The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-12-08
The Husbands Story.

AN incident that would suggest mate
rial for play or q novel took place in
the Quarter Sessions Saturday. His Hon
or Judge Kirkpatrick was disposing of
the complaints of matrons whose nus
bands had deserted them. So many
cases of an aggravated nature had been
brought up that it began to look as if the
an-biped in domestic state was a
great and constitutional offender. The
sympathies of the auditors were growing
in favor of oppressed women. This ten
dency was heightened by the entrance of
very pale, spare, benign-looking lady,
apparently of culture and refinement,
dressed in neat, dark fabric. She was
accompanied by sweet young girl of
about fifteen, very tastefully dressed in
the latest fashion of hat, onyx orna-
ments, and also some dark texture, and a
little child of three or four in light and
also tasteful dress.
Great was the sympathy for the lady
like mother when she arose and in low
voice and refined language told how she
had been deserted by her husband; how
he had failed to provide for her support
or that of her two interesting children.
An old and accomplished lawyer, her
counsel, drew her statement with an eff
feet almost dramatic. His Honor was
affected. Any man with a sympathetic
nature would be. His Honor called
upon the husband to stand up, and all
eyes turned upon the culprit.
He was tall, thin Irishman, aged,
perhaps, fifty, gray-haired and with
mild, careworn features. His boots were
too large; his coat hung about him in
folds that suggested he had once been a
stouter man; he wore no collar; his
shirt at the neck was frayed, but clearly.
He stood before the bar trembling, not
with fear but with sorrow, and big tear
had gathered in his eye
"What answer have you to make to
this charge, sir?" said the Court, rather
severely, but with some establishment at
the apparition, which was different from
what had been expected.
"Well, indeed, l don't know, yer
Honor" said the man in low tone. "l'm
but poor man and have done the best ]
could"
"Your Honor" said counsel for the
defendant, this poor man has been
ruined by the folly and extravaganza OF
his wife, who is now here suing him.
The Court proceeded to investigate
He found that the mild-featured old man
defendant was a puddler, though he did
not look as if he had the strength fol
hard labor; that he had accumulated
some property and sold it for So, 700 to
meet the demand of his comparatively
fashionable wife and family, and they
moved into forty-dollar- per-month
house, and afterward one little cheaper,
bought marble-top tables and lived high
until the money was spent, allowing the
old man meantime to work over the fur
mace and keeping the luxuries measure
bly, to themselves; that when out of
money they got his wages until he had
not enough to pay board where he was
living in Sharpsburgh; that he had given
them all he had; that he could get work
sometimes but three days in the week,
but all he made they were welcome to.
A universal feeling of indignation ran
through the courtroom. Even His Hon
or could not help sharing it. Said he,
turning sharply TO the prosecutor and her
acknowledgement young daughter:
"You have no business in the court,
madam. You can go, madam-you can
60 at once! You pushed this poor man
into hardships by your extravaganza, and
now you come here in your grapes and
your reps and your stylish clothes to
prosecute him because he is no longer
able to maintain you. This court will
not assist you. And as for you, poor
man." continued His Honor, 1--WE pity
rather than prosecute you. Go-go-
frce-not even the costs shall you have
to pay"
There was low murmur of applause
through the court. The lady and her
children walked out somewhat abashed,
the INDICATED husband took his hat and,
with "thank yer Honor" left, not tri-
umphant, but still sorrowful
And through the remainder of the ses-
sion it was noticeable that the tide of
feeling was turned the other way, and
complaining wives had to undergo a
closer ordeal of examination than before.
Pittsburgh Dispatch.
nP Docoa