Herald of the times, and Rhode Islander. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1846-1849, 1848-02-03

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anotinued 10 work a, his trade, but not for 81
nanny hours each day, AZ when he was an aP
prentice lie was good aud fast workman
ami could readily earn I'll that he required fo
kss support in six or eight hours OF ever
twenty y-iour Eight hours were regularly de
voted to study. From some cause he deter
mined that he would make law his profession
To the requirement of II knowledge of lega
matters, therefore he bent all the energies OF ;
we'll disciplined, active and comprehensive
mind. Two years passed in an untlring devo
ti0n to the studies he had assigned himsclf,and
then he made application for admission to the
bar.
Who were admitted yesterday asked
Harman Lee, the day after Wallace had pass
cd his examination, addressing fellow hem-
her of the bar.
Some halfa dozen, and among them
sturdy young fellow that no body ever heard OF
before
-mdeeil Well what kind OF an examina-
ton did he makeP
An excellent one. The Judges tried their
best with him, but he seemed furnished at
ev " point. lie is said 10 be young me
cninic, who has thus qualified himself IN the
time that he could spare from the labors OF his
landicraf, by which he has supported hln-
s,f.
\ mechanic, Poh The whole court
room will smell Of leather or linsced oil, sup
posr. afer this. Did you learn his name
James Wallace, believe he is called
james Wallace Are YOU sure!
Yes, that was it, DO you know him! =
You look all-suflicently surprised to know him
twice over
NY father had an apprentice by that name
who affected to be very fond OF books. Du'
surely it can't be him.
s. am sure that ! don't know But here
comes a client for you suppose
As the latter spoke man entered the Office
ami asked for Mr.. Lee.
That is my name sir, said Lee. Take a
chair
The stranger seated himself, and after mo-
merfTs pause, said
1 wish YOU 10 attend case for me. have
been sued this morning, as an executor OF All es-
tae, and the claim set up is very important
one
The whole case was then stated with an ex-
hhiinn Of various documents. After Lee had
co,ae TO fully understand lis merits, he asked
no was the LAWYER of the claimants.
"A young fellow, only admitted yesterday
by tI,e name of Wallace. am told he has 1t III
chargs. lie was, however, consulted some
snenths ago, and his services retained To be-
capie active at this time
Lee turned TO his friend and remarked.
so it seems am doomed first to come In
intact with this young mechanic. lie is ccr
aainly quick on the trigger. Only admitted
Yesterday and to day pushing on a most i'm
p.rtant suit But | II cool him off, III think
iug.
You must do your best, sir, for there is
much at stake, said the client.
RELY upon that. But don't give yourself
Il moments uneasiness. A few years expert
cncc at the bar is always enough to set aside
your new beginners
1 wonder if il can be nv fathers old APP
prcnticei' the young lawyer remarked after
as client had gone.
1T is AS likely as not his friend said
But would it not be a good joke if nc gained
rhe suit over youP
Never fear that y
well, we shall seer laughingly exclaimed
his friend.
On the next day, James Wallace took his
6 'at among the members OF the bar, and mark
ed with keen interest and an air OF lntelll-
gcncc all that passed. One or two OF the law
yers noticed him kindly, but the majority, Lee
among them, regarded him with coldness and
tuS'dUFc. DtI HoHnHp w oh''''" ~
indeed, he noticed 1t at all
The cause in which he had been retained,
and which proved to be the first IN which he
took an active and prominent position IN the
court room. came up within week, for all
parties interested in the result were anxious to
come to trial, apd therefore no legal obstruc-
tons were thrown III the way
There was profound silence, and mark
ed attention and interest, when the young stran-
ger arose in the court room tn open the case
A smile of contempt, curlcd the lips of Har-
man Lee. but Wallace saw it not. The PROM
inent points of the case were presented IN PLAIN
but concise language, and few remarks bear
inp upon the merits of the case being made,
the young lawyer took his seat and gave room
for the defence to define their position.
Instantly Harman Lee was on his feet, and
began referring to the points presented by his
very learned brother in a flippant contempt
nous manner. There were those present who
marked the light that kindled IN the eye OF
Wallace, and the fash that passed over his
countenance at the first contemptnous word and
tone that was uttered by his antagonist at the
bar. These soon gave place to attention and
an act OF conscious power Once on his feet,
with so Aimsy position to tear into tatters as
that which his learned brother, had presented.
Lee seemed never 10 grow tired OF the tearing
process. Nearly an hour had passed away
when he resumed his seat with look OF cxul-
,aton, which was followed by a plying and
contc1nptuous smile, as Wallace again slowly
arose.
Ten minutes, however, had not passed,
when that smile had changed to a look of sur
prise, modification and alarm, all blended into
a single expression. The young lawyers
maiden speech showed him to be man ofcalm,
deep, systematic thought-well skilled in
points of law, and authorities; and more than
all, lawyer of practical and comprehensive
views. When he setdown, no important point
in the case had been left untouched, and none
that had been touched required further eluclda-
tiOu
Lee followed, briefly, in vain attempt to
torture his language, and break down his po-
sitions. But he felt that he was contendng
with weapons whose edges were turned at
every blow. When he took his seat again,
Wallace merely remarked that he was prepared
without further argument TO submit the case to
court.
The case was accordingly submitted, and
decision unhcsitatngly made III favor of the
plaintiffs, or Wallace clients
From that hour James Wallace took his true