Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-09-25
SCIENCE AND LAWYERS.

features of which denote their order and not their
kind We have less respect for this department of
science than the speculative sort, which can escape
demonstrative contradiction in its problematical mys
teres the speed of Comets and the length Of their
tails will illustrate. From the first however, pro-
ceeds the subtle theory of Locke and others, which
has q common ground for speculation and argument
il the mental vigor of man. This reduction allows
us to venture upon the field Of argument in an ad-
monitory address to the rising generation.
Our object to which we introduce so grave pre-
face, is simply to inquire whether any young man
who learns to read and write, and little smaterng
of Latin is thus qualified for other profession
the face of the earth but lawyer. We intend to
take the negative side of the question, which is,
that nine tenths of them are not tit for lawyers or
any thing else that demands as elements of success
uncommon powers of mind or happy use of the
faculties to which We have alluded. Our premises
to deduce this conclusion, is found in emphatic
denial of the proposition admitting the faculties of
all that is human born and sane to be the common
nature of man. 1t was clearly the modesy of Sir
Isaac Newton which confessed application to be the
germ of talent and the foundation stone Of great
ness, for this is true and applicable only with minds
endowed with uncommon attributes, rendering ap-
plcaton valuable auxiliary to complete the natu
raj edfce erected the birth of genius and in
stinctive innate power.
who can look at the mudde headed young men
and = melancholy number they are-who are dis.
charged from college with the single recommends.
ton of having their bills paid, and prophecy for
them the rank of Badger, Stephens, Douglas !;
who can look upon any legislative body and say that
artificial aid to accomplish a common equality !?
Pshaw, the doctrine is preposterous don't believe it
young men. If you have not sense enough to know
it yourselves ask somebody that has. If the avenue
to distinction is open by other pursuit but the
law, then clip the wings Of your ambition and fit its
pumes to an humber field. The army, the navy,
the ministry, the counting room and the work shop
are all open to you-don't all be lawyers.
1t is . mistaken idea of parents that little apti-
tude is a evidence of fitness for certain pur-
suit. 1t has long been disputed question of phi.
losophy whether there is any original proposition in
the human mind towards certain occupations in
which individuals, SO predisposed would attain to
greater degree of eminence than in any other For
our part we believe there is, and the works of art
knowledge reveal the fact; yet the guidance of .
sure judgment and experienced hand is necessary
to point out the object and its master.
1t is common in this country to leave to the youth
himself, the choice of his future employment in the
world, delegation of parental authority frequently
ttuon of talent on one sde and the persecution of
society on the other.
Youth is not the season to decide point which
requires judgment, reflection and experience to con-
slider; for then the caprice and fancy of child is
the only rational ground for the selection of pur.
suit for which, very often there is no capacity or
fitness and which must result in disappointment and
misery.
The other extreme is less reprehensible, but ex.
tremey injurious-that of determining the choice
of profession against the declared preiudices of
the youth, and which must be as unsuccessful as it
IL odious.
But really in this age of great enlightenment and
civilization wisdom is born with the infant and
Judges, Lawyers and Statesmen are made without
the bore of study or the growth of snperfuous
years. Chapel Hill turns out hundred LAWYERS
every year, and SO does every institution of like
size in the country, the future of which, to large
majority, will mature a pestferous politician. or a
pettifogging nuisance If We lack enterprise in the
South, we are prolific enough in the manufacture of
Lawyers, truly, and even as "nation of orators.
have cause to complain at the universally of the
art admitting the honorable comparison it allows US
with Greece and Rome.
But perhaps it is less the force Of this doctrine of
equality than intuitive, natural habitual ard con-
frmed tasiness, that attracts so many votaries of
Blackstone out upon the sea of letters its surface
gemned and cleaned with golden promises, but pro.
ductive to many of not even the vulgar article of
bread.
We don't intend these animadversions for apv
youthful aspirants for legal fame under our observa
tion but as general complaint against the practice
Of making five lawyers out of six children in every
family OF boys in the country. We have not ex.
hausted the subject, but have our space.-Fav.
Carolinian.