The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-02-03

the judges, went into the court rooms by eheT
private entrance, and looked on the panorama a
Justice, as II was unroled. first on the civil then
on the criminal side. This filled the working part
OF the day. Then came the dinner with the jud res,
with the magistrates or with the bar and after din
ner the obligatory emp Of tea, quietly taken with
the judges and their marshals Then we went over
the events of the day. discussed this counses argu
ment, and reviewed that verdict, and from time to
time drew comparisons between the judicial 0rgani-
cation of the ancient monarchy and OF the great
republic beyond the seas. The cordial respect that
was at all times shown to people, and the fami
liarity with her prominent names, were not among
the least pleasant features Of these social hours.
Nor have yet spoken of the bar dinners, held at
tie principal inn in the assize town. nor can speak
properly OF them without infringing that salutary
rule which prohibits all revelation of the fun aud the
freedom and the folly of the social hour. And yot /
wish ] could, without indiscretion, as our French
which we had at the Greyhound at Croydon. Good
company there was, and plenty of it. Mr.. Bramweu,
" me common law bar, who has gained fame and
influence both as lawyer and law reformer; Mr..
sergeant Shee who won his spurs in 9 great foren-
eic fight with Lord Abinger; Mr.. Sergeant Gazeley;
MT Greasy the authcr Of the Fifteen Decisive
sometimes go hand in hand}; Mr.. Montagu Cham
bers, counsellor OF the bar and in Parliament ana
id esnus cmne. But how can l, without committing
the e1men !s9 socetas record the fun the frolics,
wish / could daguerre0type them. wish I
could tell how Mr. Senior, at the head Of the table
supported the dignity oil the elder brethren: how
well Mr.. Junior at tue lower end Of the table repre.
sented the lawiess freedom OF the younger sons:
how Mr. Solicitor General sustained his Indictment
against Mr.. -, for that ON a certain day. al the
town Of Lewes, when the bar were invited to dino
with hey Majesty's judges of assize, he, the said
-, did wiuliy and msliciously entertain private
party at dinner elsewhere' how witnesses were
called; how one after another the solemn officers Of
justice arose. how they were stutiiied by the party
calling them; and how grave historians, members
of Parliament, philosophical writers, ex-colonia
judges joined in the high jerks till the wee sma'
hours ayOnt the twal"
bade my friends Of the English bar farewell at
Croydon early in August The circuits were then
mostly over and in q few days they were about TO
scatter like boys out Of school the long vacation
tinent. Nearly three blessed months they gave to
rational Amusement or equally rational exercise.
In November and December they meet again for the
wear and tear of the winters work. One cannot
but envy such disposition Of time.
Such IL hurried picture of the English circuits
such brief sketch Of the manner, the wise man.
ner, in which the lawyers Of England weave the
business Of life with its pleasures l hope it may
induce some better observer, some more profound
philosopher to study the subject. We are In many
ways closely bound to the English bar. They ara
taking many things in their legal reforms from US
we can borrow many things from them. II we could
make mutual exchanges OF energy on the one side,
and discipline on the other; il, above all things,
we could ingraft some social pleasures on our work
horse existence, most desirable results might b
obtained.