Litchfield enquirer. [volume] (Litchfield, Conn.) 1829-current, 1842-08-18


q client for you suppose"
AS the latter spoke, man entered the Of
fee, and asked for Mr.. Lee.
"That is my name, sir" said Lee, bowling.
"Take chair"
The stranger seated himself, and after a
moments pause, said.
II wish you to attend to case for me.
have been sued this morning, as executor of
an estate, and the claim set up is an impor-
tant one"
The whole case was then stated, with the
exhibition of various documents. After Lee
had come to understand fully its merits, he
asked who was the lawyer of the claimants.
"a young fellow only admitted yesterday,
by the name of Wallace. am told he has
it in charge. He was, however, consulted
some months ago. and his services retained
to become active at this :ine."
Lee turned to his friend with smile, and
remarked
$50 it seems that am doomed first to
come in contact with this young mechanic.
He is certainly quick on the trigger, Only
admitted yesterday and to-day pushing
most important suit. But I'll cool him off,
Tin thinking"
"You must do your best, sir, for there is
much at stake" said the client.
"Rely upon that. But don't give yourself
a moments uneasiness. A few years expert
ence at the bar, is always enough to set aside
your new beginners"
IL wonder if it can be my fathers old ap-
prentice :" the young lawyer remarked after
his client had gone.
ats likely as not" his friend said. "But
wouldn't it be a good joke, if he gained the
suit over you 7"
"Never fear that"
SWell, we shall see," laughingly replied
his friend.
On the next day James Wallace took his
seat among the members of the bar, and
marked with keen interest and an air of in
telligence, all that passed. One or two OF
the Lawyers noticed him kindly. but the ma;
joiity, and Lee among them, regarded him
with GOODNESS and distance. But nothing of
this affected him, if, indeed, he noticed it at
all.
The cause in which he had been retained,
aud which proved to the first in which he
took an active and prominent position in the
court room, came up within week. for all
the parties Interested in the result were anx-
ious for it 10 come to trial, and therefore no
legal obstacles were thrown in the way.
There was profound silence, and marked
attention and interest, when the young stran-
ger arose in the court room, to open the case.
A smile of contempt, as he did SO, curled the
lin of Aarman Lee, but Wallace saw it not.
The prominent points of the case were pre-
scented in plain but concise language to the
court, and few remarks bearing upon the
merits of the case being made, the young
lawyer took his seat, and gave room for the
defence likewise to define their position.
Instantly Hartman Lee was on his feet, and
began by referring to the points presented
by his "very learned brother" in hippant.
c0ntemptuous manner. There were those
present, who marked the light that kindled
In the eye Of Wallace, and the flush that
passed over his countenance at the first con-
temptuous word and tone that were uttered
by his antagonist at the bar. These soon
gave place to attention, and an air OF con-
seious power. Once on his feet, with so film.
sy O position to tare In tatters, as that which
his "learned brother" had presented, Lee
seemed never tired of the tearing process
Nearly an hour had passed away. when he
resumed his seat with look Of exultation,
which was followed by a plying and con-
temptuous smile, as Wallace again slowly
arose.
Ten minutes. however had not passed,
when that smile had changed to a look of
surprise, modification, and alarm, all blend
ed into a single expression. The young
lawyers maiden speech showed him to be
man of deep, calm and systematic thought
well skilled in points of law, and in author
tiles; and more than all. lawyer of practi-
cal and comprehensive views. When he sat
down, no important point in the case had
been left untouched, and none that had
been touched, required further calculation.
Lee followed, briefly, in a vain attempt
to torture his language, and break down his
positions. But he folt that he was contend
ing with weapons whose edges were turned
at every blow. When he took his seat again,
Wallace. merely remarked that he was pre-
DRgsq T ls s frther argument to submit the
The case was accordingly submitted. and
decision unhesitatingly made in favor of
the plaintiffs, or Wallace's clients.
FROM that hour James Wallace took his
true position. The dsspised apprentice be-
was no esteemed for talent and real mo-
raj worth. which, when combined, ever place
their possessor in his true position.
Ten years from that day. Wallace was ele.
waited to the bench, while Lee remained q
second.rate lawyer, and never rose above
that position.
In the histories ofthese two persons, is seen
the difference between simply receiving an
education, as il Is called, and self educaca.
tion. Most eminent men, are self.educated
men. This fact, every student, and every
humble apprentice, with limited advantages,
should bear in mind. 1t should infuse new
life into the studies of the one. and inspire
The other with determination to Undue his
mind with knowledge. The education boy
receives at colleges and seminaries, does not
make him learned man. He has only &C.
Quired the rudiments of knowledge. Be-
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