The star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1849-1866, 1857-11-18
Col. YeiIs First Court.

When Colonel Archibald yell, afterwards
killed at the battle of Buena Vista. had taken
his seat for the first time upon the bench, in
Arkansas, the bar was composed of set Of
lawyers who had always browbeaten kis
predecessors and had their own way Judge
Yell determined 10 pu: stop TO this. The
first case on the docket was called, and the
plaintiff stood ready. 1t was case that had
been in litigation for FIVE years. Gen. Smoot
arose for the defendant, and remarked, in an
overbearing tone:
"Our witnesses are absent, and therefore,
demand that the case be continued until next
term, in COURSE"
"Let the affidavit, be filed, for no, I'LL then
can ] entertain n motion for continuance,
was the reply of the Judge.
"Do you doubt my word as 10 the facts 2"
Gen. Smoot exclaimed sharply, and involun-
tarily raised his huge sword cane.
"Not at all,h replied the Judge with his
blandest smile; "but the law requires thai,
the facts jusli'ying continuance must ap-
pear on record, and the court mas no power
TO annul law, nor AIRY will 10 see ii annul-
led"
The Judges calm and business like tonc
and manner only served to rrae 'he bully,
and he re'ored, shaking his sword cane in
the direction OF the bench. "Whalever may
be the law, |, for one, will not learn ii from
the lips of an upstarl demagogue aud cow
ord -
Judge Yell's temper was liule moved al
this reply, but he only turned TO the clerk,
and said, "Clerk, you will enter n fine OF
iil,v dollars against Gen. Smoot, as see
him named on my docket, for gross conem,, ,,
Of court; and be sure You Issue an immedi.
ate execution"
He had hardly communicated The order
when Gen. Smoot was rushing towards him
brandishing his sword cane. Every glance
was fixed on the counlenance of the Judge
for all wished to know how he would bea
/ the coming shock of the duellsl's fierce as
saul; but none however could detect the
! slightest change in his appearance. He die
not change color, nor did nerve seem ,c
! tremble; his calm eye surveyed the advanc
ing foe with little Of perturbation He Sc
perfectly still, with little rod of painleC
iron in his hand. Smoot ascended the plat
form, and Immediately aimed tremendous
blow at the head Of his foe. AT that blow al
expected to see The victims skull shivered Il
atoms. The general as,onishment then may
be conceived, when they 5eheld the lirtl,
iron staff describe quick curve, as The Grea
sword cane flew from Smoo's fingers. ant
fell with loud claer at the distance of q
ieei in the hall. The bafiled bully uttered
yell, and snatched his bowie knife from III
sheath, but ere il was poised FOR the despe
rate plunge, The little iron staff cut anolhe
curve, and the big knife followed the sword
cane. He then hastily drew revovIn:
! pistol, but before he had time 10 touch the
! trigger his arm was struck powerless by hi
side. And then, for the first time, did Judge
Yell belray perceplible emotion. He stamp
ed his foot till The platform shook beneatt
/ him, and shouted in trumpet tones, "Mr
Clerk, you will blot this ruffian's name from
the roll of attorneys, as foul disgrace 10 lht
bar. Mr.. Sheriff, lake tho criminal to jail
| The latter officer sprang 10 obey the mandate
and Immediately a scene OF confusion ea
sued which no pen can describe. The bra
vos and myrmidon friends Of Gen. Smoo
| gathered around TO obstrnct The sheriff, Will,
many Of The citizens lent their AID 10 sustain
the authority OF the court. Menaces, shouts
and curses were commingIed. The 1ey
Judge used his little iron cane With lerrib
efficiency, crippliIg limbs, yet sparing life
/ The Sheriff, Initiating the c'emency of hi
honored friend, disdainlng the use OF eithe
knife OF pistol, actually trampled and crush
ed all opposition, singing out at every furl
Gus blow. 'fThis is the way 10 preserve OF
der in courl!"-a sentiment which he accom-
panied with wild peal of laughter. In les
than Two minutes the party Of the Judg
triumphed, the clique Of Gen. Smoot suffer
ed disastrous defeat, and The bully himse
was borne away 10 prison. Such was tn
debut of Archibald Yell iu Arkansas: ant
from ,ha, his popularity as man, as Judge
az hero aud as politician, went on rspidIl
increasing. till eclipsing, the old and mos
( powerful names, it set on the boody eve Q
Buena Vista.
Z