24 AUGUST 1889, Page 18

[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR, —The following

will probably be new to most of your readers. The Senior Bailie of a Royal Burgh in the North of Scotland, who still sits in judgment on the local unfortunates, was recently trying a prisoner for theft. After hearing the evidence, which was somewhat meagre, the Judge thus addressed the prisoner :—Weel, James, the case is no' proven -against you, but we'll just fine you seven-and-saxpence ; an' mind, if ye come back here we'll be a lot harder on you." A friend, who is a. medical practitioner in the place, told me that he repeated the story, as given above, to the Bailie, and asked him if it were true. The answer was,—" Na, it's no' true, for

the fine was only five shillings."—I am, Sir, &c., A. S.