The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1883-04-26
HIS LAST COURT.
= story of tho sterncst Judge that Arknn-
sas Ever Had.


Old Judge GTeyson, Justice Of the
Peace, was never known to smile He
came TO Arkan.as years ago, before
carpet baggcrs' began their reckless
sway, and year after year, by the will of
the voters he held his place as magis
trate. The lawyers who practiced in hi.
court never engaged in leyity. Every
morning, no matter how the weather
might be, the old man took his place be.
bind the bar, which, with his own hands,
he had made, and every evening, just at
certain time, he closed his books and
went h"me. No one ever engaged him
III private conversation, because, he
would talk To no one. No one ever went
to his home, little cottage among the
trees in the city outskirts, because he had
never shown disposition 10 make wei
come the Visits of those who lived even
III the immediate vicinity. His Office
was not given him through the influence
Of "clectionecring,' because lie never
asked any man for his vote. He WAS
first elected because, having been once
summoned in case of arbitratiOn lie
exhibited the executive side of such n
legal mind that the people nominated
and elected him. He soon gained the
name of hard Justice" and every law
yer in Arkansas referred to his decisions.
His rulings were never reversed by the
higher courts. lie showed no sentiment
in decision. He stood upon the platform
of law which he made study, and no
man disputed him.
Several days ago woman, charged
with misdcmeanor, was arrtigned before
him. The old man seems more than
ever unsteady" remarked lawyer as
the magistrate took his seat. Il don't
sec how a man 80 old can stand the vex-
ations Of Il court much longer
am not well today" said the
Judge, turning to the lawyers, "and any
cases that you may have you will please
dispatch them to the best, let me add
quickest Of year ability"
Every one saw that the old man was
unusually feeble, and no one thought OF
Il scheme to prolong discussion, for oil
the lawyers had learned to reverence
him.
"Who is the woman?" asked the
Judge. "Who 10 defending her?"
81 have no defense, your Honor" the
woman replied. "in fact, l do not think
that need any, for am here to confess
my guilt. No man can defend me-" and
she looked at the magistrate with a Curl
GUS gaze. II have been arrested on o.
charge Of disturbing the peace, and I'm
willing to submit my case am dying
of consumption. Judge, and know that
any ruling made by the law can have
but little effect on me; aud she coughed
a hollow, hacking cough, and drew
around her an old black shawl that she
wore. The expression on the face of the
magistrate remained unchanged, but his
eyclids dropped and he did not raise
them, when the woman continued GAS
say no man can defend me- am too
near that awful approach, to pass which
we know is everlasting death to soul
and body. Years ago was child Of
brightest promise. lived with my pa
rents in Kentucky. Hayward and light
hearted l was admired by all the gay
society known in that neighbOrhood. A
man came and professed his love for me.
! don't say this, Judge, to excite your
sympathy. l have many and many
time been drawn before courts, but +
never before spoke of my past life"
She cnughed again and caught flow
Of blood on her handkerchief which she
pressed to her lips. II speak Of it now
because | know that this is the last court
on earth before which will be arraign-
ed. | was fifteen years old when fell
in love with the man. My father said he
waR bad, but loved him. He came
again and again, ahd when my fnther
said that he should come no more ran
away and married him. My father said
| should never come home again had
always been his pride, and had loved
him 40 tendeil,. but he said that must
never again come To his hnme-my home,
the home of my youth and happiness
How longed to Sce him. How
yearned to put my head on his breast.
Ny husband became addicted to drink.
He abused me. wrote to my father,
asking him to let me come home, but the
answer that came was, II do not know
you" My husband died-ycs, cursed
God and died Homeless and wretched
and'with my little hoy, went out into
the world. My child died, and bowed
down and Weps over paupeI's grave.
wrote to my father again, but he answer
ed: II know not those wlo disobey my
commandments ~ turned away from
that letter hardened spurned my
teachings. Now nm here"
Several lawyers rushed forward. A
crimson tide flowed from her lips They
leaned her lifeless head back against the
chair. The old magistrate had not raiaed
his eyes. "Great Cod" said lawyer,
"he is dead !"
The woman was his daughter.