The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-12-09

anu one orlght DAY her lips did say,
"Love honor. and obeyl"
--
THE VOLUNTEER CoUNsEL--A TALE OF
JOHN TAYLOR.
at an early hour, the 9th of April, 1910
the Court House in ClarksviIle, Texas, was
crowded to overfowing. Save in the war
time past, there had never been witnessed
uch gathering in Red River County
while the strong feeling, apparent in every
flushed face throughout the assembly be-
tokened some great occasion. A con else
narrative of facts will sufficiently explain
the matter.
About the close of 1880, Googe Hopkins
one OF the wealthiest planters and most
influential men of Northern Texas, offered a
gross insult to Mary Eliston, the young
and beautiful wife Of his overseer. The
husband threatened 10 chastise him for the
outrage, whereupon Hopkins loaded his
gun, went to Eliston's house and shot him
in his own door. The murderer was ar
rested, and bailed to answer the charge.
The occurrence produced immcuse excite
ment; and Hopkins, in order to turn the
tide Unpopular opinion, or at least to mitigate
the general wrath, which at first were violent
against him, circulated reports infamously
prcJudicial 10 the character of the woman
who had already suffered such cruel wrong
at his bands. She brought her suit for
SANDER. And thus two causes, one criminal
and the other civil, and both out of the
same tragedy, were pending in April Circuit
Court for 1910.
The interest naturally felt by the COM
munlty as to the issues, became far deeper
when twas known that Ashley and Pike
OF Arkansas, and the celebrated S. S. Prentiss
OF New Orleans, each with enormous fees.
had been retained by Hopkins, in his de-
fence.
The trial, on the indictment of murder
ended on the 9th day of April with &C.
quittal Of Hopkins. Such result might
well have been foreseen by comparing the
talents of the counsel engaged on either side
The Texas lawyers were utterly overwhelmed
by the argument and eloquence of their
opponents.
The slander suit was set for the 9th of
April and the throng Of Spectators grew in
number as well as excitement, what NAV
seem strange, the current of public sen,i-
ment now ran decidedly for Hopkins. His
money had procured witnesses, by whom
be could prove anything, and with the aid
of those powerful advocates no one doubted
his success. Mary Eliston's lawyers had
deserted her and Withdrawn the D iomv
pettifoggers dare not brave the sharp wit of
Pike or the scalhing thunder of Prentiss.
"lave you no counsel - enquired Judge
Mills, looking kindly at the plaintiff:
"No' sir, they have all deserted me, and
am too poor TO employ any more" replied
The beautiful Mary, bursting into tears.
"ln such case, will not some chivalrous
member Of the profession velunteera" asked
The Judge glsncing around the bar.
The thirty lawyers were as silent as
death.
Judge Mills repeated the question.
Il will, your honor" said a voice from
lhe thickest part Of The. crowd situated be-
hind the barr AZ the tones of that voice
many started half wayfron their seats and
perhaps there was in the immense throng
40 heart which did not beat something quick.
was so unearthly-sweet, clesr, ring
ing and mournful. s2""@. -~'o
Ihe f'rst sensation, however, was changed
into general laughter, when a tall, ganpt
'pectral fgpses that nobody present ever
remembered to have seen before, elbowed
bis way through the crowd, and placed
himself within The bar. His appearance
was problem to puzzle the sphinx her.
'eK His high pale brow, and small mar
,ouslS t&hcRbg fsce sssmed:aliye Nth de
,onsecrated esssnce and cream of genius q
put then his infinite blue eyes, hardly yisi.
De beneath rtheir massiys arches, looked
Iim md dreamy, simdat unconscious; and |
lis clothing was 80 exceedipgly shabby |
bat the court hssitated tolse the seuse pro- |
'sssa ,ppdsfhit management. ;, I!
s*Hss ychr nsss been entered on the
ollsaf ths. .sstel"s demanded the Judge
uspici ciously. - ~. -