South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1835-08-01

IL
ors yet he was always as fair and hon-
est in debate as be was cogent. He new
er turned aside to take advantage ofquib-
bes and quirks, and senseless technical
tiles, but built his premises upon the plain
and obvious meaning of the law; and
with abstract truth as his guide, no sell
dom failed to carry his point. He viewed
every thing like cunning and subtlety in
the pleadings of the bar, with as much
detestation as he always has the tricks u
manenvres and intrigues Of party polltl-
clans. 1t is hard to speak in jast terms
of his legal attainments without the ap-
! pearance of exaggeration but there are
yet those living who can attest that Gu.
Iogy has no part in this description.
There need be no better evidence that
Judge White possessed every qualifica-
ton of the able, profound, and enlighten-
ed iurst, than that he was afterwards
appointed Tor would have been appointed
on condition of his accepting to a seat
upon the Supreme Bench Of the United
States which distinguished post of hon.
or and trust he declined. When he was
elevated from the bar to the bench, he
brought to the discharge Of its difficult
functions all the qualities already emu.
merated, and superadded to the essen
tial attributes of judicial authority, great
mildness and suavty of manners--yet
was ne always firm and dignified, and
Incorporating, when duty deman.
dej. 1t is superfuous TO say, that,
to maintain such an Office with popu.
larity and respect, both from the Peo~
Pile and the Bar, is the surest test Of no
ordinary merit. Spurious talents or
superficial learning cannot be played
off, undetected upon the bench. The
strict integrity Of Judge White was
proverbial I; & opartialities offriend-
ship or afsction-no frowns Of disal-
fection-ever gave coloring 10 his de-
cisions. His opinions were generally
remarkable for perspicuity & strength,
and many Of them able specimens of
judicial acumen and research. His
long services in his judicial capacity
acquired for him the greatest respect
and esteem from the gentlemen Of the
profession, and conferred lasting honor
on the bar of Tennessee. Such ample
opportunities. as were presented during
IL years experience on the bench, and
especially when afterwards practised
upon and enlarged in the course Of his
political experience, mast have render
ed Judge White thoroughly acquain-
ted with the spirit and character ofthe
laws of his country.
An interesting anecdote is told Of
this period of his life, quite character.
istic of his republican simplicity. A
studen, oflaw came considerable dis
lance to be examined by him in order
to obtain a license. The young man
had heard much of his ability g learn
iug as jurist, & expected to be much
embarrassed in his presence; but he
mustered courage, visited his residence,
and, on being Informed that the Judge
was on his farm, went out and inlera
cepted man ploughing, and asked for
Judge White. 81 am the MANI" was
the reply. 81 wish to &c, license to
; practise law. and have coma to be ex.
amined." swell, sir, if you will be
good enough to come down into the
shade, will attend to it with great
deal of pleasure" He secured his
, plough horse, got over into the cool
; shade, and took the young man through
most learned and rigid examination
. found tina. he was we'll qualified and,
after inviting him to his house & show
: ing him every mark of hospitality and
. politeness, gave him license.
In the year 1907 he resigned his
! Judgeship and retired in grea, meas
, ure 10 his farm. Agricultural pursuits
: had always been favorile occupation
, even in the midst of laborious studies
/. and he would be frequently found, in
The intervals ofhis engagements plough.
ing in his field. There appears al
ways to have been congeniality be.
tween great and good minds and the
pursuits of agriculture. We pretend
not to define the philosophy oft, or IL
7 determine, as has often been conten-
: ded, why it is that patriotism exists in
so much more elevated and fervid de.
votion in the retirement of the farm,
; than in the busy throng of crowded CT
: ties. Whether the fact be so or not,
certain it is that the noblest instances
, of sterling patriotism and high'souled
principle thai have ever figured in the
drama Of human actions, have been
found amongst those most devoted to
agricultural pursuits. Hypocrisy and
intrigue, which are the elements Of con.
tracied minds, have nought TO do 10