The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1883-04-27
miscellaneous.
His Last Court.

Cd Judge Grepson, Il Justice of the peace,
was never known to smile. He came TO Ar.
kansas years ago, before the carpet baggers"
began their sway, and year after year, by the
| will OF the voters lie held his place as magis-
trate 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 matter
how bad the weather might be, the old man
| took his place behind the bar which, with
his own hands he had made, aud every even
ing, Just at II 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, n little cottage among the trees in
the citys outskirts, because he had never
shown Il disposition to make welcome the
visits of those who even lived in the immedi.
| ate vicinity. His office was not given him
| through the influence of "eleciioueering," be-
| cause he never asked any man for his VOTE
He was first elected because having been
summoned in a case of arbitration, he cXhb-
tied the executive side of such legal mind
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 lie showed no scnt-
ment in decision. He stood upon the plat
form of law which he had made n study,
and no man disputed him.
Several days ago a woman charged with
misdcmcanor was arraigned before him.
"1hc old man seems more than ever lln.
steady" remarked lawyer as the magistrate
took his seat 81 don't see how a man so
old can stand the ycxations of Il court much
longer"
II 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, to the quickest
of your ability"
Every one saw that the old man was I'M
usually feeble, and no one thought of
scheme to proIong discussion, for all the
lawyers had learned to almost reverence him.
"ls this the woman ?" asked the Judge; "who
is defending hcrY
Il have no defense, your honor the wom-
an replied. an fact, ! do not think that
need any, for am here to confess my guilt.
No man can defend me- and she looked at
the magistrate with Il curious gaze 81 have
been arrested ON u charge Of disturbing the
public peace, and am willing TO submit my
case am dying of consumption, 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 magistrate
remained unchanged, but his cyelids 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 TO body Years ago | was a child
of brightest promise ! lived with my par
ents in Kentucky. Hayward and light
hearted, ] was admired of all the gay society
known in our ncighborhc cd. A man came
and protested his love for nc | don't say
this, judge, to excite your sympathy | have
many and many time been drawn before
courts, but ! have never before spoken of my
past life" She coughcd again and caught
flow of blood on n handkerchief which she
pressed to her lips. 81 speak now because
know that this is the last court on earth be
fore which | will be arraigned. | was fifteen
years old when fell in love with the man-
My father said he was bad, but ! loved him
He came again and again, and when my
father said he should come no more ran
away and married him. My father said
should never come home again. i had al
ways been his pride and had loved him so
dearly, but he said must never again come
TO his home, my home, the home of my
youth and happiness, How longed to see
him, How ycamed to put my head on his
breast. My husband became addicted to
drinH. He abused me. | wrote to my faith.
cr, asking him to let me come home, but the
answer that came was, Il do not know you ?
My husband died. Homeless and wretchcd,
and with my little boy. went out into the
world. My child died and bowed down
and wcpt over a pauper's grave. I wrote TO
my father again, but he answered, Il know
not those who disobey my commandments
| turned away from that letter hardened.
embraced sin. rushed madly into vice.
spurncd my teachings. | was time and time
again arrested. Now ! am here" Several
lawyers rHshcd forward, A crimson tide
flowed from her lips They leaned her life,
less head back against chair. The old mag
istrate had not raised his eyes Great God"
said n lawyer, che is dead" The woman
was his daughter