The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1845-03-24
Miscellaneous.
Value Or a LaMYer's Opimion


In the third number of the Revue Francase des
Families the fret and second numbers not having
come 10 hand, find story about lawyer, which
we thought worthy of translation but we had not
proceeded far, when il occurred 10 us that we had
heard the anecdote before, and very probably
it originated in this country. At any rate, it is not
new, but then it is served up in n handsome French
style, which always gives add tional vare to the
matter. Besides, if we really succeed in making any
of our readers adopt for practice the opinion we shall
have done good service. We do not know that any
will adopt the opinion of Bernard, as to the val
ne of lawyers opinion, unless it should be the
lawyer himself, though it is probably, on second
thought that many give more heed to that opinion
than to the other authority which Bernard prefers.
Cities, like men, have their peculiar characteristics
Industrial, maritime, wise or frivolous, they reveal
by their physognomy, the nature of their inhabitants.
Traverse Rouen, Lyons, Brest, or Strasburg, and
look around you. Every thing that strikes your eye
will be revelation of the fates Of the clizens the
history Of each class orpopulalon will be found, so
to speak, written in its streets
One is especially struck with the truth Of this re-
mark, on visiting Rcnnes; seeing its grand cdifces
and mag lsieria mon; its magnificent squoros, with
grass springng up between the paving stones: the SOL
itary promenndes traversed at long intervals by
thoughtful students We recognize at once the capt.
tai of the old Duchy Of Breton, the ancient residence
Of the Parinmens, the city OF studies whittier came
to form themselves for manhood, all the serious
youths Of the province, for the prominent feature of
| Rennes is gravity. The whole city is as calm and
n tribunal, and his indeed, is the home of
the law There sands lis temples, its high priests
and its most fervent worship pers. People go up ht-
or from the extremes Of Brelanne, to receive
GILL To como to ReRnes, without consulting law
yer, would appear as much impossible to a Breton,
it would have been to "A Greek to approach the
temple Of Delphos without consulting the oracle
This was much the towards the end of the
last century as it is now especially for the country
people, tmid race by experience, and accuscm-
ed to great precautions.
|. 1t happened that farmer named Bernard having
come to market at Rennes, took it into his head,
when his bushes was accomplished and there were
few hours LEISURE that ii would be a capital of
that spare time TO consult lawyer. lie had often
heard people speak of Mr. PotIes de la Germendaie
whose reputation great that the people thought
suit already gained if he undertook ii. Bernard
asked for his address, and Immediately to his
! office, in ST Georges street.
The clients numerous, and Bernard had to
|
he was introduced. Mr. PORTER de la Germendaie
pointed him to the chair laid his spectaces upon his
! table, and asked what brought him there.
"Pon my word, Squire said the rarmer twirng
his hat round Il heard much talk about you. that
finding myself at leisure in Rennea, thought would
take advantage Of the circumstance, and come and
| get opinion Of YOU
Il thank you for your confidence, my friend, said
| NJ de la (sprmendaie: Ghut nj have n law
! suit
| "A law suit law suit | hold them in utter a
domination; and more than that Peter Bernard never
| had dispute with any man living
Then you wish to settle some estate, or divide
the property among the family
BEG pardon Squire, my family and never had
any property divide; we all eat from The same dish
as the saying is
1T is about some contract for the purchase or
sale Of something
'Not at all; am not rich enough to purchase any
thing, poor TO sell whaI havo.'
sWhat then do you want of mel asked the suston-
ished lawyer.
.What want? Why, told you at first, Squire,
I came for opinion, for which will pay Of course,
| am in Rennes now, at leisure, and it is
ry to profit by the circumstance.
NJ. de la Germendue took pen and paper, and
| asked the conntryman his name.
peter Bernard answered he; happy indeed that
he had succeeded in making himself understood.
sYour age 2
''rhrty years, or tbereabout.'
'Your profession p s....
sNy professions Oh. ah, yes-that is what do l
do, Oh, am farmer
The lawyer wrote two lines folded up the paper,
and gave it TO his client.
SIS i, done alread.? cried Bernard-'very well,
that's right There is no time to get rusty here, as
they say. How much do you charge for this opinion,
Squire .... .'t a... |.'
Three francs .. -
| Bernard paid without dsputng, made grand scrnpe
with his foot, and went out delighted with having
pro6led by the OCCASION
When he arrived home, it was already four o'clock.
The jaunt had fatigued him, and he went into the
house for some reposo .