The Project Gutenberg EBook of Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 98,
April 12, 1890, by Various

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Title: Punch, or the London Charivari, Vol. 98, April 12, 1890

Author: Various

Editor: F. C. Burnand

Release Date: November 23, 2009 [EBook #30534]

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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PUNCH,

OR, THE LONDON CHARIVARI.

VOLUME 98.

APRIL 12, 1890.

A SUGGESTION FROM PUMP-HANDLE COURT.

MY DEAR MR. PUNCH,--As the representative of Justice in this country, I
appeal to you. And when I write this, you must not imagine that I claim,
in my own person, to represent Justice--no, Sir, I only to some extent
suggest the Law--a very different matter. But, Sir, as suggesting the
Law, I apply to you for redress on behalf of hundreds, nay, thousands,
of members of a very noble and learned profession. Sir, you will have
noticed that the Law Courts are congested. Look through the daily list
(this you can do when term recommences), and you will find, that
although Chancery is doing fairly well, there is scarcely a movement in
Common Law. The reason for this is obvious. Nearly all the Common Law
Judges are away, and business is simply at a standstill. Now, Sir, I am
very reluctant to give their Lordships more trouble than necessary, but
I do think, for all our sakes, that increased facility should be
afforded for trying cases single-handed. It should be managed in this
wise. But here, perhaps, in the cause of intelligibility, you will
permit me to describe my method in common (dramatic) form.

SCENE--_A Court in the Queen's Bench Division._ Judge _seated at a table
covered with telephones. Bar benches empty, two Litigants (laymen)
discovered in the well_.

_His Lordship._ Now, Gentlemen, as you are appearing in person, you can
say and do what you please. It does not matter to me in the least, to
use a colloquial expression, what you are up to. All I would ask is,
that I shall not be disturbed until the time comes for me to deliver my
ru