Interrupting A Performance

Leonard George a young man of good address who bowed politely to the magistrates on being placed in the dock was charged with being drunk and disorderly at the Apollonian Hall and interrupting the performance of the Christy Minstrels on the previous evening.

It appeared that the defendant was a member of the troupe who was not only unable to appear before the public in consequence of his intoxication but who by his proceedings interrupted his confreres to such an extent as to stop the performance and render it necessary to give him into custody.

A member of the troupe was in attendance but he informed the Magistrates that there was no desire to press the charge. The defendant had put them all too much inconvenience.  The performance was delayed for the better part of an hour during which several persons left the hall and demanded that their money should be returned and when they did commence without him the noise he made prevented them from continuing.  The Magistrates asked the defendant what he had to say.

The defendant said he was very sorry to find himself in this position, but the fact was that he had insulted on the previous day by one of the proprietors of the troupe and having taken a little to drink he became excited and refused to sing.  He remained at his own lodgings and should not have gone near the hall, but he was fetched and placed in the hall to prepare for the stage, but he still declined to sing and after a time he lost consciousness and did not remember what he did.

The Magistrates, I suppose you had engaged to sing?

The defendant, yes sir but I was not compelled to sing unless I chose.

The Magistrates I think you were bound to sing if your refusal had the effect of putting the rest of your company to loss or inconvenience, but that is not a question for me.  You were given into custody for drunkenness and I suppose you have been locked up all night.  The charge is not pressed against you and you will be dismissed, but let me advice you to keep sober and fulfil your engagements for the future.