TRIAL BY TELEPHONE.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 8, Issue 13, 12 February 1907, Page 2

TRIAL BY TELEPHONE.

— * — In America the telephone is used for strange purposes, but it has been left to a deputy sheriff to obtain the conviction of a prisoner by its means (says tho “Penny Magazine”). A negro was arrested by the deputy sheriff, and was about to be 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 sho catch me dead ter rights. Ah hain’t a-honkerin’ arter no trial—hav ter pay or lawyer an’ git it in der nock anyhow. Knin't Ah plead guilty an’ pay mah fine now ? Ilain't got no time, nohow, goin’ erround dose justice cotes.” The deputy sheriff grasped tho 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.