Daily Republican., 1889-10-08
-
FRIGHTENING A JUDGE.

1t seems to be impossible to got n iudoe
TO stick TO the Rock Rib Circuit This
Judicial path runs through three of the
most obscure counties of Kentucky,
The people, though not positively vicious
| object to what they term the puckerinQ
strings OF the law. They believe thai
when difference occurs between two
men II is the duty Of the ncighbors "a
settle III that when q man steals hog
he deserves q severe whipping; that
when man steals q horse he must be
hanged, and that when he kills someo q
the case must be fairly argued among
the neighbors and then suffered to drop
peaceably.
Many attempts have been made to en-
force the laws enacted by the Legislature.
| and several log court houses were built
many years ago, but as the people would
not select 8 judge from among them
selves, the Governor OF the State was
compelled to fill the Office by appoint.
menb and, as no lawyer OF experience
would accept the charge, the selection
always fell upon some young fellow who
bad Just graduated. A few weeks ago
Join Spillers went to to take charge of
the circuit. Day before yesterday he re-
turned To Lamsville. When asked wby
Circuit, he answered:
"Well. found the people to be some
what peculiar"
''Wcre they violent In any wayl"
"Oh, no, they were exceedingly gen.
"But did they object to You holding
cour,p
''Not In the least; indeed. they ap-
peared TO DO pleased that had come
HE SOUGHT ADVICE.
"Why, then, did you leavei Why
didn't you remain and discharge your
duty?"
well, I'll give you an account of the
whole affair. Upon arriving in the
neigbborhOod of the circuit | engaged
board, shrewdly, too. thought, with old
Dick Hill, the moetsspromiut parsonage
on the circuit. explained my mission
to him and asked his advice. thought
that he was hattered at 60 great conf
dence in his wisdom, Tor a smile broke
through the tangled hair about his mouth
as he answered:
"'Law me. thar amt much advice to
give. Jest appint 30 sheriff, fix up yo'
grand jury an git right down to bust
ness"
~ Joh tuihh tucrb Will pe any Opp0-
sition to mel'
"'Why, bless my soul, lissen at the
Jedge. Why, the folks will all be mighty
nigh tickled to death To see yuu.'
If they are 80 glad to see Judge
come among them, why did they chase
aw.y young jackson who came up here
To hold court last fall2'
"'Why, bless yo' lie, Jedge, they
didn't chase jackson ayAy We was all
powerful glad to see him and was m maxim
'Iangegents to make his stay powerful
pleasant, but he gethered up his duds
aud slipped away from us. Hope you
want ssrve us sich trick ez that, Jedge.'
"Old Dicks appearance was rather
comical-he wore bandless white cotton
hat. aud harm ssed up his flax trowsers
with his bedtlck 'galluses' until he was
robbed Of the least resemblance TO the
shape OF q man-but there was about him
an air OF good humor which could not
but admire, aud an aspect of sincerity
which awakened my respect.
"The next day alter my arrival I had q
number Of written notices posted up stat
lug that court would be held on the fol-
lowing Tuesday, and that a large turn
out was earnestly requested. The day
arrived and the house was crowded. /
appointed the county officers, selected the
grand jury, and, after adjourning for the
day, congratulated myself upon having
done more than had hitherto been accom-
plished toward retaining judicial
everglades.