from 1806 to 1851 145

his own counsel, but he took McMahon also severely to task
for his tardiness in not pressing the case. He took to Doub at
once, as containing an inexhaustible well of humor, fun and
originality. In response to Doub's accusations, he charged the
delay upon the court, and advised him to go to headquarters
and lodge his complaints there, and directed him especially to
Judge Dorsey—"the old judge who, like yourself, has no hair
on his head." Accordingly Doub went in search of the judges.
He found them after dinner seated under the trees at the
hotel, taking their ease in sprightly and agreeable conversation.
Doub, unabashed by their august presence, boldly approached
the party, and according to his instructions particularly direct-
ing his assault against Judge Dorsey, inquired in his German
accent why he could not have his case disposed of. They were
all struck and favorably impressed with the frank, simple, and
good natured manner of the old Dutchman. McMahon, ex-
pecting the denouement, had in the meantime unobtrusively
joined the party. Judge Dorsey very civilly replied that as soon
as "we get time we will take up your case." This was too
much for Doub. "Get time!" he exclaimed; "why, what are
you doing now? Nothing! Why can't you try the case now?"
Before Judge Dorsey could rally and respond he followed up
the assault with this additional pertinent question, "How much
wages do you get?" Judge Dorsey told him. More than ever
the old man was astounded. "Why," he added, "my men only
get ten dollars a month, and they never stop till sundown."

The time came when this court as it was or-
ganized in 1805 belonged to an older order. The
idea of government by the people was rapidly ex-
tending into the idea of direct democratic rule.
The practice of filling judicial offices by execu-
tive appointments came under attack, and by the
middle of the century was abolished in most of
the states in which it had obtained. And tenure of
office during good behavior fell under disfavor as
"un-American." In Maryland there was little
complaint of the character of officials under the
existing system, at least not as to the character and