1493. on delays in the court of Sefsion. 31g 
ON THE DELAYS INCIDENT TO THE COURT 
OF SESSION. 
Continued from p. 283. 
To the Lord President of the Court of Sefsion. 
LETTER VI. 
4 
My Lorp, 
Many people imagine it is in the power of the 
judge, if he chuses, to give a speedy decision ; and 
many more think the practitioners could procure an 
immediate judgement, if it were not their interest to 
protract the suit, and keep it long depending in court. 
This, however, is like the notion of the negroes, that 
monkeys could speak if they inclined, and that they 
only observe silence in order to avoid being obliged 
to work. 
To finifh a law-suit soon, would contribute much 
to the ease and comfort of the judge; and, contrary 
to the received opinion, it would also tend. to the 
profit of the practitioners, as giving life and spirit to 
businefs, and much encouraging the number of suits: 
Bit upor, the present footing of things, all the efforts 
of a party, joined with the coucurrence of an atteutive 
and discernin. judge, cannot prevent delays. Nay, 
farther, the ripe and proper decision of a cause is in 
_ its nature a matter that requires a good deal ot time; 
_and of course a law-suit mus be tedious after ali the 
_thange that can well be veutured ou, or ought tu be 
