B. “Sir.”
First C. S.-B. “Have you got your gloves on?”
Second C. S.-B. “Yes, sir.”
First C. S.-B. “Then take the kiver off!”
MISSING THE POINT
Legal Adviser (speaking technically). “In short, you want to meet your creditors.”
Innocent Client. “Hang it, no! Why, they’re the very people I’m most anxious to avoid!”
A FINAL APPEAL
“Now, gentlemen of the jury, I throw myself upon your impartial judgment as husbands and fathers, and I confidently ask, does the prisoner look like a man who would knock down and trample upon the wife of his bosom? Gentleman, I have done!”
AUTOMATIC ARBITRATION
No more exorbitant fees! No more law! No more trials!
Exclusion. — Policeman (at the Law Courts). “Strict orders to-day, m’m. No one to be admitted unless they’re in wig an’—that is—beg pardon, m’m—barristers, m’m—only barristers!”
Sir Joshua Dogberry. “If you meet a ticket-of-leave man, you may suspect him, by virtue of your office, to be no true man; and, for such kind of men, the less you meddle or make with them the better for your honesty.”— Much Ado about Nothing.
NEWS FROM THE LAW COURTS
Cold but in-vig-orating.
Old Style. — Nervous Witness about to leave the box, when his progress is arrested by Counsel on the other side.
Counsel (sharply). Now, sir, do know the value of an oath?
Witness (taken aback). Why, yes—of course.
Coun. (pointing at him). Come, no prevarication! Do you understand the value, or do you not?
Wit. (confused). If you will allow me to explain——
Coun. Come, sir, you surely can answer yes or no—now which is it?
Wit. But you will not let me explain——
Coun. Don’t be impertinent, sir! Explanation is unneeded. Mind, you have been sworn, so if you don’t know the value of an oath, it will be the worse for you.
“DEFENCE, NOT DEFIANCE”
“In these days of conflicts between counsel, I propose to make a few additions to my usual forensic costume.”— Extract from a Letter of Mr. Welnown Kaysee, K.C., to a young friend.
Wit. But you won’t let me speak.
Coun. Won’t let you speak! Why, I can’t get a word out of you. Now, sir, in plain English—are you a liar or not?
Wit. (appealing to Judge). Surely, my lord, he has no right to speak to me like this?
Judge. Be good enough to answer the counsel’s questions. I have nothing to do with it.
Coun. Now sir—once more; are you a liar, or are you not?
Wit. I don’t think that’s the way you would speak to me——
Coun. Don’t bully me, sir! You are here to tell us the truth; or as much of it as you can.
Wit. But surely you ought to——
Coun. Don’t tell me what I ought to do, sir. Again, are you a liar, or are you not?
Wit. Please tell me how I am to reply to such a question?
Coun. You are not there to ask me questions, sir, but to answer my questions to you .
Wit. Well, I decline to reply.
Judge (to Witness). Now you had better be careful. If you do not answer the questions put to you, it will be within my right to send you to gaol for contempt of court.
Coun. Now you hear what his lordship says, and now, once more, are you a liar or are you not?
Wit. (confused). I don’t know.
Coun. (to Jury). He doesn’t know! I need ask nothing further!
[ Sits down.
Foreman (to Judge). May we not ask, my lord, how you consider this case is being conducted.
Judge. With pleasure, gentlemen! I will repeat what I remarked to the Master quite recently. I think the only word that will describe the matter is “noble.” Distinctly noble!
[ Scene closes in upon despair of Witness.
New Style. — Arrogant Witness about to leave the box, when his progress is arrested by Counsel on the other side.
Coun. I presume, sir, that——
Wit. (sharply). You have no right to presume. Ask me what you want, and have done with it.
Coun. (amiably). I think we shall get on better—more quickly—if you kindly attend to my questions.
Wit. Think so? Well, it’s a matter of opinion. But, as I have an engagement in another place, be good enough to ask what you are instructed to ask and settle the matter off-hand.
Coun. If you will allow me to speak——
Wit. Speak!—I like that! Why, I can’t get a rational word out of you!
Coun. (appealing to Judge). Surely, my lord, he has no right to speak to me like this?
Judge. Be good enough to attend to the witness. I have nothing to do with it.
Wit. (impatiently). Now, sir, am I to wait all day?
Coun. (mildly). I really venture to suggest that is not quite the tone to adopt.
Wit. Don’t bully me, sir! I am here to answer any questions you like to put, always supposing that you have any worth answering.
Coun. But come—surely you ought to——
Wit. I am not here to learn my duty from you, sir. You don’t know your subject, sir. How long have you been called?
Coun. I decline to reply.
Judge (to Counsel). Now you had really better be careful. I wish to treat the Bar with every respect, but if you waste any more time I shall feel strongly inclined to bring your conduct before your Benchers.
Wit. You hear what his lordship says. What are you going to do next?
Coun. (confused). I don’t know.
Wit. (to Jury). He doesn’t know! I needn’t stay here any longer.
[ “Stands” down.
Judge (to Jury). May I ask you, gentlemen, how you consider this case is being conducted?
Foreman of the Jury. With pleasure, my lord. We were all using the same word which exactly describes the situation. We consider the deportment of the witness “noble.” Distinctly noble.
[ Scene closes in upon despair of Counsel.
Lady (solemnly). “When you see a boy always loafing round street corners, what place in life do you suppose he is fitting himself for?”
Boy. “To be a policeman, mum!”
Tomkins looking too long at the cartes de visite of the lawyers in Chancery Lane, is seized with a sudden involuntary panic. “Don’t be alarmed, my boy,” said his friend Wigsby, who happened to be passing at the time, “Your coat pockets are quite safe; we don’t do it that way!”
NOVELTY IN COIFFURES
Suitable for ladies called to the bar (as they soon will be, of course).
Air — “The Sea! the Sea!”
A Sore Point. — First Articled Clerk. “Well how did your private theatricals go off?”
Second Ditto. “Pre’y well. My moustache went off at once, but nothing would induce the pistol to go off in the duel scene!”—( Dropping the subject. )—“How’s your mother?”
Song for the Burglar to his “Pal” who “Peached.” —“Never again with you , Robbin’.”
Suitors’ Sufferings. —As law is to rheumatism, so is equity to gout. The fusion of law and equity may be said to form the counterpart of rheumatic gout.
“ Behind the Scenes. ”— First Judge. “Breach of promise still running?”
Second Judge. “Going wonderfully. No standing room. “What are you doing?”
First Judge. “A building contract. Wretched business: not a soul in the place!”
A Spring Circuit. —Jumping through the hoops held for the riders round a circus.
Suitable Site for a Police “Court.” —The area.
AU REVOIR!
BRADBURY AGNEW & CO LD. PRINTERS, LONDON AND TONBRIDGE.