The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

ALSATIAN LEGEND

THERE WAS A SMALL TOWN THAT HAD A CRIME PROBLEM. THE PEOPLE BECAME
VERY CONCERNED ABOUT IT AND HIRED A NEW MAGISTRATE. THE FIRST
THING THE MAGISTRATE DID WAS TO BUILD A ONE-CELLED JAILHOUSE. THE
PEOPLE WANTED HIM TO BUILD A LARGER ONE, BUT THE MAGISTRATE
INSISTED THAT ONE CELL WAS ENOUGH.
THE FIRST CRIMINAL HE CAUGHT WAS PUT IN THE JAIL. A FEW DAYS
LATER, ANOTHER ONE WAS CAUGHT AND, IN ORDER TO MAKE ROOM IN THE
JAIL, THE MAGISTRATE HANGED THE FIRST ONE. THE TOWN'S CRIME
DROPPED.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; DETROIT

Date learned: 11-00-1968