JUSTICE FOR JUSTICE!
SCENE—A Court of Justice. Prisoner, a young man of eighteen, in the dock, weeping bitterly. His Uncle stands before him, and occasionally offers him smelling salts. General commiseration amongst the spectators, many of whom are ladies armed with opera-glasses. Police Constable under cross-examination.
Counsel for the Defence. And so, Constable, you had actually the heart to read the warrant to the Prisoner?
Witness. I did, Sir, in the execution of my duty.
Coun. for the Def. (scornfully). Duty! and to this he said nothing?
Wit. (in a low tone). Nothing, Sir—nothing!
Coun. for the Def. And I am not surprised! He might well say nothing to such an announcement! HE, a Gentleman by birth—education—everything—to be accused of forgery! It is too cruel!
Mr. Justice Punch (courteously but firmly). I do not wish to control the management of your case, Mr. MCSLANGER, but the time for you to address the Jury has not yet arrived.
Coun. for Def. (submissive but sulky). As your Lordship pleases.
[Resumes his seat.
Usher (calling). Admiral CUTTERMAN!
Admiral (in a low tone). Here!
[He leaves the Prisoner, first handing him the smelling salts, and enters the Witness Box.
Council for the Prosecution (after the Witness has been sworn). I think you are here on subpoena served by the Treasury.
Witness (with a glance of sadness at the Dock). Had I not been summoned to be present by those in authority, not the entreaties of magicians would have brought me here!
Coun. for the Pros. I take it you are an unwilling Witness?
Witness (with difficulty suppressing acute emotion). A most, a very most unwilling Witness!
Coun. for the Def. (scornfully). Unwilling!
Coun. for the Pros. (in a tone of remonstrance). I really must beg my learned friend to refrain from disturbing the proceedings. These constant interruptions are most annoying.
Coun. for the Def. (with force and violence). I cannot sufficiently express my indignation—
Mr. Justice Punch (sharply). Then do not make the attempt.
Coun. for the Def. (surlily). As your Lordship pleases. [Subsides.
Coun. for the Pros. But, in spite of being an unwilling Witness, you undoubtedly saw the Prisoner forge your name?
Witness (with his handkerchief to his eyes). Alas! I did!
[A pause, during which everyone regains equanimity.
Coun. for Def. (on renewal of proceedings). And so you are the Uncle of the Prisoner?
Witness (sadly). Yes, I am.
Coun. for Def. Still you are here, and are pushing that poor lad to the prison-door! (Prisoner snivels.) Yes, you are dealing him (one of your own flesh and blood) a never-to-be-recalled injury!
Witness (plucking up spirit). Only my duty, Sir. I obey only my duty!
Coun. for Def. Your duty! Why, man, how can it be your duty?
Mr. Justice Punch (seriously). Again I must interpose. (To Counsel.) Mr. MCSLANGER, I must once more remind you that your business at present is to ask questions, not to make speeches.
Coun. for Def. But, my Lord, the task is a difficult one.
Mr. Justice Punch. If you find it beyond your powers, no doubt some of your colleagues will come willingly to your assistance.
Coun. for Def. No, my Lord, I do not mean what your Lordship means. I am quite capable of performing the duties it has been my pleasure and pride to accept.
Mr. Justice Punch (wearily). Pray let us get on?
Coun. for Def. Do you not think it a grossly cruel and revolting thing that a man should give evidence against his near relative?
Witness (greatly agitated). My Lord, I appeal to you, is it fair that I should be treated in this fashion?
Mr. Justice Punch (emphatically). No, it is not! You are here, Sir, in performance of a solemn duty—to assist the ends of justice in the punishment, and consequently prevention, of crime. It is not right that in the witness-box you should be badgered and insulted as if you were worthy of the dock! One can feel some sympathy with the relatives of the prisoner, because he appears to have had respectable surroundings. But if he is convicted of forgery, it will be his own fault! I shall accept the verdict as a proof that education and birth are not safeguards to prevent crime. And as for you, Sir (turning angrily to Coun. for Def.), let me tell you that you degrade your office when you make the wig and the gown the shield of the brute and the bully. Let us have no more of it!
Coun. for Def. (subdued but depressed). As your Lordship pleases.
Mr. Justice Punch. It does so please me, and I think that it will equally please all my learned brothers who sit in Royal Courts to follow my example! It is time that the Witness, as well as the accused, received proper protection. I hope my words will be taken to heart in another place!
[The Scene closes in on his Lordship's suggestion.
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