Thursday, December 6, 2012

Curse those padded shoulders

Thematically, I can fit this under my Undressed Toronto framework but, let’s face it, I’m just putting it up here because it made me laugh.

Judge Morson as a Coat Fitter
Denied That Samuels Had Got a Good-Fitting Overcoat

Judge Morson’s Division Court resembled the fitting department of a tailor shop this morning, when the Redablo [at least it appears to be Redablo] Manufacturing Company sued Mr. Samuels of 372 Queen Street East for $17, cost of making a suit and overcoat.
Mr. Samuels had the undercoat on, and was complaining of alleged defects, with the tailor dissenting, when his Honor enquired, “What’s all this?”
For one thing, Samuels objected to the padding, and so did his lawyer.
“Every shoulder is padded,” suggested Judge Morson. “That coat fits well.”
The tailor maintained that the coat was all that it ought to be. “He wanted wide shoulders,” he declared, referring to Mr. Samuels sartorial instructions.
“Mr. Samuels is very particular,” his Honor was told.
“I should think so. He bought the cloth at a fire sale,” came from the plaintiff’s lawyer.
“We all want bargains,” retorted the other solicitor.  “Mr. Samuels has a good figure and ought to have a good fit.”
The Mr. Samuels donned the overcoat, and at some length indicated what impressed him as imperfections, but his Honor, after a fairly close scrutiny, wasn’t impressed, finally giving judgment in full against the defendant.
During the demonstration Judge Morson had given certain fairly expert advice to the defendant, such as: “Keep your that shoulder down, etc.” As to the padding, his Honor was under the impression that it had been ordered. The court-room was replete with legal talent, but tailoring seemed to interest the solicitors fully as much s law.
J. Samuels, hardware merchant, wanted a plumbing balance of $60 from Mrs. Mary A. Willis, but the latter was not ready to proceed.
“I want a lawyer,” explained Mrs. Wills.
“So you are not satisfied with me,” commented Judge Morson. “Very well.” With a smile, “I’ll adjourn the case one week.”

(“Judge Morson as a Coat Fitter,” The Toronto Daily Star, Tuesday, June 2, 1908, Page 5.)

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