Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1883-03-22
His Last Court

from Arion'ls to q Higher T,1itmaI.
Ak,n.u Traveller
old Judge Grepson, justice OF the
peace, was never known to smile. He
came to Arkansas years ago, before the
carpet baggcrs' began their reckless
sway, aud year after year by the will Of
tho voters, he held his place as magis.
tra,c. Tho lawyers who pructiscd in
his court never jokcd with him, because
every one soon learned that the old
man never engaged in lcyity. Every
morning, no matter how bad the
weather might be, the old man took hi-
place behind the bar, which, with his
evening, Just at certain time he closed
his books and went home. 80 one
ever engaged him in private converse.
tion, because he would talk to no one.
No one ever went TO his home, a little
cottage among the trees in the clty.s
outskirts, because he had never shown
adisposlion TO make welcome the visits
Of those who even lived in the imme.
date vicinity. His Office was not given
him through the influence Of election
eering, because hc never asked any
man for his vote. lie was frat 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. lie soon gained the name Of the
hard justice" aud every lawyer in Al.
kansas referred to his decision. HIS
rulings were never reversed by the
higher courts. lie showed no senti'
ment in decision. He stood upon the
platform OF law which he made
study. and no man disputed him.
Several days ago woman charged
with misdemeanor vas arrAigued before
him. "The old man seems more than
ever unsteady remarked lawyer "A
the magistrate took hi. seat. IL don t
see how n man 40 old can stand the
ve1ations OF a court much longer
II am not we'll to-day" said the
Judge. turning to the lawyers, "And any
cases that you may have you will please
despatch them 10 the best, and, let me
add. quickest Of your ability"
Every ono saw that the old man was
unusually feeble and no one thought Of
a scheme to proIonr a discussion, for al
the lawyers had learned to almost rcyer
ence him.
"Is this tho woman - asked the
Judge. "Who is defending herr
81 have no defense, Your Honor, r the
woman replied "In fac, do not think
that ! need any, for am here to con.
fess my guilt. No man can defend me,
and she looked at the magistrate with
a curious gaze. 81 have been arrested
on a charge Of disturbing the peace,
and am 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 = and
she coughed a hollow, vacant cough,
and drew around her an old black shawl
that she wore. The expression on the
face of the magistrate remained un.
changed, but his eyelds dropped and
he did not raise them when the woman
continued "As say, no man can de.
fend me. am too near that awful ap.
prosch 10 pass which we know ia ever.
lasting death TO soul and. body. Years
ago was a child Of brightest promise
| lived with my parents in Kentucky.
Wayward and light-hesrted, | was the
admired of all the gay society known in
our neighborhood. a man came and
proiessed his love for me. | don say
this, Judge, to excite your sympathy.
have many and many time been
drawn before courts, but never before
spoke Of my past life" She coughed
again and caught flow of blood on 3
handkerchief which she pressed to her
lips. II speak of II now because
know that this Is the last court on earth
before which will be arraigned. was
fifteen years old when fell in love with
the man. Ny father said he wac bad,
but loved him. lie came again and
again. and when my father said he
should como no more ] ran away and
married him. My father said ! should
never come home again. had always
been his pride and had loved him 80
dearly. but he said that I must. never