The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1883-03-28
ms LAST COURT.

A Case OF Father and Daughter Appealed
from Arkansas to a Higher Tribunal.
Old Judge GrepsOn, a Justice Of the
Peace, was never known to smile, He
came to Arkansas years ago, before the
caTpet-baggers began their reckless
sway, and year after year, by the will
of the voters, he held his place, as mag
istrate. The lawyers who practiced in
his court never jOked with him, because
every one soon learned that the old man
never engaged in, teyity. Every. morn
ing, no matter what the weather might
be, the old man took his place behind
the bar, which, with his own nghands, he
had made, and every evening, just at a
certain time, he closed his books and
went home. No one ever engaged him
in private conversation, because ne
would talk to no one, No one ever went
to his home, a little cottage among the
trees in the city's outskirts, because he
had never shown disposition to make
welcome the visits of those who even
lived in the immediate vicinity. His
office was not given him through the
influence of "electi0neer1ngs" because
he never asked any man for his vote. He
was first elected because, having once
been summoned in a case of arbitration
he exhibited the executive side of such
legal mind, that the people nominated
and elected him. He soon gained the
name of the "hard Justice" and every
lawyer in Arkansas referred to his de-
cisiOns. His rulings were never rever-
sed by the higher courts. He showed
no sentiment In decision. He stood upon
the platform of law which he made a
study, and no man disputed him. @a
Several days ago a woman charged
with a misdemeanOr was arraigned be-
fore him. The old man seems more
than ever unsteady" remarked a law
yer as the magistrate took his seat. Il
don't see how man so old can stand
the vexatiOns of a court much lOnRer.2
II am not well to-day, said the Judge,
turning to the lawyers, "and any cases
you may have you will please despatch
to the best, and, let me add, quickest of
your ability"
Every one saw that the old man was
unusually feeble, and no one thought
of scheme to prOl0ng discussion, for
all the lawyers had almost learned to
reverence HIM. g. - - 81
''Is this the wOmanP' asked the Judge.
"WhO is defending heref' = wHr,
II have no defense, Your Honor, the
woman replied. "In fact do not think
need any; for am here to confess my
guilt. No man can defend me-" and she
looked at the magistrate with q curious
gaze. "I have been arrested OI1a charge
of disturbing the peace, and L am will
ing to submit my case. L am dying of
consumption, Judge, and l know that
any ruling madeby the law can have
but little effect on meS' and she cough
ed a hollow, vacant cough, and drew
around her an old black shawl she wore.
The expression on the face of the mag
istFate remained unchangedf but his,
eyelidsA dropped, and he did not raise
them when the woman continued t.As
say, no man can defend me! 7 am too
near that awful approach to pass which,
we know is everlasting death tOs0uland
body. Years ago Hwa5 child of great
promise. Il lived with my parents In
Kentucky. Wayward and lighthearted; {;
1 was the admiration of all the gay So
ciety knOwRs in our neighborhOOd. IA
man came and prOfessed his love for me.
/ don't say this, Judge, to excite your
sympathy. j have many and many q
time been before courts, but Ineyer be-
fore spoke of my past life" She cough
ed again, and caught flow Of blood on
a handkerchief, which she pressed to
her lips. II speak of it now because |
know this will be the last court on
earth before which I will be 'arraigned.
was fifteen years old when 1 fell in
love with the man., My father said he
was bad, but l loved him. He came
again and again, and when my father
said he should come no more, ran away
and married him. My father said never
should come home again. Ihad always
been his pride and loved him dearly, but
he said must never again come to his
hOme-my home, the home of my youth
and happiness. How 1 lOnged to see
him. Howl yearned tO-put, my head
on his breast. My husband became ad-
dicted to strong drink He abused me.
l wrote to my father, asking him to let
me come home; but the answer came
"L do not know your My husband died
yes, cursed GOD and diedi Homeless
and wretched, and with my little boy, !
went out ioto the world. My child died
and bowed down and wept over pau
per's grave. wrote to my father again
but he answered.: 81 -knOw not those
who disobey my commandments"
turned away from that letter hardened.
l embraced sin. l rushed madly into
vice. spurned my teachings. / was
time and time again arrested. Now
am here" "
SeYeral lawyers rushed forward. "A
crimson tide flowed from her lips. They
leaned her lifeless head back against
the chair. The old magistrate had not
raised his eyes. Great God l'4 said a
lawyer, "he Is dead" The woman was
his aughter-Arkansas Traveller.