The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1883-04-19
HIS LAST COURT.
A Story of the Sternest Judge that
Arkansas Ever Had.

~ hduSdo GNcI ILdUs
Old Judge Grepson, a justice of the
peace, was never known to smile.
He came to Arkansas years ago, be-
fore the 'carpet-baggers" began their
reckless sway, 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 everyone
soon learned that he 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 a
certain time he closed his book and
went home. No man ever engaged
him in private conversation, be-
cause he would talk to no one.
No one ever went to his home,
a little cottage among the trees
in the city's outskirts, because he had
never shown a disposition to make
welcome the visits of those who lived
even in the immediate vicinity. His
Office was not given him through the
influence of "electioneering," because
he never asked a man for his vote.
He was first elected because, having
once been summoned in case of ar
bitration, 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 decision. He stood
upon the platform of law which he
made study, and no man disputed
him.
Several days ago woman charged
with misdemeanor was arraigned be-
fore him. "The old man seems more
than ever unsteady" remarked alaw-
yer, as the magistrate took his seat.
81 don't see how man so old can
stand the veXations of a court much
longer"
81 am not well to-day" said the
judge, turning to the lawyers, land
any cases that you may have you will
please dispatch them to the best, and
let me add, quickest of your ability
was unusually feeble, and no one
thought of a scheme to prolong dis
cussion, for all the lawyers had learned
to reverence him.
as this the woman ?" asked the
judge. "Who is defending her ?"
81 have no defense, your honor" the
woman replied. SIN fact, I do not
think that L need any. for l am here
to confess my guilt. No man can de-
fend me-" and she looked at the mag
istrate with Il curious gaze. Il have
been arrested on a charge of disturb.
ing the peace, and I'm willing to sub
NIT 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 a hollow, hack
ing cough, and drew around her
an old black shawl that she wore
The expression of the magistrate re-
manned unchanged, but his eyelids
dropped and he did not raise them
when the woman continued: GAS j
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 d
child of brightest promise. / lived
with my parents in Kentucky. Way
ward and light-hearted, was admired
by all the gay society known in the
neighboIhood. A man came and pro-
fessed his love for me. / don't say
this judge, to excite your sym. athy
l have many AMI many time been
drawn before courts. but | never be.
fore spoke of my past life
She coughed again, and caught 2
~ al ll~nr Iaf
which she pressed to her lips. u
speak of it 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. N.Y. father said he
was bad, but loved him. He came
again and again, and when my father
said that he should come no more ]
ran away and married him. My
father said l should never come home
/ had always been his pride-and had
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 | longeG
to see MIN. How / yearnet
to put my head on his breast
NY husband became addicted
to drink. He abused me. l wrote tt
my father, asking him to let me come
home, but the answer that came was;
4 do not know you'll 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 l bowed down ant
wept over a pauper's grave. l wrote
to my father again; but he answered
L know not those who disobey my
commandments turned away from
that letter hardened. l spurned my
teachings. Now l am here"
Several lawyers rushed forward. A
crimson tide flowed from her lips
They leaned her lifeless head bach
against the chair. The old magis
trate had not raised his eyes. "Great
God !" said a lawyer, ''he is dead"
The woman was his daughter.
An Expensive Pipe.
Waco Examiner.1
The Houston Post figures out that