Rutland Herald

From the Literary Inquirer.

THE COURT ROOM.

Mr. Inquirer,—It will doubtless be granted, that a person of inquiring mind and close observation, may gather useful instruction and information, from sources which a careless spectator would pass unnoticed, as in every day occurrence. I am in the habit of sauntering out to the courts of justice, as they are termed, for the purpose both of amusement and to obtain a little knowledge of the world. I find it an excellent school in which to learn the various contingencies in nature of human nature. The good and the bad, the great and the wise, the knave and the fool, the learned and the unlearned, with characters as various as the colors of the chameleon, are to be met with in the interior of a court house. On one occasion, I found my usual seat to see if there were anything calculated to afford the "looker on in Venice" sufficient interest to remain within the walls, on a wet and gloomy day. A poor, gaunt and sallow faced individual, who had apparently been some time incarcerated in person, was arraigned for trial on a charge of having passed a small counterfeit Bank note for a genuine one. To the charge alleged against him, he pleaded, (by advice of counsel) not guilty. The evidence was introduced pro and con, and the prosecuting attorney labored with all his might to convince the jury of his guilt. His aim seemed to be for conviction, right or wrong. On the other side, every nook and corner of the law, (if I may so express myself) was brought out by which to let the prisoner escape. He was found guilty and sentenced to state's prison for a term of years. As he was about to be remanded to prison, the president of a bank who had been a witness against him, met him in the lobby of the court house, when a dialogue ensued between them.

"Well" says the President of the bank, "you rascal, they have convicted you I understand. If I had the power I would have you hanged for such an offence."

"I know you would," replied the convict. "and if I had the power, I might with equal propriety have you hanged."

"What do you mean by such insolence?" said the Bank man.

"I mean sir as I say." replied the other, "and I stand ready to prove it."

"How, what have I done?" said the Bank man.

"The distinction between you and me is not as great as you may imagine," said the convict; "It is true that you roll in wealth, whilst I get whatever chance throws in my way—you never added a cent to the welfare of society, and I have never diminished it one. You have never cultivated the soil, nor pursued any art, trade, or mystery which would contribute to benefit mankind, but your wealth has been extorted from the poor, and from the hard earnings of their industry. Your checks upon the general fund of the laboring part of society, have been for thousands of dollars. My drafts have been small, as it required but little to support one who moves in the sphere of life, which I have led. You are the primary cause of setting false money afloat. I have been convicted of passing a counterfeit three dollar note and must therefore suffer the stigma and punishment of a felon—whilst you under the milder name of Bank President, have pocketed from the community your great wealth, and can now ride in your coach to Wethersfield to see such a comparatively innocent man as I am confined in a state's prison."

A crowd of spectators were by listening with strict attention to what passed. When the convict had ceased his discourse, the Bank man hoisted his silk umbrella to protect him from the rain turned upon his heel, and went away—whilst the Sheriff conducted the passer of a counterfeit three dollar bill, back unsheltered from the rain to his cell. As the crowd dispersed, I heard one of them emphatically exclaim, that fellow is no fool!

JACOB MCKELVAIN.