REBUKING A JURYMAN.

Colonist, Volume XXII, Issue 2514, 22 February 1879, Page 5 (Supplement)

REBUKING A JURYMAN.

I once heard this anecdote by Judge Parsons, the great Massachusetts advocate and j lawyer, Bays the Her. J. F. Clarke:--^ ',','," ? It is said that being about to try a mercantile case, he ordered a jury to 1 be summoned, and among the names was : that of Mr' Thomas H. Perkins, the, leading 'merchant of Boston, and a personal friendpf Judge Parsons. When the officer made his return he laid down a $50 bill before the Judge. ' " ' 11 What is that ? " said Parsons. , ; " Mr Perkins says he is very.buay, indeed, to-day, and perfera to pay.ihis fine." ■ . "' " Take that back to Mr Perkins," said, the Judge, " and tell him to come, her^afyoace, and if he refuses bring him by force." ~O When Mr Perkins appeared, the Judge looked sternly at him, and said: " What "do you mean, Sir, by sending money when you were summoned to sit on this jury ? " Mr Parkins replied: ".I meant no disrespect to the Court, your Honor, but I was extremely busy fitting out a ship for the East Indies, and I thought that if I paid my; fine I might be excused." ".Fitting out a ship for the East Indies,! sir ? "shouted the Judge, " and how happens it that you are able to fit out a ship for the' East Indies?" . " Tour Honor, I do not understand you?"! " I repeat, then, my question ; how is itj that you are able to fit out a ship for the; East Indies ? ? If you do not •know; I'will! tell you. It is because the laws^of your; country are properly administered. If they j were not, you would have no ships. Take your seat, sir, with the jury."