This week the Exchequer Division in Dublin heard the arguments
on the motions for the habeas corpus in the cases of Mr. Conybeare and Dr. Tanner. In the former case, the Court—the Lord Chief Baron dissenting—refused the applica- tion, holding that the invalidity of the second charge on the summons did not invalidate the conviction and sentence of three months on the first. In the latter case—Baron Dowse dissenting—the application was also dismissed. In Dr. Tanner's case, the discussions were enlivened by many witty sallies from Baron Dowse, who impartially made fun of the Courts below and the Parnellite Members. Though we feel not a shadow of doubt as to the learned Judge's capacity, or as to his possession of the essential qualities necessary for the due discharge of his high calling, we cannot say that such constant and overflowing hilarity very well becomes the judgment-seat. Dr. Johnson complained that "the merriment of parsons was very offensive." Something of the same feel- ing, we cannot help believing, arises in most men when they witness the vagaries of a judicial humorist. No one grudges the Judges the right to say brilliant things ; but between the dry, clear light of epigram and boisterous merry-making there is a very great difference.
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