The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-03-17
His Inst Court.
A CASE or FATHER AND DAUGHTER APPEALED
PROM ARKANSAS TO 4 HIGHER TRIBUNAL.
Ann Ir.A,.

FROM ARKANSAS TO A HIGHER TRIBUNAL.
Arkansas Travcller.l
Old Judge Grepsou. justice OF the
peace, was never known to smile. He
came TO Arkansas years ago. before the
"carpet-baggcrs began their reckless
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 ioked with him, because every one
soon learned that the old man never en-
gagged in levity. Every morning. no mat
ter 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 q certain time he
closed his books ard 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, be-
cause he had never shown disposition to
make welcome the visits OF those who even
lived in the immediate vicinity. His Office
was not given him through the influence
OF clertiOneering," because he never
asked any man Tor his vote. He was first
elected because, having once been sum-
moned in a case Of arbitration, he exhibit
ed the executive side of such legal mind
that the people nominated and elected him.
He soon gaincd the name OF the "hlrd JUS
tice," and every lawyer in Arkansas refer
red to his decisions. His rulings were
never reversed by the higher courts. He
showed no sentiment in decision. lie stood
upon the platform OF law which lie made
a study, and no man disputed him.
Several days ago woman charged with
lafn u IN
.'The old man seems more than ever un-
steady" remarked lawyer as the magis-
trate took his seat. II don't see how u
man so old can stand the vexations Of q
court much longer"
II am rot well to-day" said the Judge,
turning to the lawyers, "and any casos
that YOU may have you will please dispatch
them to the best, and, let me add, quickest
of your ability"
Every ore saw that the old man was un-
usually feeble, and no one thought Of Il
scheme to proiOng discussion, for all the
lawyers had learned to almost reverence
him.
"Is this the woman!' asked the Judge.
- who is defending herr"
Il have no defence, your HONOR the
woman replied. "In fact, do not think
nv guilt. No man can defend me-" and
She looked at the magistrate witha curious
gaZe. 81 have been arrested on charge
of disturbing the peace, and ! am willing
TO submit my case. | am dying OF con-
SUMPTION, 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 ma-
eistrate remained unchanged, but his eye
lids dropped, and he did not raise
them, when the woman continued: " AS l
saw. no man can defend me. | am too near
that awful approach, to pass which we
know is everlasting death to soul and to
body. Years ago / was a child OF bright
cst promise. lived with my parents in
Kentucky. Wayward and light-hearted,
I was the admired of all the gay society
known in our neighbOrhood. \ man came
and professed his love for me. don't say
this, Judge. 10 excite your sympathy.
have many and many time been drawn
before courts, but | never before spoke oi
nv past life" She coughed again and caught
ilow Of blood ON handkerchief which
she pressed 10 her lips. - speak OF II
now because | know that this is the last
CONT on earth before which | will be ar
ralgned. | was fifteen years old when fell
in love with the man. My father SAID he
was bad. but loved him. lie came again
and again, and when my father said thai
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 50 dearly, bu'
he said that must never again come TO hi'
home-my home, the home OF my youth anC
| hanniness. How longed to see him. How
I ycarned to put my head on his breast
Ny husband became addicted TO drink
He abused me. | wrote 10 my father
asking him to let me come home. but The
answer that came was, Il do not know
youl' Nv husband died-yes, cursed
| God and died Homeless and wretched
and with my little boy, went out into th'
world. NV child died, and bowed dowf
and wept over a paupcr's grave. wrote L
/ nv father again, but he answered kno"
not those who disobey my commandments.
| / turned away from that letter hardened
/ embraced sin. / rushed madly into vice
! spurned my teachings. | was time an(
time again arrested. Now am here
Several lawyers rushed forward. a Grim
son tide flowed from her lips. They lean
ed her lifeIess head back against the chair
The old magistrate had not raised bis eyes
" "t;reat God " said a lawyer, "he i
dead" The woman was his daughter.