knew about the age, habits and moral char-…
source date: 1889
availability: public-domain

knew about the age, habits and moral char- acter of the animal. They all disagreed how- ever, about his identity or to who he belonged. The poor burro himself was tied up in front of the squire’s office but he was unable by any language at his command to tell who his master was. A half dozen expert witnesses examined the creature as to his age. They all agreed that he was old enough to run for the legislature. Lynch sold the burro to Bottom, while McKen- zie claimed he bought him from a Mexican in good faith, etc. Lynch conducted the trial in behalf of Bottom and displayed considerable professional skill in the examination of wit- nesses and in summing up. McKenzie made an excellent appeal to the court also . After Judge Lynch concluded his argument, McKenzie asked to reply but his adversary objected. Just at this point the burro delivered himself in one of the most powerful, eloquent and fervent ap- peals and it was thought for a time his lungs would not withstand the fearful strain on them, but the justice disregarded the protest and gave judgment for Bottom.