Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1883-04-19
HIS LAST COURT.
A story of the Sternest Judge that ArIEan-
sas Ever Had.


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 leyity. 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 even
ing just at a certain time he closed his
books and went home. No man ever
engaged him in private conversation,
because he would talk to no one. No
one ever wenttoh his home, alittle cottage
among the trees in the city's outskirts,
because he had never shown dispOsi-
tion to make welcome the visits of
those who lived even in the immediate
vicinity. His Office was not given him
through the influence of "electioneer-
ing" because he never asked any man
for his vote. He was first elected be-
cause, having once been summoned in
a case Of arbitration, he exhibited the
executive side of such a 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 sem
timent in decision. He stood upon the
platform of a law which he had made
a 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 lawyer, as
the magistrate took his seat. 81 don't
see how a man so old can stand the
veXations of a court much longer"
II am not well to-day" said the
Judge, turning to the lawyers, "and
any cases that you may have you will
pleased despatch them to the best, and,
let me add, quickest of your ability"
Everyone saw that the old man was
unusually feeble, and no one thought
of scheme to prolong discussion,
for all the lawyers had learned to rev.
erence him.
"Is this the woman2" asked the
Judge. "Who is defending her?"
81 have no defense, your honor" the
woman replied. "In fact, 1 do not
think that l need any, for 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 charge of disturbing the
peace, and I'm willing to submit my
case. 1 am dying of consumption,
Judge, and / know that any ruling
made by law can have but little effect
on. me-" and she coughed hollow,
hacking cough, and drew around her
an old black shawl that she wore. The
expression on the face Of the magis-
trate remained unchanged, but his eye
lids dropped and he did not raise them
when the woman continued: "As !
say, no man can defend me. / 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 1 lived
with my parents in Kentucky. Way
ward and light-hearted. was admir-
ed by all the gay society known in
the neighborhood. A man came and
professed his love for me. l don't say
this, judge, to excite your sympathy.
l have many and many a time been
drawn before courts, but l never be-
fore spoke of my past life"
She coughed again, and caught a
flow of blood on q handkerchief which
she pressed to her lips. Il speak of it
now because | know this is the last
court on earth before which l will be
arraigned. | was fifteen years Old
when | fell in love with the man. Ny
father said he was bad, but / loved
him. lie came again and again, and
and when my father said he should
come no more | ran away and married
him. My father said 1 should never
come home again. l had always been
his pride, and I 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 l
longed to see him. How l yearned to
put my head on his breast My nus
band became addicted to drink. He
abused me. l wrote to my father, ask
ing him to let me come home, but the
answer that came was, Il do not know
your My husband died-yes, cursed
God and died Homeless and wretch
ed, and with my little boy went out
into the world. My child died, and l
bowed down and wept over pauper's
grave. l wrote to my father again,
but he answered, 4 know not those