The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-09-04
cRowDING THE PROFESSIONS.

il In admitting some law students to the practice
of that popular profession, Judge of the New
York Supreme Court said to the hopeful neophytes:
"Gentlemen, wish you prosperity in your pro-
fession; but, under the present state of affairs,
cannot say that the prospects are very encourag-
ing s-,-
There is no profession which requires more pro-
found and acute faculties, and more untiring in-
dustry, than that of the law. We suppose it is
simply impossible for any man to rise to the head
of the legal profession without deserving his hon
ors 1t is true, that some, who have the capacity,
do not have the opportunity; but it is undeniable
that the leaders of the bar win their way to emf
nenee by real superiority in their vocation. The
ordeal through which they have to pass, is such
no sham or humbug can possibly survive. Aud
yet there is no vocation so completely overstocked
the law is in all parts of the United States, and
none which has such large proportion of tenth
rate men-such vast Standing Army Of Incapa-
bles Full it is everywhere to overfowing with
aspirants for Immortality, who pass through life
poor in fame, and poorer still in purse, while the
successful few carry off all the honors and all the
prizes of the day.
One would think that men not conscious of pos
sessing great powers would avoid such searching
test as they must submit to in the practice of such
profession; but the misfortune is, that selfcon-
ceit and weakness of mind are almost inseparable
companions. The vanity of parents often sees in
some infant of ordinary sprightliness, sucking
Marshall, and it is not difficult to inocuate the
progeny with the idea that it was born into the
world with the express purpose of becoming Chief
Justice Of the United States Supreme Court. 1t
is true, no doubt, that in this magnificent ambi-
ton there is little of the base alloy of mercenary
considerations Even the first men of the legal
profession have such opportunities of acquiring
great wealth as may be found in many other voca-
tions, and, to the rank aud file, they atone by
life of extraordinary abstemousness from all world
ly enjoyments for the rashness and indscretion in
their choice of a profession -s..~f. . ...... .z.
Another reason which helps to fill up the legal
profession is the common notion Of its superior
respectability 1t is ''respectable" enough, no
doubt, and if men could live on 'respectability,"
and meet their financial engagements with certif-
Gates of their social position they would live like
fghting-cocks. But why should ''respectabillty"
attach to a vocation, merely vocation, and in
dependently of all qualifications forit? Why should
the barrister's gown elevate stupidity into Gre
spectability above stupidity in any other pursuit,
and still more, above excellence in other employ
ments? 1t is time for the happiness and useful
ness of the coming generation, that this absurd
notion should be exploded, and that republics
should realize the truth of their own theory that
it is the man who gives dignity to position, and
not the position which gives dignity to the man.
partment of human industry it is exercised, will
command the respect of all whose respect is worth
having; of all human beings who have brains and
manhood, and the considerations of others is not
worth much; certainly not the sacrifice of the use
fulness and happiness of whole life. We yield
to none in reverence for the men of pre-eminent
learning and virtue, who stand at the head of the
bar in the United States, nor in still more lively
feeling of sympathy with those less fortunate
bers of the same profession (for many such there
are,) who have abilities enough to elevate them,
but who, from lack of opportunity and other
causes, have been condemned to obscurity and
poverty; but for this very reason we would like to
licenses less lavishly and indiscrmnately be-
slowed The demands Of the public upon the law
of the United States could be fully met by one
tenth of its present members, whilst it would be
better for the public interests and for their own,
if the mob still pressing the portals of this noble
profession should never advance any farther into
mysteries of the science than to hear the Riot Act
read by their examiners and be dispersed ene-
mics OF the peace of society.
No doubt another cause of the popularity of the
legal profession is, that it has been the usual ave-
nue. to official and political distinction. Many of
political men have been, and are lawyers. We
are not aware, however that the practice of the
legal profession peculiarly qualities man for the
duties of craftsmanship. At all events, the ex-
perence of Great Britain and the United States
does not warrant such a conclusion. The fact,
however, remains thai the law is often selected
merely as a stepping stone to political honors, to
honors which are of all others the most precarious
and unsatisfying, which depend on the capricious
breath of the multitude, and rarely conferred upon
the most competent and deserving No man who
selects the legal profession stepping stone to
any other entertain proper appreciation of
the dignity of his vocation, bestow upon it the
energy and perseverance which will make it digni-
fly himself.-Richmond Dispatch