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Show The Least of His Worries; Down in southern Alabama a person of color was fetched into court to be arraigned for his preliminary hearing on a charge of wilful murder. "Mose Tupper," said the judge, contemplating con-templating the prisoner over his spectacles, spec-tacles, "you are accused here of one of the most serious crimes known to our laws to wit, the taking of a human hu-man life. Are you properly represented represent-ed by counsel?" "No, suh," said the darky cheerfully. "Well, have you talked to any one about your defense since your arrest?" "I told de sheruff 'bout de shootin' when he come to my cabin to bring me henh," said the prisoner, "but tha's all." "And have you taken no steps whatever what-ever to engage a lawyer?" "No, suh," said Mose. "I ain't got no money to be wastin' on lawyers. Dey tell me lawyers is mighty costive.'' "If you have no funds," insisted the judge, "it lies within the power of the court to appoint an attorney to represent repre-sent you without expense on your part." "Yon needn't be botherin' yo'se'f, jedge," answered Mose. "Well, what do you propose to do nhout this case?" demanded his honor. "You must be properly defended the law so provides." . ".ledge," said Mose, "ez fur ez I'se concerned you kin Jest let de matter drap !" |