Page:California Inter Pocula.djvu/647



"No, no," exclaimed the lawyer, '*0f course not," echoed his client.

"Yes, it is necessary," persisted the defendant, "and I will have the case tried in another court."

"Try it where you like, but we'll fix the business here now. Don't you think I can give my evidence in this court as well as in another ? " demanded the judge. Then rising, but without being sworn, he testified what he knew of the matter, and resuming his seat without another word, he entered in his docket judgment for plaintiff,

" That's right, judge," said the lawyer, who thereupon immediately witlidrew.

" What I " exclaimed the victim of these summary proceedings, "render a verdict without a trial ? How can you act as witness, jury, and judge all at the same time ? I'll tell you what I will do—"

"Do what you damned please!" said the judge as he arose from the table, wiped his mouth with the back of liis hand, and started for his mining claim.

A territorial legislature and county officials had just been chosen by the people of Washington, and John W. Champ, justice of the peace, and Charles W, Denter, constable, opened the first law court ever held at Showlwater bay, and entered upon their first case.

All which proceedings the o3^stermen of this beach regarded with profound contempt. What did they want with law ? The country had been able to get along Well enough without it so far. The people were disposed to be peaceable. All had their ow^n affairs to attend to; tiieir rights and wrongs were very simple. Each found it pleasanter to be friends with all the rest, to have their good opinion and fellowship than their enmity; if a disturber of the peace dropped from some pass'ng ship, he was quietly advised to continue his rambles, and not stop there. If wdiisky assumed the sovereignty, a little fist-fight would