Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1883-04-20
HIS LAST COURT.

/
came to Arkansas years ago. before the
"carpet-baggers" 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
his court never joked with him, because
every one soon learned that the old man
never engaged in levity Every morn
ing, no matter how bad the weather
might be, the old man took bis place be-
hind the bar which. with his own hands,
he had made and every evening. just at
a certain time he closed his books aud
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 disposition to make well
come the visits Of those who even lived
in the immediate vicinity, His Office
was not given him through the influence
Of electioneering, because no never asked
any man for his vote. He was first
elected because, having once been snm-
moned in case Of arbitration, he .x
hibited the executive side OF such u
legal mind that the people nominated and
elected him. He soon gained the name
of the "hard Justice" aud every lawyer
in Arkansas referred to his decisions.
He showed no sentiment in decision.
He stood upon the platform of law
which he made study and no man dis
puted him.
Several days ago woman charged with
misdemeanor was arraigned before him.
1.-The old man seems more than ever I'M
steady" remarked lawyer as the mag
istrate took his seat. don't. see how
a man so old can stand the vexations of
court much longer"
81 am not well to-day, said the Judge,
turning To the lawyers, .'and any eases
that you may have you will please dis.
patch them TO the best, and let Inc add,
quickest Of your ability.
Every one saw that the old man was
unusually feeble and no ono thought ofa
scheme to prolong discussion. for the
lawyers had learned to almost reverence
him.
''Is this the woman p asked the Judge.
"Who is defending her p
III have no defence, Your Honor"
the woman replied. "fin fact do not
think that | need any, for I am here to
confess my guilt No man can defend
me, and she looked at the magistrate
with curious gaze. II have been ar
rested on the 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 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 eyelids dropped and he
did not raise them when the woman con-
tinued "As say no man eau defend
,se. | nm too near the awful approach
to pass which we know is everlasting
death to soul and body Years ago /
was a child Of the brightest promise. |
lived with my parents in Kentucky
Maynard and light hearted, was the
admired Of all the gay society known in
our neighborhood, A man came aud
protested to love me. | don't 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 coughod
again and caught flow Of blood on "a
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 arraigned. | was
fifteen when | fell in love with the man.
My father said he was bad, but loved
him. He came again and again, and
when my father said that be should
come no more | run away and married
him. My farther said should never
come home again. | had always been
his pride aud had loved him 30 dearly.
but be said that must never again
come 10 his home--my home, the home
of my youth and happiness How
longed TO see him. How | yearned 10
put my head on his breast. My hus-
band became addicted to drink. lie
abused me. wrote TO my father ask
ing him to let me come home. but the
answer that came was L do not know
you My husband died--yes, cursed
God and died Homeless and wretched.
and with my little boy went out into
the world. My child died and bowed
down and wept over pauper's grave.
| wrote TO my father again, but he an
swered: III know not those who disobey
my commandments" turned away from
that letter hardened. embraced sin.
| rushed madly into vice. | spurned my
teachings. was time and again ar
rested. Now | am here"
Several lawyers rushed forward. A
crimson tide flowed from her lips. They
leaned her lifelcss head back against
chair The old magistrate had not raised
bis eyes--''Great God !" said q lawyer,
"he is dead" The woman was bis
daughter.