The south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1879-1883, 1883-05-22
His Last Court.

Niu VuueO .piSPsoh, ouotiSS VI
the Peace, was never known to smile.
He came to Arkansas years ago, be-
fore the Sarpet-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 every one
soon learned that the old man vever
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
certain time he closed his books
and went home. No one never en-
gagged 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, because he had never shown
a 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 'clectioneering,' because he never
asked any man for his vote.He was
elected because, having once been
summoned in a..casc of arbitration, he
exhibited the executive side of such
legal mind that the people nominated
and elected him. He soon gained
the name of hard justice and every
lawyer in Arkansas referred to his de-
cisions-IIis rulings were never re-
versed by the highest courts. He
stood upon the platform of law
which he made study, and no man
disputed him. ,,j .
Several days ago woman charged
with misdemeanor was arranged be-
fore him. 'Thc old man seems more
than ever unsteady remarked law
yer as the magistrate took his seat.
Il don't see how man so old can
stand the vexations of a court much
longer
4 am not well to-day said the
Judge, turning to the lawyers, 'and
any case that you may have you will
please dispatch them to the best, and
let me add, quickest of yor ability
Everyone 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
ed to almost reverence him.
is this the woman asked the
Judge. Who is defending her.?
4 have no defence, Your Honor
the woman replied. In fact L do not
think need any, for I am here to
confess my guilt. No man can de-
fend me, and she looked at the Mag
istrate with serious gaze. Il have
been arrested on charge of disturb
ing the peace, and I am willing to
submit my case. I am now dying of
consumption, Judge, and know that
any ruling made by the law can have
but little effect on me, and she cough
ell hollow. vacant cough, and drew
Iaround her an old black shawl that
she wore. The expression oil the face
of the magistrate remained unchang-
ed but his eyelids dropped and he did
not raise them when the woman con-
tinued: AS say no man can defend
me. / am too near that awful ap-
proach to pass which we know is ev-
crlasting death to soul and body.
Years ago / was a child ofbrightest
promise. / lived with my parents in
Kentucky. Wayward and lightheart-
ed, was the admired of all the gay
society known in our neighborhood.
A man came and professed his love
for me. Idon't say this, Judge, to
excite your sympathy. 1 have many
and many time been drawn before
courts, but never before spoke
of my pass life. She coughed again
and caught flood of blood on a
handkerchief which she pressed ia
her lips. Ispeak of it now because
!, know that this is the last court OF
earth before which will be arranged
l was fifteen years old when I fell il
. love with the man. My father sale
q he was bad, but l loved him. HI
!, came again and again and when my
}, father said that he should come n,
4 more / ran away and married him
= My father said l should never com
81 home again. had always been hi
l pride and had loved him so dearly
but he said that must never agai
come -home-my home, tho home Q
II my youth and happiness. How
,e longed to see him. How I yearne
q to lay my head on his breast. M
=. husband became adlcted to drink. II
!. abused me. 1 wrote to my father
Ie asking him to let me come home, bu
the answer that came was l do ne
know you. Ny husband died, ye
cursed God and died! Homeless an
:, wretched, and with my little boy,
:, :, went out in the world. My chill
j = died and / bowed down and wei
y, ! over a pauper's grave. Iwrote to m
! father again, but he ans wered !"
= = know not those who disobey> m
commands" turned away fro
= that letter hardened.--I embrace
= sin. / rushed madly into vice.
- spurned my teachings. was tin
Ill IIL-l . u y 4