Radio Reader's Digest 46-10-03 (031) The Archer-Shee Case

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – "Radio Reader's Digest 46-10-03 (031) The Archer-Shee Case"

Title: Radio Reader's Digest 46-10-03 (031) The Archer-Shee Case
Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
Release Date: February 9, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, listeners are transported back to the Golden Age of Radio with a dramatized rendition of "The Archer-Shee Case." This true story, originally featured in Reader's Digest, delves into a compelling legal battle that underscores the struggle for personal liberty against institutional authority. The program features esteemed British star Charles Lawton portraying the formidable Sir Edward Carson, a renowned advocate of his time.

Overview of The Archer-Shee Case

The narrative centers around George Archer Shee, a 13-year-old cadet at the Royal Naval College at Osborne. Accused of stealing a postal order, George faces severe repercussions, including expulsion and tarnished reputation, despite his claims of innocence. The case epitomizes the fight of an individual against the expansive reach of the British Empire, highlighting themes of justice, personal liberty, and institutional integrity.

Key Characters

• Sir Edward Carson (Charles Lawton): A high-profile advocate burdened with multiple cases, embodying the struggle between personal integrity and professional obligations.
• Mr. Archer Shee: George's father, determined to seek justice for his son against overwhelming odds.
• George Archer Shee: The young cadet wrongfully accused, representing the voice of innocence and resilience.
• Mrs. White: Chief postal clerk, whose testimony plays a pivotal role in the unfolding of the case.
• Sir Rufus Isaacs: Solicitor General for the Admiralty, symbolizing institutional resistance to individual claims.

Dramatized Interactions and Legal Proceedings

Initial Confrontation:

The drama opens with Mr. Archer Shee seeking Sir Edward Carson's (00:01–02:17) assistance in defending his son against the accusations of theft. Carson's initial dismissal reflects the challenges individuals face when confronting established institutions.

Sir Edward Carson [03:30]: "Cause you're lying. No. You're guilty. No. You took the money."

Introducing George:

George Archer Shee's entrance (04:59–05:27) intensifies the conflict, as he directly confronts Carson, asserting his innocence.

George Archer Shee [05:01]: "It means you don't want to see me, sir?"

Struggle for Justice:

Throughout the interaction (05:28–07:56), Carson grapples with the ethical dilemma of taking up the case, balancing his initial skepticism with emerging empathy for George's plight.

Sir Edward Carson [07:44]: "Because England is one of the few countries that can produce men who are not afraid to stand up for their rights against the whole authority of governmental power. That's why. Don't you ever forget that."

Courtroom Drama:

The courtroom scenes (16:13–22:33) showcase Carson's relentless pursuit of truth against the Admiralty's steadfast stance. The cross-examination of Mrs. White reveals critical inconsistencies in the evidence, ultimately undermining the case against George.

Sir Edward Carson [20:07]: "You changed your mind quickly, didn't you, Admiral?"

Resolution:

Despite Carson's efforts, institutional barriers prevail, resulting in George's conviction and the denial of his rights. However, the narrative concludes with a reflective note on the broader implications for personal liberty.

George Archer Shee [22:54]: "My father told me how the case came out. I came to thank you."

Host Commentary and Insights

Interwoven with the dramatization, host Dick Colmer (11:36–26:34) offers insightful reflections that parallel the narrative's themes with everyday life lessons.

On Personal Liberty:

Colmer draws parallels between Sir Edward Carson's initial disregard and the common human tendency to overlook the significance of small acts until their true importance is realized.

Dick Colmer [11:36]: "We disregard the little things until something makes us realize how important little things really are."

On Happiness and Personal Qualities:

Drawing from William Henry Channing's philosophy, Colmer emphasizes the importance of personal effort in cultivating happiness, contrasting it with the era's official pursuits of happiness.

Dick Colmer [24:41]: "To live content with small means. To seek elegance rather than luxury and refinement rather than passion."

Concluding Reflections

The episode culminates with the tragic aftermath of George's story, who, after fighting for his rights, is killed in action at Ypres in 1915. This poignant ending serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit in the face of systemic injustice.

Dick Colmer [23:48]: "There's a true sequel to this true story."

Notable Quotes

• Sir Edward Carson on Liberty [07:44]: "Because England is one of the few countries that can produce men who are not afraid to stand up for their rights against the whole authority of governmental power. That's why. Don't you ever forget that."

• George Archer Shee on Justice [22:57]: "It means I'll never get justice."

• Dick Colmer on Daily Life [11:36]: "With very little effort, just a little remembering, you can bring added happiness into those lives by showing them that their important days are important to you, too."

Conclusion

Harold's Old Time Radio masterfully brings to life "The Archer-Shee Case," offering listeners a deep dive into a historical legal battle that underscores the perennial struggle for personal liberty against overarching institutional powers. Through compelling dramatization and thoughtful host commentary, the episode not only recounts a significant historical event but also imparts timeless lessons on justice, integrity, and the impact of individual actions in shaping societal norms.

Transcript

[Tom Shirley]

Remember, a Hallmark card will best express your perfect taste, your thoughtfulness. The makers of Hallmark greeting cards bring you a true story of British justice, featuring the great British star, Charles Lawton. For more than a third of a century, quality has been a habit with the makers of Hallmark cards. You see, Hallmark cards say what you want to say. They are the kind of cards you are proud to send. That is why Hallmark cards are America's favorite greeting cards. That's why the words a Hallmark card on the back of the cards you send tell your friends you cared enough to send the very best. That's why you can find Hallmark cards that say what you want to say the way you want to say it. So when you want to send the very finest, be sure to look on the back for the identifying words a Hallmark card. And now, to preside over the Hallmark program this evening, here's a young man well known to Broadway both as actor and producer Richard Talmer. Thanks, Tom Shirley.

[Dick Colmer]

And good evening, ladies and gentlemen. The other day I was looking through some back copies of the Reader's Digest and I came across this pertinent and interesting item. Some years ago, at a high school ceremony, a young man read Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Afterwards, an old gentleman came up to.

[Tom Shirley]

Him and said, son, I like the.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Way you gave that speech, but you.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Made the same mistake as everyone else. Now, I heard Mr. Lincoln at Gettysburg, so I know what I'm talking about. Everyone says of the people, by the people and for the people. But Mr. Lincoln said, of the people, by the people and for the people. You see, it makes a big difference.

[Dick Colmer]

I like that story because Lincoln's own great sense of personal liberty is in it. The same sense of personal liberty that motivated Sir Edward Carson in the Hallmark.

[Tom Shirley]

Drama you're about to hear.

[Dick Colmer]

This is the Archer Shee case. A true story of the struggle for personal liberty that should stiffen the purpose of all those who in our day are freshly resolved that that liberty shall not perish from this earth. This story could have happened only in America or England. It happened in England. The Hallmark program is proud to present Charles Lawton as Sir Edward Carson in the Archer she case.

[Sir Edward Carson]

It was cheek, that's what it cheek. Here was I, Sir Edward Carson, very busy advocate. Here was I with corporation cases, wills, government business and pending trials on my mind. And there was that bespectacle little bank manager from Liverpool, Mr. Martin Archer Shee. There he was, sitting across from me, trying to interest me in the troubles of some 13 year old schoolboy.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

I know, Sir Edward I Know you're a very busy man. I know this may seem a very small affair. I know you haven't got time for it.

[Sir Edward Carson]

I seem to know enough to leave.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

I swore that I wouldn't leave, Sir Edward until you listen to me. I want you to know the facts before you decide whether you'll take the case or not.

[Sir Edward Carson]

I know the facts.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

No, you don't.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Oh, I beg your pardon, Sir Edward, but you were reading the morning mail when I was trying to explain the facts to you.

[Tom Shirley]

Ah.

[Sir Edward Carson]

And you think that Sir Edward Carson cannot give his attention to two things at once?

[Mr. Archer Shee]

I shouldn't expect that even of you, Sir Edward.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Then I'll prove that you're wrong, sir. I'll recite the facts to you and then I'll ask you to leave. The facts are this boy whose name is. What is this? My son, naturally. Your son. Facts are that he was found with some money on him. No. Just about to send a postal order to. Well, it doesn't matter to whom. And since the money belonged to someone else. Who did the money belong to? He was naturally expelled from. The name of the school escapes me.

[Tom Shirley]

You've got it all wrong.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Sir, may I remind you that you are speaking to Sir Edward Carson, who gets nothing wrong.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Sir Edward, please. My son was not found with any money on him. He did not steal. And the postal money order has nothing to do with it, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Laugh, sir. I cannot take the case. I'm very sorry.

[Mrs. White]

Is that Edward?

[Sir Edward Carson]

Yes.

[Mrs. White]

Mrs. White, there's a boy out here who says he has an appointment with you.

[Sir Edward Carson]

A boy? An appointment? What boy?

[George Archer Shee]

It's Isa. Edward.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

George.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Well, come in here. Let him come in, Mrs. White. Now, young man, you say that you had an appointment with me?

[George Archer Shee]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Sir Edward, this is my son.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Aha.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

I told him to come here half an hour later than I did.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Well, may I ask you all to leave my office?

[George Archer Shee]

That means you don't want to see me, sir?

[Sir Edward Carson]

It means that I do not want to see you, sir.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Come along, George.

[George Archer Shee]

I understand. Sorry, sir. But I suppose even you, Sir Edward, are afraid of tackling the whole British Empire.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Come along, George boy.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Here, what makes you think that I'd be afraid to tackle the whole British Empire?

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Oh, he didn't mean that, Sir Edward.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Shut up.

[George Archer Shee]

Well, boy, you wouldn't take my case, sir?

[Sir Edward Carson]

What has that got to do with the British Empire?

[George Archer Shee]

Well, the case is me against the British Empire, Sir Edward.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Yes.

[George Archer Shee]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Mrs. White. Yes, sir Edward, you and this boy's father will kindly withdraw into the reception.

[Tom Shirley]

Room.

[Sir Edward Carson]

I want to talk to this young man.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

What's your name?

[George Archer Shee]

George, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Why must every Tom, Dick and Harry be named George?

[George Archer Shee]

I don't know, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Edward, what about this money you sold?

[George Archer Shee]

I didn't steal it.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Whose money was it that you didn't steal?

[George Archer Shee]

Terence Braggs. He was a fellow student of mine, sir. He got a postal order from his parents and put it in his locker.

[Sir Edward Carson]

This was at school?

[George Archer Shee]

Yes, sir. When he went to his locker, he found the order missing, so he reported it at the post office. They said the order had been cashed already. I'd been in the post office that day to cash a postal order of my own and they blame me.

[Sir Edward Carson]

What is all this rigmarole about the British Empire?

[George Archer Shee]

I thought you knew about the school, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

What school was it?

[George Archer Shee]

The Royal Naval College at Osborne. Ah, that's where it happened. I was a cadet there.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Sackcher.

[George Archer Shee]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

You're too young to be entitled to a court martial.

[George Archer Shee]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

At the same time you don't have the rights of an ordinary citizen because you've been discharged from the Navy, right?

[George Archer Shee]

Yes, sir. That's it exactly, sir. And I'll never be able to bear arms for England, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

That's what hurts?

[George Archer Shee]

That's part of it, sir. But I don't want people to think I'm a thief. Anyway.

[Sir Edward Carson]

What has your father done about all this?

[George Archer Shee]

He went to the Captain. The Captain wouldn't even tell him why they thought I took the money. But after he argued a bit, the Captain referred him to the Admiralty.

[Sir Edward Carson]

So he went to the Admiralty. And the Lords of the Admiralty said that His Majesty's neighbor must be the sole judge of the tell else suitable for making a British officer.

[George Archer Shee]

That's exactly what they said, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

So it is the case of a 13 year old boy against the British Empire?

[George Archer Shee]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Now let me tell you something, my boy. If I were convinced that you were telling the truth, I'd take the case. I'd take the case and fight the Royal family itself if need be. You understand that, don't you?

[George Archer Shee]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

And so much for your accusation that I'm afraid to tackle the British Empire. But I wouldn't take the case for that reason alone. There's a thing you said that I liked. You said that you wanted to regain the rights of a citizen so that perhaps you could fight for the Crown that you're now fighting against. I like that. You know why?

[George Archer Shee]

No, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Because England is one of the few countries that can produce men who are not afraid to stand up for their rights against the whole authority of governmental power. That's why. Don't you ever forget that.

[George Archer Shee]

No, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Because you wanted to fight for England. I'd like to take the case, but I can't.

[George Archer Shee]

Why not?

[Sir Edward Carson]

Cause you're lying. No. You're guilty. No. You took the money. No.

[George Archer Shee]

No, I didn't. And I won't let you say it, or the Admiralty say it, or the King himself say it. I didn't take the money.

[Mrs. White]

And I'm not going to let them.

[George Archer Shee]

Take away my rights when I'm innocent.

[Dick Colmer]

Calm down.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Calm down. It's fine. That's what I wanted to know. You didn't take the money and I'm sure of it now. Now, come on, blow your nose. Blow your nose. Let's go and tackle the British Empire.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

But the boy took the money.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Rubbish.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Not at all, Sir Edward. Not rubbish. The matter was gone into long ago and it was decided that the boy took the money.

[Sir Edward Carson]

You changed your mind quickly, didn't you, Admiral?

[Mr. Archer Shee]

What do you mean?

[Sir Edward Carson]

Don't you say the boy took the money and in the next breath you say it was decided that he took it? That's not at all the same thing, you know.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Oh, come now. The case against the boy is quite conclusive.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Is that so, sir? Quite. Would you outline the case against the boy for me, Admiral?

[Mr. Archer Shee]

I can't and you know it. Good heavens, Sir Edward. I am an Admiral of the King's Navy. You think I have my mind cluttered with the details of such petty cases as this?

[Sir Edward Carson]

Of course, the case is not petty to the boy or to his father. But of course, you're quite right. You are an admiral and you should leave such things to your subordinates, sir.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

I'm glad you see it that way, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

But then it is true, too, that you are responsible for the mistakes of your subordinates.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

What do you mean?

[Sir Edward Carson]

Nothing very much, sir. But it would be unfortunate, wouldn't it, if my investigations disclosed that your underlings were in error and you were blamed.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

How can they be in error?

[Sir Edward Carson]

Perhaps they can't.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

They investigated the case thoroughly, that much I do know.

[Sir Edward Carson]

They were doubtless quite impartial.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Of course they were. There can't be any possibility of their being wrong.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Of course.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

They are excellent officers. I chose them myself. They know their responsibility.

[Sir Edward Carson]

I am sure they are infallible.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Then why did you suggest it? Very well. I'll order a full review of the case immediately.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

To Sir Edward Carson. Dear sir, the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty desire me to inform you that in the case of George Arthur.

[Tom Shirley]

She.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

The further inquiry has resulted in upholding the original decision. George Arthur she stands convicted of conduct unbecoming a candidate for a commission in his Majesty's Navy. This is the end of the case. Yours. Etc. Etc. Rufus Isaacs, baronet.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Uh huh. Have you read that letter, George?

[George Archer Shee]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

You understand what it means?

[George Archer Shee]

It means I'll never get justice.

[Sir Edward Carson]

You think so? While you're wrong. It means that they've reviewed the case without allowing me to be present and they've reviewed it without trying to get at the truth, but just in order to uphold their original action. It means that they've behaved like stuffy old nincompoops and I'm going to stuff them further. Stuff them with their own words and stuff them with their own errors. Stuff them with their own stuffiness until they're so stuffed they'll spew forth apologies. Sir Edward Carson is angry at her.

[Tom Shirley]

Charles Lawton will be back in just a moment with the second act of tonight's Hallmark drama from the pages of the Reader's Digest, America's favorite magazine. And now, here's Dick Culmon.

[Dick Colmer]

You know, friends, all of us are pretty much like Sir Edward Carson's knight story. Remember, he couldn't be bothered with a small boy's petty troubles until he realized how important they really were. Well, that's the way most of us act in our everyday lives. We disregard the little things until something makes us realize how important little things really are. And we don't have to fight the whole British Empire, as Sir Edward agreed to do. No, we can pay just a little more attention to the days and dates that are so important to our friends and loved ones. With very little effort, just a little remembering, you can bring added happiness into those lives by showing them that their important days are important to you, too. One of the best and simplest ways to let them know that they're always in your mind and heart is to remember their days with an appropriate greeting card. Yes, a few minutes of your time each week spent in sending a Hallmark card or two can bring added happiness to your friends and loved ones.

[Tom Shirley]

Whether you want to keep in touch with an old friend to welcome a new baby, to wish someone a happy birthday, or remember any important date in the lives of your friends and loved ones. You'll find Hallmark cards that seem to be made just for you, that say what you want to say the way you want to say it. And remember how much more it means when you send a Hallmark card. Yes, a Hallmark card does mean more, because for Over a third of a century, that phrase a Hallmark card has stood for finest quality. Like the word sterling on silver. Those words, a Hallmark card, are your assurance of the very finest in greeting cards. It tells your friends you cared enough to send the very best. You will find Hallmark cards on display in America's finest shops and stores. So whenever you want to remember someone, stop in at your favorite Hallmark dealers. As Dick Colmer suggested, a few minutes spent in sending Hallmark cards can bring added happiness to your friends and loved ones.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Very well then. The gold braided officers of His Majesty's Navy weren't inclined to give in to a little 13 year old boy. And since it was an Admiralty matter, we. We could apparently not get the case into court. But I had an idea. I went to Sir Rufus Isaacs, Solicitor General for the Admiralty.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

You know, Sir Edward, you and these Archer she people made nuisances of yourselves.

[Sir Edward Carson]

I sincerely hope so.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Well, it's all over now. And I can't imagine why you came to see me.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Sir Rufus, do you realize that everybody in England is talking about this case? Do you know how many hundreds of letters are coming to the Times about it? The English people see in this little case the larger issue of the rights of the individual. Sir. Why is the Admiralty so afraid of letting the facts be aired?

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

The Admiralty is not afraid of facts.

[Sir Edward Carson]

No, sir. Then it would logically seem that the Admiralty would not object to a trial.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

But the Admiralty does object to that. This case can't come to court and you know it.

[Sir Edward Carson]

So I am completely beaten.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Completely.

[Sir Edward Carson]

So be it.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

I'm glad you're graceful about it.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Thank you.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

I don't blame you for trying to bluff. I'd do the same in your position.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Of course you would. We're both lawyers.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Yes, both lawyers.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Well, that reminds me, Sir Rufus. Perhaps you can help me. After all, you know more law than anyone else I can think of.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Thank you. What's the question?

[Sir Edward Carson]

What do you know about a petition of right?

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Petition of right?

[Sir Edward Carson]

Listen.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Oh, that's an antique device. If a subject approached the throne with a petition of right and the King can send to right across it let right be done. His Majesty can, in that instance and on that issue be sued like any commoner. But it's never used any longer.

[Sir Edward Carson]

It could be, couldn't it?

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Oh, yes.

[Sir Edward Carson]

It's going to be.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Really? In a case of yours, I'd love to know the details.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Know the details.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

I know. Mm.

[Sir Edward Carson]

What you mean. I perceive from the horror of your tone, sir, that you anticipate me. Yes, My Dear Sir Rufus and the Archer sheikhs.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

No, I won't permit it.

[Sir Edward Carson]

How can you stop it here?

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

The petition of right is an ancient and outborne legal device. You can't use it.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Just said that I could.

[Tom Shirley]

No.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Yes. What's more, the court has said that I might use it. I'd just come from chambers straight to you, Sir Rufus, to inform you that the court has ordered an open trial to arrive at the facts that they might determine whether the petition of right applies. Oh no. Oh no, that can't be.

[Tom Shirley]

Sir Rufus.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Sir Rufus. I thought you weren't afraid of the fact. The court will come to order. Gentlemen, we are here to determine whether a petition of rights applies to the case of George Archer Shee, a former cadet dismissed from the Royal Naval College at Osborne. Sir Rufus Isaac is here for the Adeldale. Sir Edward Carson for Mr. Archer Shee. Gentlemen, you may state your cases and proceed with the calling of witnesses.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Sir Rufus, may it please the court, I have no case to state. Only one witness to call.

[Tom Shirley]

Really?

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

If it be agreed by Sir Edward.

[Sir Edward Carson]

That there was a postal order stolen.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

And that it was kept.

[Sir Edward Carson]

I agree, sir.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Thank you. Will Ms. Anna Tucker please state the stamp?

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Ms. Tucker, what is your work?

[Mrs. White]

I'm chief postal clerk in the post office at Osborne.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

On November 8, 1908, a postal order for five ships in the name of Cadet Terence Back was cashed in your post office. Which clerk cashed it?

[Mrs. White]

I did, sir.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Was it a cadet who presented that postal order to you?

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

We all know now that it was not presented by Cadet Terence Back to whom the postal order was made out. Have you any way, Ms. Tucker, of knowing just which cadet cast the order?

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Will you please tell the court about it?

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir. There were two cadets came to my window that day. One to buy a 15 and sixpenny postal order, the other to buy two totaling 14 and nine. It was one of them who cashed the stolen order.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Which one?

[Mrs. White]

The one who bought the postal order for 15 and 6.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

And which one was that?

[Mrs. White]

My records could answer that question.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

You have your records here?

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Would you read from them please?

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir. Just a minute.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Here it is.

[Mrs. White]

November 8, 1908. Postal order for 15 and 6. Issue to cadet George Archer. Sheath Order.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

There it is. Your honor. There is our case. One witness. Incontrovertible evidence. Carefully kept written records. Your witness, Sir Edmond.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Thank you. Now, Ms. Tucker, when the authorities at the Royal Naval College had asked for and questioned you, you told them exactly what you told us here. Is that correct?

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir. And I showed them the record.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Yes, I see. And did they ask you to help in any investigation?

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Could you tell us about that?

[Mrs. White]

Well, sir, they brought me to the college next morning, and they showed six or seven of the cadets to me. And they asked me which one was the one that cashed the stolen postal order.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Could you tell?

[Mrs. White]

Oh, no, sir. They all look so much alike, those boys in their uniforms, that I wouldn't know one from the other.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Did they ask your cooperation in any other way?

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir. They had several boys come into the room where I was, and they had each one of them say, I'd like to buy a postal order for 15 and 6. And they asked me which one of the boys sounded like the one who had cashed the stolen order the day before.

[Sir Edward Carson]

And could you tell them?

[Mrs. White]

Oh, no, sir. They were all at the time of life when their voices were changing, and they all sounded just alike to me.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Order.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Your Honor, my object to this line of questioning as being entirely too negative. The records of the post office remain.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

And cannot be explained away.

[Sir Edward Carson]

I bow to my colleague. Your Honor, I shall question Ms. Tucker only on the matter of the accuracy of her records.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

That is perfectly agreeable to me. There can be no question as to the accuracy of those records.

[Tom Shirley]

Go right ahead, sir.

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Edward.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Ms. Tucker, the cashing of the stolen order and the issuing of the order for 15 and 6 took place at the same time.

[Mrs. White]

Well, one transaction right after the other.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Your records show that?

[Mrs. White]

No, but I remember.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Were you interrupted between the two transactions?

[Mrs. White]

Of course. After all, I was in sole charge of the office at the time.

[Sir Edward Carson]

No, it's the telephone to answer.

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Telegrams to take down as they came over the wire.

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir. And the mails?

[Sir Rufus Isaacs]

Of sorts.

[Mrs. White]

Believe me, sir, clerking in a post office is not the cinch that some taxpayers think it is.

[Sir Edward Carson]

All these matters often took you away from the window.

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Even into the back room sometimes.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Of course, you've already told us that one cadet looks just like another. Do you?

[Mrs. White]

Yes, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

So that if one cadet should go away from the window and another step into his place while you were sorting the mail or answering the telephone, you would not notice the substitution.

[George Archer Shee]

That's true, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

And in the instance we are talking.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

About, one cadet could have taken the place of another without your realizing when you returned to the window that you had not been dealing with the same boy.

[Mrs. White]

I never thought of it that way. But you're right, sir.

[Sir Edward Carson]

So now you cannot say that it was Archer Sheev.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Who cashed the stolen order?

[Mrs. White]

William, you're absolutely right.

[Sir Edward Carson]

May it please the court with this cross examination. I rest my case. A boy, 13 years old, was labeled and ticketed and has since been labeled and ticketed for all his future life. As a thief and a forger, he has been absolutely deprived of the possibility of any future career either in His Majesty's service or indeed in any other service. And now we find that the only witness against him.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Him as a gap in her story.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Wide enough to drive a coach through. Strike, please. Questions I have asked this woman might well have been asked by the Admiralty. Honorable, it strikes me that in not.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

Asking such questions, the officers of the Admiralty were criminal risks in the performance of their duty. I demand restoration of all rights of.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Zordata she has been deprived of.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

I demand that he be allowed to return to the Royal Naval College if he pleaded. And I demand, sir, that the British.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Empire apologize to the 13 year old boy. Ah, well, well, George.

[George Archer Shee]

My father told me how the case came out. S. I came to thank you.

[Sir Edward Carson]

So right, my boy. Were you anxious?

[George Archer Shee]

No, sir. I knew that when the case got to court, the truth had come out.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Apparently you didn't worry over your own case as much as I did. But you might be right, my boy. You can say this to the English courts. They give you a hearing, they give you a trial. And the whole legal system in this country is organized with a view to getting it through. That's a mighty fine thing in the kind of world we live in, George. It's a mighty fine country that sets up such a course. And that's why you were very wise to want to fight. God. God bless you.

[Dick Colmer]

There's a true sequel to this true story. George Archer. She did exercise his right to fight for England. He was killed in action in Ypres in 1915. Thank you, Charles Lawton, for bringing us a great story of liberty.

[Sir Edward Carson]

You know, Dick, liberty isn't the only ingredient in life. There are other things that go along with it. You know, I believe that you Americans have something to say about. What is it? Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

[Dick Colmer]

Indeed we have, Mr. Lawton. And there's something very interesting on that subject in a recent issue of Reba's Digest.

[Sir Edward Carson]

Oh, I remember that one. The piece points out that there was never a time when so much official effort was being expended to produce happiness. And probably never a time when so little attention was paid by the individual to creating the personal qualities that make for happiness.

[Tom Shirley]

Exactly.

[Dick Colmer]

And of all those who have tried down through the ages to outline a program for happiness. Few have succeeded so well as William Henry Channing, chaplain of the House of Representatives. In the middle of the last century.

[Sir Edward Carson]

He said, to live content with small means. To seek elegance rather than luxury and refinement rather than passion. To be worthy, not respectable and wealthy, not rich. To study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly. To listen to the stars and birds, to babes and sages with open heart to bear all cheerfully, do all bravely, await occasions. Hurry never in a word to let the spiritual, unbidden and unconscious, grow up through the common.

[Tom Shirley]

Thank you again. This is Tom Shirley speaking for the makers of Hallmark Greeting Cards and reminding you that it takes only a few minutes to remember your friends with distinctive Hallmark greeting cards. Always be sure to look in the back of the card you choose for the identifying words. A Hallmark card. For over a third of a century, these words, a Hallmark card, have meant expert craftsmanship, excellence in greeting cards and.

[Dick Colmer]

For excellence in entertainment. Ladies and gentlemen, you're cordially invited to be with us again next week at this same time for another outstanding dramatic program brought to you by the makers of Hallmark Greeting Cards, America's favorite greeting card. We have a wonderful story for you. Diamond Knock Bracket by Damon Runyon and a wonderful guy to play it, Pat O'Brien.

[Tom Shirley]

Charles Lawton may soon be seen and a miracle can happen. A United Artist release the Archer she case was dramatized by Robert Sanadella from Alexander Wolcott's story in the Reader's Digest, America's favorite magazine. The Hallmark program was directed by Mark Sloane with music especially composed by Jack Miller. Remember, a Hallmark card will best express your perfect taste. Your thought.

[Mr. Archer Shee]

This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.