The Osceola times., 1883-05-05
HIS LAST COURT.
The ssernest Judge That Arkansas Ever
Had.

The seernest Judge That Arkansas Ever
Had.
Arhan,sa Traveller.
Old Judge Grepson, Justice of the
Peace, was never known to smile. liz
came TO Arkansas years before the "car
pet bagges" began their reckless sway
and year after year, by the will of the
voters, he held his place as Magistrate
The lawyers who practiced in his court
never joked with him, because every ont
soon learned that the old man never en-
gagged in levity.
! Every morning, no matter how bad the
weather might be, the old man took hi'
place behind the bar, which, with hi'
own hands, he had made, and every
evening, just at certain time, he closed
his books and went home.
No one ever engaged him in private
conversation, because he would talk to
no one No one ever went to his home
little cottage among the trees in the
city's outskirts, because he had never
shown a disposition to make welcome
the visits of those who lived even in the
immediate vicinity. His Office was moi
given him through the influence o.
"electioneering," because he never asked
any man for his vote. He was first elcc
ted because, having once been summoned
in case of arbitration, he exhibited the
executive side of such legal mind thai
the people nominated and elected him.
He soon gained the name of the "hart
Justice" and every lawyer in Arkansa'
referred to his decisions. His ruling
were never reversed by the higher
courts. lie showed no sentiment in de
cision. He stood upon the platform of ,
law which he had made study, and NJ
man disputed him.
Several days ago woman charged will
misdemeanor was arraigned before him
"The old man seems more than evel
unsteady" remarked lawyer, as thu
Magistrate took his seat. II don't set
how q man 80 old can stand the vexa
tions Of q court much longer"
II am not well to-day" said the Judge
turning to the lawyers, "and any cases
you may have you will please dispatch
them to the best, and, let me add, quick.
est Of your ability"
Every one saw that the old man was
unusually feeble, and no one thought OF
scheming to prolong discussion, for all
Of the lawyers had learned to reverence
him.
"Is this the woman ?" asked the Judge
"Who is defending herr"
II have no defense, your Honor" the
woman replied. an fact, l do not think
that need any, for am here to confess
my guilt. No man can defend me-" and
she looked ut the Magistrate with Curl
Gus gaze.
II have been arrested on charge Of
disturbing the peace, and I'm willing tc
submit my case. am dying of consump
ton, Judge, and know that any ruling
made by the law can have but little effect
on me-" and she coughed hollow, hack
ing cough, and drew around her an old
black shawl that she wore.
The expression on the face of the Mag
istrate remained unchanged, but his eye
lids dropped and he did not raise them
when the woman continued:
"As | say, no man can defend me.
am too near that awful approach, to pas,
which we know In everlasting death :,
soul and body. Years ago I was chile
of brightest promise. I lived with m,
parents in Kentucky. Maynard and ligh
hearted, was admired by all the gay 30
ciety known 10 the neighborhood.
man came and professed his love for me
l don't say this, Judgc, to excite you
sympathy. / have many times beer
drawn before courts, but [ never befor,
spoke of my past life"
She coughed again, and caught flov
Of blood on the handkerchief which sh,
pressed to her lips. 81 speak of il nov
because know that this is the last cour
on earth before which l shall be arraign
ed. l was fifteen years old when fcl
In love with the man. My father sale
he was bad, but loved him. He cam,
again and again, and when my fathc
said that he should come no more RAJ
away and married him. My father sale
/ should never come home again. ha,
always been his pride, and had love,
him so dearly, but he said that | mus
never again come to his home-mv home
the home of my youth and happiness
loneed TO see him. yearned TO put M,
head on his breast. My husband becam,
addicted to drink, and abused me.
wrote to my father, asking him to let m,
come home, but the answer that came B,
me was, i do not know your NV hus
band died. Homeless and wretched, an,
with my little boy. l went out into tn,
world. My child died, and / bowec
down and wept over a pauper's grave.
wrote 10 my father again, but he answer
ed: Il know not those who disobey m,
commandmentsp turned away from
the letter hardened. spurned my teach
ings. Now / am here
Several lawyers rushed forward. A
crimson tide flowed from her lips. The,
leaned her lifelcss head back against tn,
chair, but the old Magistrate did no
raise his eyes.
"Great God" exclaimed a lawyer; "h,
is dead"
The woman was his daughter.
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