The Arkansas advocate., 1836-07-01

youth was characterised by hanits of labori- ous study, which being united with powers of intellect, naturally strong and eiastic, rem dered him conspicuous for his attainmenfs in all circles with which he was associated. If. as Dr. Reid says, unceasing application be 1 genius, few men in car country would stand higher i'll the intellectual world, than Huch l.. White. Though not subscribing to the sentiments Tn it's fullest extent, we agree with It so far as to admit, that intense application 1 IS generally a sure test of genius, and that they are seldom dsunted-and the achieve. ments Of Judge White have furnished another instance to establish the truth of the remark. This bold and fearless graphing with diff. cultles ot whatever nature-ths determina- ton, to do in the best manner possible, what ever he undertook, has ever been enc of the most distinguishing features of his character. With such . character he entered, in I7s6, upon the practice of his profession, with prospects peculiarly suspicious for one of his years. Ever punctual in all his engagements. and faithful to all his trusts, he soon acquired d standing for industry, enterprise, high minded honesty, and mental ability, which early marked him out as man to whom the public interests might safely be entrusted. Thie confidence so early acquired, and always l conferred without solicitation, was never in a sshg'te instance 0ithdq'aDn--a noble tribute to exalted worth, of which few statesmen can boast. And the present enylable position in which he stands to the people of this great nation, proves that his confidence was never injudiciously bestowed.
 For the five succeeding years, Judge White devoted himself unremittingly to the duties of his profession, and rapidly rose to high and honorable distinction at the bar. The sci. ence of jurisprudence was his especial study ; and with such zeal and ability did he enter into tLe investigation, that he was selected ] at the early age of twenty eight, from body of able and experienced lawyers, to fill the office of Judge of the Superior Court-at that time the highest judicial tribunal in the State.-Ths seat he held till 1907, when he resigned.
 As lawyer, Judge White was one of the most distinguished in the early history of l Tennessee. Nor was the bar of Tennessee, at that time, wanting in men of the first or der nlegal attachments. Such men as Jack son, and Whiteside, and 0verton, and G. w. Campbell, were then in the prime of their legal celebrity, and with such men was he associated upon the Bench. In egal argu- mentation, Judge White had but few superi. ors; yet he was always as fair and honest in debate, as he was cogent. He never turned aside to take advantage of quibbles, and qulrks, and senseless technicalitles, but built his premises upon the plain and obvious mean- l ing O. the law: and with abstract truth as l his guide, he seldom failed to carry his point He viewed every thing like cunning and sub- tlety, in the pleadings of the bar, with as much detestation us he always has the tricks and manoeuvres, ard intrigues of party politi- cians. It Is hard to speak i'll just terms of his l legal attainments without the appearance of exaggeration but there are yet those living who can attest, that eulogy has no part in this descriptiens-There need be no better evidence that Judge White possessed every qualification of the able, profound and en- l frightened jurist, than that he was afterwards appointed tor would have been appointed, on condition of his accepting ) a seat upon the Supreme Bench of the United States, which distinguished post of honor he declined. 1 When he was elevated from the bar to the bench, he brought to the discharge of it's diff ficult functions, all the qualities already emu merated, and superadded to the essential at tributes of judicial authority, great mildness and suavity of manners-yet was he always l firm and digni6ed, and uncompromising, when duty demanded. It is superfuous to say, that to maintain such an office with pop ularity and respect, both from the people and the bar, IS the surest test of no ordinary merit. Spurious talents or superficial learning can not be played oH, undetected, upon the bench. The strict integrity of Judge White was proverbial ; and no partialities of friendship or affection, no frowns of dissatisfaction, ever gave colering to his decisions. His opinions were generally remarkable for per- 1 spicuity and strength, and many of them able specimens of judicial acumen and re- search. His long services in his judicial ca pacty, acquired for him the greatest respect and esteem from the gentlemen of the proies. sion, aed conferred lasting honor on the bar of Tennessee. Such ample opportunities as were presented during twelve years expert ence on the bench, and especially, when af- forwards practlsed upon and enlarged in the course of his political experience, must have rendered Judge Whitethoroughly acquainted with the spirit and character of the laws of his country.
 1 An interesting anecdote is told of this pe- rod of his life, quite characteristic of his re- publican simplicity. student of law came a considerable distance to be examined by him, in order to obtain license. The young J man had heard much of his ability and learn ing as a iurist, and expected to be much em- ', barrassed in his presence but he mustered
 courage, visited his residence, and on being
 informed that tke Judge was on his farm,
 went out and intercepted a man ploughlng,
 and asked for Judge White. s'I am the
 man," was the reply. "I wish to get license
 to practice law, and have come to be exam
 ined.' ssWell. 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