The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1845-12-11
From the Quincy 1ll) Rspublical

rfom INC quincy Nh) TSePuoAcah
HON JAMES SHIELDS, COMMISSIONER OF THE
GENERAL LAND OFFICE.
Judge Shields was born in Ireland, but came TO
this country at very emily age. Having enjoyed
the advantages of a finished education, he de-
termined on the great West the scene of his
usefulness and labor, and took up his residence at
Kaskaskia in the State of Illinois, about the year
1884, and entered upon the practice of law His
great and varied attainments met their Just
ward at the hands of the generous people among
whom he had cast his lot, and he quickly rose to
eminence in his profession. He also took an active
part in the politics Of the State; and, having adj
hered to the side Of popular rights he became dis
tnguished leader in the democratic ranks, and was
called TO fill several high offices by his fellow cit-
zens. He first served in the legislature, where he
gained great reputation by his talents and industry
He afterwards filled the office of auditor in which
station he contributed, by succession of vigorous
measures, to put down the banks, and reform the
deranged finances Of the State; and when he was
called by the President to the station which he now
fills with much honor to himself and benefit TO
his country, he had risen TO be of the judges of
the supreme court of Illinois.
A career so full Of success for so young man
is remarkable. But it is the result Of abilities,
cultivated by unweared application, From his
earliest youth, Judge Shields has been an ardent
and untiring student, cndeavoring to qualify him.
self worthily to ill the most elevated stations His
scholastic attanments are Of the highest character
Well vesed in the classics and the great writer's of
antiquity, he is also master Of Geveral modern lam
guages. Amid the labors of his professional pur-
suits and the turmoil Of politics, the studies of his
earlier years have not been forgotten; but when
time and opportunity have offered he has turned
aside to cultivate his taste for letters
As an advocate, his standing at the bar was of the
first Glass; and his practice when he was called to the
bench, was among the most extensive and lucrative
in the State. With brilliant Imagination and great
command Of language, he combines intimate ac-
quaintance with the learning Of the law and the
principles upon it rests. He had fully appreciated
in his researches into the ancient authorities of his
profession, the remark Of Coke: that the reason OF
the law is the life Of the law; for, though man can
tell the law, yet il he know not the reason thereof,
he shall soon forget his superficial knowledge" To
these essential qualifications of lawyer are added a
gracefunes and of elocution vouchsafed to but
few.
In l643 Judge Shields was elevated to the bench
of the supreme court Of this State. Here his pre-
vous habits, thought, and study, made him COM
petely at home. He brought to the discharge OF
his duties all the requistes-knowedge and love OF
the law, judgment, integrity, and evenness of tenn
per- No judge ever felt his responsibility more
deeply, and that his duty to weigh all his de-
cislons calmly and deliberately as they were not
only to determine the before him, but to form
rule for the future Hence both in the circuit
court and court Of errors, all his judgments were
well considered; and such reported dstin-
gushed for their precision and their singular appli-
cation to the points in ISSUE His best praise as a
judge was, that he had the confidence of his breth-
rem Of the bench, and the BAR and the people Of his
State.
Judge Shields is now about forty-two years OF
age, and in his private life is without stain. He
is frank and generous his character and III
his friendships With his abilities and atainments,
we predc, an increase Of reputation by him, and a
long career of usefulness.