Richmond Democrat

Reuben Taylor was called before Justice DeMasters Tuesday to defend himself against the charge of using loud, obscene and abusive language on the public streets, said language being directed toward his wife. Reuben is well known to the citizens of Richmond and will require no particular introduction. He is a type of the pure African, with a fine mouth for watermelon and a big appetite for the flowing bowl.

After the testimony of Reuben's wife and of deputy marshal Byers, Mr. Ball told Reuben he had the privilege of addressing the court in his own defense.

'Does yer mean dat I kin make a speech?' asked Reuben. 'I kin do it if you think its necessary'

He was told that from the evidence it appeared exceedingly necessary for the defense to explain matters.

Thereupon, Reuben cast his hat beneath the table, arose and made a speech of burning eloquence, which run about as follows:

'I'se got just dis to say: Ef I dun anything wrong it wasn't cause I aimed fer to do it, no sah; I was jest talkin' to my wife, jest talkin' to her jest like any man talks to his wife.' (and here Reuben looked around the circle of spectators as if to appeal to them to chip in and agree with him).

'but I wasn't drunk. I may forgot an talked too loud: you know how tis sometimes you chune a fiddle an' chune it too high: but I was sober an I didn't use no 'fane langwidge dat I kin remember. I jest ax to be given a chance fur to do right. I used to be goin' round heah drunk. ebery day, but you white gentlemen talked to me an I quit doin'dat way, an' now I's tryin' de best I can to git along. But I wasn't drunk, sab, no sah, I-'

Here the court explained that there was no charge of drunkenness against the prisoner. and intimated that the argument. like the weather, was oppressive, if not impressive, whereupon Mr. Taylor offered a few words expressive of his intense desire to do right, if he was only given a chance, and took his seat amidst approving if not tumultuous applause. Prosecuting Attorney Ball declined to speak after Reube's eloquent appeal and the court proceeded to deliver a lecture. reminding Mr. Taylor that time and again he had appeared before the court charged with offensive conduct, and just as often he had made profuse promises and been let off. While the court regretted very much to curtail Mr Taylor's freedom it appeared to his honor that about thirty days devoted to rumination and reflection at night in private apartments at Col. Warrenstaff's hotel. with a daily course of study of geological formations beneath the shade trees would be conducive to Mr. Taylor's health and perhaps teach him that a man should speak gently to his wife at all times. In spite of Reuben's tears the court repeated the sentence.

'But hol' on. Mister DeMasters. ain't it goin' to be a money fine?'

The court figured up an addition of $9 costs, when Reuben excitedly exclaimed:

'Den, Sah. I demand a trial. sab.'

In spite of Reuben's demand for a trial, deputy constable Baber escorted him to the county refrigerator and headquarters for geological students. With the fine added. Mr. Taylor will take nearly a forty days' course of instruction.