DOI Heft:
March 16, 1889
DOI Seite / Zitierlink: https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.17687#0131
March 16, 1889.]
PUNCH, OP THE LONDON CHARIVARI.
121
ON COMMISSION.
Tuesday, March 5.—The aristocracy becoming1 slightly bored with
Law. Still a fair number daily tax the amiability of the ever-
courteous Secretary. Haying
settled in our places, the Com-
missioners prepared to take the
armchairs, which had been
arranged beforehand for them at
an angle calculated to allow of
their entrance with a dignity
fitting to their exalted station.
There was the usual bow from
the Bench to the Bar, which,
alas! had no briefless brother-
hood (in the back rows) to
gratefully and gracefully return
it! Then Sir James Hannen
gaye a decision about the admis-
sion of certain newspapers,
which, it was alleged, had been
imp m used by the staff of the Land
League for disseminating disaf-
«w ,, n. V .,, ,, „ feet ion. That decision once
WeU„pphed„thn.bljs».,n™..k Mr A,™ was
called upon to read the para-
graphs complained of. It was then that I fully appreciated
how disastrous it would be were ladies eyer admitted to the
Bar. I could not help feeling that had two aged females been
in the place of my learned friends, Sir Richard and Sir
Charles, there would have been any amount of squabbling and
loss of time. As it was, it is scarcely necessary to say that Mr.
Attorney was ready on the instant to go on, and that he received
the greatest possible assistance from his learned friends on the other
side. The Commissioners could scarcely conceal the gratification
they evidently felt in presiding over so happy a family. It was a
pretty and touching sight to gaze upon Sir Richard as he turned to
his learned friends and asked, “Are you ready?” In a moment
any number of miscellaneous documents were handed to him—all,
no doubt, of the greatest possible value, if put in at the proper time.
Mr. Attorney’s gratitude to “those associated with him” seemed to
he unbounded, and he constantly called for Mr. Soames, no doubt to
express to that learned gentleman his warmest acknowledgments for
the valuable assistance that was being so copiously extended to him.
Then came a few witnesses full of “ information,” as, no doubt, my
learned and laughter-leading friend Mr. Lockwood would say, as
they were informers—hence the smile-compelling pleasantry. The
last was seemingly a youth
of somewhat tender years;
and when my learned and
laughter-leading friend sug-
gested that Mr. Ronan
should wheel the witness
home (after re-examination)
in a perambulator, the Court
became quite Christmassy in
its merriment before adjourn-
ing to the morrow.
Wednesday. — Interest in
Law once more on the wane.
The perusing of extracts
continued at the rate (after
taking into consideration the
expense of the inquiry), of
I suppose, about a pound or
so a minute. However, this
Mr. Lockwood, Q.C., kindly
Mr. Ronan to act on Counsel’s Advice.
rather costly exercise was of distinct value to my learned friend,
Mr. Asquith, who had the benefit of a reading lesson, personally
conducted by Sir James Hannen. “ May I ask you, kindly,” said
the revered President of the Probate Division, courteously hut firmly,
“to raise your voice, and hold your head up?” For a moment I
almost expected to hear his Lordship add, ‘‘And slap your right
leg with your cane, Sir, and wink'at the girls!” I hasten to say,
with heartfelt respect, that Sir James gave no such martial, hut
entirely unlawyerlike direction. Moreover, it is only just to my
learned friend (whose services in the case have been of the greatest
value to his leader) to express my opinion that had he received such
an order he would have hesitated, and rightly hesitated, to have
carried it into execution ; and this would have been the more com-
mendable, as my learned friend has other than forensic claims to
the title of “Junior,” and Beauty in the Court has never lacked
representatives. But it will he patent to everyone that it is no part
of a counsel’s duty (even under direction of the Bench) to recognise
female comeliness by the sudden drooping and upraising of a wig-
surmounted eyelid. This reminds me that some of our forensic
perukes are far from perfect. Had I frequent occasion to renew
A Consultation.
my own, I should go to Mr. Fox (whose wigs at the Maske of
Flowers at Gray’s Inn during the Jubilee were, so to speak, the
toast of the Bench and the Bar), who, I feel sure would always
fit me to my entire satisfaction. To return, the reproduction of the
speeches of eminent statesmen and others (declaimed in his most
brilliant style by my learned and energetic friend, Mr. Atkinson)
had certainly one advantage—it nearly cleared the Court. After
the midday adjournment, the proceedings (like “ grey shirtings” on
certain interesting occasions in the City), became more “lively.”
Thanks to the gallant conduct of my learned and fiery friend, Sir
Charles Russell, there were several little 44 scenes in Court” (sub-
sequently found of great benefit by
the gentlemen of the Press) and now
and again there was quite a 4 4 sensa-
tion.” I left before the adjournment,
and was surprised to hear a rumour
that, after my retirement, in spite of
the ample room in court for all pre-
sent, the President was reported to he
quietly sitting upon Sir Charles Rus-
sell with every sign of satisfaction.
Thursday.—A further falling off
in the attendance. Mr. Soames (the
most hard-working of solicitors) of
course was present, and if Mr.
George Lewis was less en evidence, that learned gentleman left
matters in the able hands of a most efficient representative. It was a
very pleasing sight to see the principal conversing with his devoted
adherent. My learned and fiery friend Sir Charles Russell, however,
was instrumental in giving a distinct interest to the proceedings. With
evident disinclination (for he assured us that he was 44 singularly
averse ” to interrupting anyone), he somehow contrived to have quite
an exciting little altercation with the Bench by (so it seemed to me) the
introduction of contention-breeding interpolations. He also cross-
examined a witness with a verve and a go that may have recalled to
some of us the most respec ed memories of that grand old institution,
the Ancient Bailey. _ But when he accused my learned and apparently
rather depressed friend, Mr. Attorney, of making an “audacious
request,” I reluctantly confess I could not enthusiastically follow on
the same side. However, we were so pleased when we learned that
Sir Richard expected to complete his case in the course of a day or
two, that Bench and Bar seemed prepared to forgive and forget every-
thing. As a matter of fact, when the Commissioners retired for the
week, they took their departure with an air of relief that conjured
up a vision in my mind of three of the best and ablest of our Judges
dancing with dignified joy in their own private apartments.
And now, as this seems to be a suitable time for explanation, per-
haps I may he permitted to make a personal statement on my own
account. I have reason to believe that there has been some surprise
expressed that I have not myself been “retained” either on one side
or the other in this very interesting case. I must admit that it is
certainly a fact that no brief has been delivered at Pump-handle
Court (up to date) desiring me to appear either “with me the
Attorney-General,” or “with me Sir Charles Russell.” How-
ever, on reflection, I commend the judgment of Messrs. Soames and
Lewis in making what at first sight may have appeared (to the
uninitiated) an omission. I venture to suggest that it may have
occurred to
certain emin-
ent Solicitors
in Ely Place
and Lincoln’s
Inn Fields,
that perhaps,
if at any
future time R
desired to
enter Parlia-
ment, I might
wish to join
that august
assembly un-
trammelled by
associations
which, al-
though abso-
lutely profes- Aurevoir!
sional, to the _ _ .
lay mind might he suggestive of Party predilections. And not having
been engaged in this matter, of course such bonds, so far _ as I am
concerned, are non-existent. For the rest I feel sure the Juniors asso-
ciated with Sir Charles Russell have got on very well without me;
and! as for the case of the Times (especially that branch of it that
engravers would scarcely term 4 4 proofs before letters ”): I honestly do
not think any effort on my part could have materially improved it.
Pump-handle Court. (Signed) A. Briefless, Junior.
VOL. XCVI.
PUNCH, OP THE LONDON CHARIVARI.
121
ON COMMISSION.
Tuesday, March 5.—The aristocracy becoming1 slightly bored with
Law. Still a fair number daily tax the amiability of the ever-
courteous Secretary. Haying
settled in our places, the Com-
missioners prepared to take the
armchairs, which had been
arranged beforehand for them at
an angle calculated to allow of
their entrance with a dignity
fitting to their exalted station.
There was the usual bow from
the Bench to the Bar, which,
alas! had no briefless brother-
hood (in the back rows) to
gratefully and gracefully return
it! Then Sir James Hannen
gaye a decision about the admis-
sion of certain newspapers,
which, it was alleged, had been
imp m used by the staff of the Land
League for disseminating disaf-
«w ,, n. V .,, ,, „ feet ion. That decision once
WeU„pphed„thn.bljs».,n™..k Mr A,™ was
called upon to read the para-
graphs complained of. It was then that I fully appreciated
how disastrous it would be were ladies eyer admitted to the
Bar. I could not help feeling that had two aged females been
in the place of my learned friends, Sir Richard and Sir
Charles, there would have been any amount of squabbling and
loss of time. As it was, it is scarcely necessary to say that Mr.
Attorney was ready on the instant to go on, and that he received
the greatest possible assistance from his learned friends on the other
side. The Commissioners could scarcely conceal the gratification
they evidently felt in presiding over so happy a family. It was a
pretty and touching sight to gaze upon Sir Richard as he turned to
his learned friends and asked, “Are you ready?” In a moment
any number of miscellaneous documents were handed to him—all,
no doubt, of the greatest possible value, if put in at the proper time.
Mr. Attorney’s gratitude to “those associated with him” seemed to
he unbounded, and he constantly called for Mr. Soames, no doubt to
express to that learned gentleman his warmest acknowledgments for
the valuable assistance that was being so copiously extended to him.
Then came a few witnesses full of “ information,” as, no doubt, my
learned and laughter-leading friend Mr. Lockwood would say, as
they were informers—hence the smile-compelling pleasantry. The
last was seemingly a youth
of somewhat tender years;
and when my learned and
laughter-leading friend sug-
gested that Mr. Ronan
should wheel the witness
home (after re-examination)
in a perambulator, the Court
became quite Christmassy in
its merriment before adjourn-
ing to the morrow.
Wednesday. — Interest in
Law once more on the wane.
The perusing of extracts
continued at the rate (after
taking into consideration the
expense of the inquiry), of
I suppose, about a pound or
so a minute. However, this
Mr. Lockwood, Q.C., kindly
Mr. Ronan to act on Counsel’s Advice.
rather costly exercise was of distinct value to my learned friend,
Mr. Asquith, who had the benefit of a reading lesson, personally
conducted by Sir James Hannen. “ May I ask you, kindly,” said
the revered President of the Probate Division, courteously hut firmly,
“to raise your voice, and hold your head up?” For a moment I
almost expected to hear his Lordship add, ‘‘And slap your right
leg with your cane, Sir, and wink'at the girls!” I hasten to say,
with heartfelt respect, that Sir James gave no such martial, hut
entirely unlawyerlike direction. Moreover, it is only just to my
learned friend (whose services in the case have been of the greatest
value to his leader) to express my opinion that had he received such
an order he would have hesitated, and rightly hesitated, to have
carried it into execution ; and this would have been the more com-
mendable, as my learned friend has other than forensic claims to
the title of “Junior,” and Beauty in the Court has never lacked
representatives. But it will he patent to everyone that it is no part
of a counsel’s duty (even under direction of the Bench) to recognise
female comeliness by the sudden drooping and upraising of a wig-
surmounted eyelid. This reminds me that some of our forensic
perukes are far from perfect. Had I frequent occasion to renew
A Consultation.
my own, I should go to Mr. Fox (whose wigs at the Maske of
Flowers at Gray’s Inn during the Jubilee were, so to speak, the
toast of the Bench and the Bar), who, I feel sure would always
fit me to my entire satisfaction. To return, the reproduction of the
speeches of eminent statesmen and others (declaimed in his most
brilliant style by my learned and energetic friend, Mr. Atkinson)
had certainly one advantage—it nearly cleared the Court. After
the midday adjournment, the proceedings (like “ grey shirtings” on
certain interesting occasions in the City), became more “lively.”
Thanks to the gallant conduct of my learned and fiery friend, Sir
Charles Russell, there were several little 44 scenes in Court” (sub-
sequently found of great benefit by
the gentlemen of the Press) and now
and again there was quite a 4 4 sensa-
tion.” I left before the adjournment,
and was surprised to hear a rumour
that, after my retirement, in spite of
the ample room in court for all pre-
sent, the President was reported to he
quietly sitting upon Sir Charles Rus-
sell with every sign of satisfaction.
Thursday.—A further falling off
in the attendance. Mr. Soames (the
most hard-working of solicitors) of
course was present, and if Mr.
George Lewis was less en evidence, that learned gentleman left
matters in the able hands of a most efficient representative. It was a
very pleasing sight to see the principal conversing with his devoted
adherent. My learned and fiery friend Sir Charles Russell, however,
was instrumental in giving a distinct interest to the proceedings. With
evident disinclination (for he assured us that he was 44 singularly
averse ” to interrupting anyone), he somehow contrived to have quite
an exciting little altercation with the Bench by (so it seemed to me) the
introduction of contention-breeding interpolations. He also cross-
examined a witness with a verve and a go that may have recalled to
some of us the most respec ed memories of that grand old institution,
the Ancient Bailey. _ But when he accused my learned and apparently
rather depressed friend, Mr. Attorney, of making an “audacious
request,” I reluctantly confess I could not enthusiastically follow on
the same side. However, we were so pleased when we learned that
Sir Richard expected to complete his case in the course of a day or
two, that Bench and Bar seemed prepared to forgive and forget every-
thing. As a matter of fact, when the Commissioners retired for the
week, they took their departure with an air of relief that conjured
up a vision in my mind of three of the best and ablest of our Judges
dancing with dignified joy in their own private apartments.
And now, as this seems to be a suitable time for explanation, per-
haps I may he permitted to make a personal statement on my own
account. I have reason to believe that there has been some surprise
expressed that I have not myself been “retained” either on one side
or the other in this very interesting case. I must admit that it is
certainly a fact that no brief has been delivered at Pump-handle
Court (up to date) desiring me to appear either “with me the
Attorney-General,” or “with me Sir Charles Russell.” How-
ever, on reflection, I commend the judgment of Messrs. Soames and
Lewis in making what at first sight may have appeared (to the
uninitiated) an omission. I venture to suggest that it may have
occurred to
certain emin-
ent Solicitors
in Ely Place
and Lincoln’s
Inn Fields,
that perhaps,
if at any
future time R
desired to
enter Parlia-
ment, I might
wish to join
that august
assembly un-
trammelled by
associations
which, al-
though abso-
lutely profes- Aurevoir!
sional, to the _ _ .
lay mind might he suggestive of Party predilections. And not having
been engaged in this matter, of course such bonds, so far _ as I am
concerned, are non-existent. For the rest I feel sure the Juniors asso-
ciated with Sir Charles Russell have got on very well without me;
and! as for the case of the Times (especially that branch of it that
engravers would scarcely term 4 4 proofs before letters ”): I honestly do
not think any effort on my part could have materially improved it.
Pump-handle Court. (Signed) A. Briefless, Junior.
VOL. XCVI.