d. The
case was tried before a big bench of magistrates, all of them local
celebrities. Early in the proceedings Lloyd George put in a plea that
the court had no jurisdiction in the matter. In response the
chairman--the presiding magistrate--replied grandiloquently that such a
point must be decided by a higher court.

"Yes, sir," said Lloyd George, "and in a perfectly just and unbiased
court."

The magistrate stared open-eyed at this impudence, and promptly
proceeded to put Lloyd George in his place. "If," said he, "that
remark is intended as a reflection on any magistrate sitting on this
bench I hope Mr. George will name him. A more insulting and
ungentlemanly remark to the bench I have never heard during my
experience as a magistrate."

"Yes," replied Lloyd George, "and a more true remark was never made in
any court of justice."

This was more than flesh and blood could stand. In admonitory tone the
chairman said: "Tell me to whom you are referring. I must insist upon
your stating if you are referring to any magistrate sitting in this
court."

"I refer to you in particular, sir," said Lloyd George.

"Then I retire from the bench," said the chairman, rising from his
place. He turned to his fellow-magistrates. "This is the first time I
have ever been insulted in a court of justice."

In company with a colleague he left the court. A third magistrate
remarked that he could not proceed with the case until Lloyd George had
apologized.

"I am glad to hear it," said Lloyd George, imperturbably. Promptly
another magistrate went out. One of the few justices remaining
repeated the demand for an apology. Instead of apologizing Lloyd
George made the following reply; "I say this, that at least two or
three magistrates of this court are bent upon securing a conviction
whether there is a fair case or not. I am sorry the chairman left the
court, because I am in a position to prove what I have said. I shall
not withdraw anything, because every word I have spoken is true."

This was really too much. All the lot of the magistrates went out,
their departure being accompanied by the few barbed words from the
young advocate. What happened when the magistrates got together
outside the courtroom can only be guessed. They must have had a
painful discussion among themselves, because presently four of them
came in and rather meekly said they would try the case, though they
again made a protest to the effect that Ll