Semi-weekly interior journal. [volume] (Stanford, Ky.) 1881-1905, 1883-05-15
MS LfsT COURT.


came TO Arkansas years ago, 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
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 his place
behind the bar, which, with his own
hands he had made, and every eve
ming Just at q certain time he closed
his books and went home. No man
ever engaged him in private CONVEX.
sation, because he would talk to no
one. No one ever went TO his home,
little cottage among the trees in the
citys outskirts, because he had never
shown 4 disposition to make welcome
the visits of those who lived even in
in the immediate vicinity. His Of.
fee was not given him through the
influence Of "electioneering,' because
he never asked any man for his vote.
He was first elected because, having
once been summoned in a case of ar.
bitrstion, he exhibited the. executive
side Of such legal mind that the
people nominated and elected him.
He soop gained the name Of Hard
Justice, and every lawyer in Arkan.
sas referred 10 his decisions. His ri.
lings were never reversed by the high
er courts. He showed no sentiment
in decision. He stood upon the plat
form Of law which be had made
study, and no man disputed him.
Recently a woman charged with
misdemeanor was arraigned before
him. The old man seems more than
ever unsteady" remarked q lawyer,
as the magistrate took his seat. II
don't see how a man so old can stand
the vexations Of court much lon
GER"
81 am not well today" said the
judge, turning to the lawyers, "and
any cases that you may have you will
please despatch them to the best, and,
let me add, quickest of your ability"
Every one saw that the old man
was unusually feeble, and no one
thought Of a scheme to prolong dis.
cussiOn, for all the lawyers had learn
10 reverence him.
"Is this the woman" asked the
Judge, "Who is defending herr"
81 have no defense your honor
the woman replied. "In fact, / do
not think that I need any, for am
here to confess my guilt. No man
can defend me-" and she looked at the
magistrate with curious gaze. 81
have been arrested on charge of dis
turbing the peace, and I'm willing to
submit my case. am dying Of con.
sumption, judge, and know that
any ruling made by law can have but
little effect on me-" aud she coughed 4
hollow, hacking cough, and drew
around her an old black shawl she
wore. The expression on the face of
the magistrate remained unchanged,
but his eyelids dropped and he did not
raise them when the woman continu-
ed: Gas / 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 l
was a child Of brightest promise. l
lived with my parents in Kentucky. |
Maynard and light-hearted, | was
by all the gay society known
in the neighborhoOd. A man came
and protested his love for me. l don't
say this, judge, to excite your sym
patty. l have many and many a
time been drawn before courts, but
never before spoke of my past life."
f.. She cOughed again, and caught
flow of blood on handkerchief which
she pressed to her lips. 81 speak Of
ii now because know this is the last
court on earth before which / will be
l was fifteen years old
when / fell in love with the man. My
father said he was bad, but / loved
him. He came again aud again, and
when my father said he should come
no more ran away aud married him.
My father said l should never come
home again. 1 had always been his
pride. and l loved him SO dearly, but
he said that | must never again come
to his home-my home, the home Of
my youth and happiness. How |
lOnged TO see him. How yearned
to put my head on his breast My
husband became addicted to drink.