The Hillsdale standard. [volume] (Hillsdale, Mich.) 1851-1909, 1859-09-13
A First Rate Story for Lawyers.

ulsTcss tuat pTeNaiie III tne Woriu'
A First Rate Story for Lawyers.
1t is probable tina. every lawyer of any
note has heard of the celebrated Luther
Martin, of Maryland. His great effort in
the case of Aaron Burr, as well as his dis
plays in the Senate of the United States,
will not bo forgotten. Trifes in the bisto,
ry Of genius are important, as we hope to
show in the story.
Mr.. Martin was on his way to Annapo.
lis, to attend the Supreme Court of the
State. A solitary passenger was in the
stage with him, and, as the weather was
extremely cold, the passengers soon resort
ed to conversation to divert themselves
from to much sensibility TO the inclemont
air. Tho young man knew Martin by
sight, ard as he was also lawyer, the
thread Of talk soon began to spin itself out
of legal matters.
"Mr. Martini" said the young man, IL
am just entering on my career as lawyer;
can you tell me the secret Of your great
successa IT. sir, you will give from your
experience, the key to distinction at the
Bar will"
"Will whatw exclaimed Martin.
"Why, sir, l will pay your expenses
while you are at Annapolis"
''Done. Stand to your bargain now,
and I'll furnish you with the great secret
of my success as a lawyer"
The young man assented.
"Very WELL" said Mr. Martin. 1.-THE
whole secret Of my success is contained in
one little maxim, which early laid down
to guide mo. If you follow it, you cannot
fail to succeed. 1t is this: "AlWays be
sure Of your eridence."
The listener was very nttentive--smled
threw himself back in philosophical
posture, aud gave his brain to the analysis
with true lawyer patience, of always be
sure of your evidence"
1t was TO cold night for anything to be
made peculiarly out of the old mans wis.
dom, and so the promising adept in max,
im-learning gave himself to stage dreams,
in which he was knocking and pushing his
way through tho world by the MI powerful
words, galway be sure Of your evidence"
Tho morning came, and Mr.. Martin, with
his practical student, took rooms at the
best hotel in the city. The only thing pc
culiar to the hotel in the eyes of the young
man, was that tho wine bottels and the et-
ceteras of fine living, seemed to recall very
wildly the maxim about the evidence.
The young man watched Mr.. Martini
Wherever eating and drinking were con
ccrned, he was a man indeed to be watch
al appaoi.ll,, -. h., 1nttn. ha ua
moderately fond of tho aftcrdinner, after.
supper, after everything luxury Of wine
A few days were sufficient to show the in
icpient legaist that lie would have to pay
early for his knowledge, as Mr.. Martin
resolved to make the most Of his part OF
the contract.
Lawyers, whether young or old, have
legal rights, and so the young man began
TO think of the study of self protection. -
1t was certainly solemn duty. 1t ran
through all creation. Common to animals
and men, it was noble instinct not to be
disobcyed, particularly where tho hotel
bills Of LAWYER are concerned. The sub
ject daily grew on the young man. 1t
was all absorbing to the mind and pocket
A week elapsed, an Mr.. NJ itin was ready
to return to Baltimore. So was the young
man, but not in tho same stage with his
illnstrous teacher
Mr.. Martin approached the counter in
the har.room. The young man was an
anxious spectator near him.
"Mr. Clerk" said Mr. Martin, any
young friend Mr.. -, will settle my bill,
agreeable to the engagement.
The young man said nothing but looked
everything.
"IIc will attend to it Mr.. Clerk, rs we
have already had a definite understanding
on the subject. He is pledged, profession
ally pledged to pay my BILL" he hunidly
repeated.
"Where is your evidence" asked the
young man.
"Evidence 7" snecred Mr.. Martin.
ayes, sir" said the young man dcmurly.
Alt0oys be sure Of your evidence, Mr.. Mar
tin. Can YOU prove the bargain" Z"
Mr.. Martin saw the snare, and pulling
out his pocket book, paid the bill, and with
great good humor assured tho young
man.
"You will do, sir, and get through the
world with your profession without advice
from me-"