Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1831-06-10
Gen. Jackson AMI The Lawyers.-When VIC

Jack Cade slang in connecting them with what 1t
was pleased to term Aristocracy.' we did not
know that it spoke by the card. and had the au-
thnrty of its patron for its abuse. We have
since, however, had proof that the Official but
echoes the feelings and sentiments OF the "Great-
est aud Best on this head. As there is no cause
without its effect, we are not lett IN the dark as
to the reason of this denunciation Of Lawyers
The Globe takes care to tell US that, Gin the late
contest, the poles of professional men were. for
the most part, against Gen. Jackson! Here,
then, is the avowed cause Of placing whole
class of citizens under the ban of Executive dis
pleasure. Hard fate! How fierce is the wrath
Of the great U1.ii-arian!
But perhaps our readers desire to see the OPT
mons Of the President. We have them before
US. The Cherokee Chief John Ridge. in letter
recently published, relates conversation he had
with the President, Immediately after the deci-
sion OF the Cherokee question by the Supreme
Court. In the course Of that conversation, Gen.
Jackson said TO Ridge
~ blame you for suffering your lawyers to
fleece you; they want your money. and will
make YOU promises even after this, perhaps, that
thew can make you safe. ] have been lawyer nv
self long enough to know how lawyers will talk to
obtain the clients money" The delegation here
observed in reply, Gas a statesman and war
lior, we do not believe you would blame the Che
rokees for the efforts they have made to maintain
their rights for liberty before the proper tribu.
mails, and if they have expended money in the
support of their national rights it was agreeable
to their own inclination" '.Oh no" he answer
ed, sdon't mistake me. l do not blame you;
but blame you FOR suffering the lawyers to fleece
you"
We leave it to sensible men TO say, whether
Al Al l. L.
per? In the first place, il is most disgraceiul
p,cred By the Cherokees, two burning and shin.
ing lights of the American Bar--men whose cha
racters are held in deserved respect aud esteem
by their felow-citizens, and whose reputation
cannot be suied, even by abuse from the Pre-
sident! WIN. WRIT and JOHN SERGEANT were
before the public, civil capacities. long before
Gen. JAcKsoN's qualifications as a statesman
were discoveries; and are far, immeasureably far,
superior to him in learning, in talent. in research,
in amenity Of manners, bIandness Of disposition,
and courteous conduct. He is incapable Of judg.
ing of their merits, because his intellect is not OF
sufficient calbre to reach their requirements
They will smile when they see his impotent at
tempt to injure them.-ln the next place, the
sweeping sentence against American Lawyeps
generally, is unwarranted and unjust. It's wan
ton harshness is not mitigated by his referring to
his own personal habits as lawyer. To use a
homely Kentucky phrase, Gen. Jackson should
not "measure other peoples corn in his own
bushel."--If he was in the habit of fleeing
his clients" and was alawyer long enough to
know how TO talk to obtain his clients money"
let him not suppose that the rest of the prpfes-
sion are equally devoid of conscience, to say no
thing Of common honesty. Let him remember
that the profession at this moment numbers.
among its members, men the most distinguished
for their honor, probity and virtue: that it COM
mands the confidence of the people: that il is
every day guarding the civil rights, and protect
ing the property, Of the people, by whom it is
supported and upheld. :'Fleecing Of Clients"
is an honorable occupation, praetIsed by some
members of the bar, who themselves. devoid Of
any recommendation to favor or confidence, re
sort to it as a means of lvelihood;-lf Gen.
Jackson is acquainted with Its general nature, or
familiar with its details, he doubtless can give US
some farther information. For our own parts, we
should be glad, as matter of curiosity, to let
him speak on We know that Lawyers, gene
rally. learn from their great masters to obtain, |
with the gladstone light of jurisprudence. the |
Ioveiness Of temperance. the stability of forti
tude, and the soiidity ofjustice" Perhaps Gen.
that very important sentence in the course Of his
reading.
To return.-The Globe determines to follow
up its first attack. The last number Of that
deiectable print contains quotation from Dean
Swift's writings, defaming the profession and
those it numbers among its votares. All this is
stuff. The whole world knows that Lawyers
have always been the most ardent advocates of
the rights of the people, and the sincere friends
Of liberty. The American Ldwyers planned and
carried into effect our glorious Revolution. Run
over the list of American worthless, and nine
names out of ten will be found LAWYERS. Turn
to the chronicles of England, and you will find
that the champions Of the people have always I
been Lawyers: the hopes Of ireland are at this
moment concentrated upon Lawyer: the pride
Of Great Britain is now a Lawyer WHO SO
likely as they thoroughly to understand the gov.
constitution and laws OF their country.
md, understanding, properly to appreciate themm3