"JUSTICE AS SHE IS SPOKEN IN FRANCE."
Dear Mr. Punch,—Now that we are close upon the silly season, when it is most difficult to get interesting "copy" for the columns of the daily papers, may I be permitted to make a suggestion? No doubt you have seen an account of the examination of Caserio Santo by the President of the Court on the occasion of his trial. Could not the idea be naturalised in London by the Metropolitan Police Magistrates? I would not, of course, propose to apply the method in cases of a serious character, but used in what are known as "the night charges," the practice would become very interesting. To better explain my meaning. I will imagine that a prisoner who has been arrested on a charge of being "drunk and incapable" is standing in front of his worship.
Magistrate (with sarcasm). You are sober now.
Prisoner (in the same tone). As a judge.
Magistrate (indignantly). Judges are always sober.
Prisoner (with a laugh). How should you know?—you, who are only a magistrate!
[Murmurs.
Magistrate. You insult me! But that will not serve you. Drink is the curse of the country!
Prisoner. You have tried it? It has been a curse to you!
[Cries of disapproval.