TRIAL BY TELEPHONE.

North Otago Times, 6 September 1906, Page 2 (Supplement)

TRIAL BY TELEPHONE.

In America the telephone is used for strange purposes, but it has been loft to a deputy sheriff to obtain the conviction of a prisoner hy its means (says the "Penny Magazine"). A negro was arrested by the deputy sheriff, and was about to lie taken to the nearest town for trial, when he suddenly held forth as follows: "See here, boss. Ah knows Ah is guilty, an' you knows it 'too, 'cos yo sh.o catcii me dead tcr rights. All hain't a-lmnkorin 1 arter no trial—hav tcr pay or lawyer an' git it in dor neck anyhow. Kain't Ah plead guilty an' pay mail line now? Hain't got no time, nohow, goin' erround„dese justice cotes." The deputy sheriff grasped the situation, telephoned to a magistrate, and explained the facts. A fine was imposed and promptly paid by the negro, who was at once set at liberty.