Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1883-03-30
his LAST COURT.
Il Story Of the Stegne8t Judge That ArkGn
80S EUer 1Gd.


sGs EUer Had.
The Arkansas Traveller, in a recent issue
says: Old Judge Crepson, justice of the
peace, was never known to smile. lie
came to Arkansas years ago, before the
carpet baggers' began their sway, and
year after year, by the viii Of the voters he
held his place as magistrate. 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 morning, no matter how bad the
weather might be, the old man took his
place behind the bar which with his 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 disposition to make Welcome the
visits Of those who even lived in the i'm
mediate vicinity. His Office was not given
him !hrough She influence of ''electioneer-
ing" because Re never asked any man for his
vote. He was first elected because, having
been summoned in 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 decisions. His
rulings were never reversed by the higher
courts. He showed no sentiment in deci-
sion. He stood upon the platform of law
which he made study and no man disput-
ed him.
Several days ago woman charged with
misdemenor was arraigned before him.
"The old man seems more than ever IN
steady" remarked lawyer as the magis-
trate took his seat. Il dCn'tsee 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 lawyer, land any cases that
you may have you will please dispatch
them to the best, and, let me ada, to the
quickest of your ability"
Every one saw that the old man was
unusually feeble, and no one thought of
scheme 10 prolong the discussion, for all
the lawyers had learned to almost rev.
erence him.
''Is this the woman?" asked the Judge.
who is defending herr"
Il have nc defense, your honor, the WON
an replied. TN fact, do not think that
l need any, for 1 am here to confess my
guilt. No man can defend me-" and she
looked at the magistrate with curious
gaze. Il have been arrested on a charge
Of disturbing the peace, and I am willing
TO submit my case. I am dying of con-
sumption, judge, and know that any rul-
ing made by the law can have but little eff
feet of me,' and she coughed hollow va
cant cough, and drew around her an old
black shawl that she wore. The expression
on the face of the magistrate remained I'M
changed, but his eyelids dropped, and he
did not raise them when the woman con-
tlnued: "As say, no man can defend me.
l am too near that awful approach, to pass
which we know is everlasting death to soul
and body. Years ago I was a child of
| brightest promise. lived with nv par
ents ia Kentucky. Hayward and light
hearted, was the admired of all the gay
society in the neighborhood. Aman came
and professed his love for me. don't
say this, judge, to excite your sympathy.
have many and many time been drawn
before courts, but never spoke before of
my past life.'' She coughed again and
| caught flow of blood on a handkerchief
which she pressed to her lips. II speak of
| it now because I know this is the last court
on earth before which will be arranged.
I was fifteen years old when fell in love
with the man. Ny father said lie was a
bad man, but I loved him. He came again
and again, and when my father said that
! he should come no more I ran away and
married him. Ny father said I should
never come home again. I had always
been his pride and had loved him so dear
! ly, but he said that I must never again